Weymouth Resident Appointed Director of Pastoral Support and Outreach For Boston Archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Boston appointed Vivian Soper of Weymouth as the Director of the Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach (OPSO) on Monday. 

The OPSO provides pastoral and outreach services to survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families as well as parishes and all those impacted.

Soper will begin her new role in mid February 2013, according to Archdiocese of Boston Secretary for Communications Terrence C. Donilon.  The Weymouth resident will succeed Barbara Thorp who concluded her service to the Archdiocese in September 2012.

“I am humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to be part of this important ministry of the Church," Soper said in a written statement.  "The Office of Pastoral Support and Outreach exists to support the healing of survivors and their families, a cause near to my heart. 

Soper has served as the Regional Director for Catholic Charities of Boston since 2003, where she has been employed since 1998. 

From 1986-1991, Soper reviewed sexual abuse claims for the Department of Social Services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts while she was employed by Catholic Charities Old Colony Area.

Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia said he was grateful that Soper agreed to take the position of serving survivors of clergy sexual abuse and their families.

 “This important work of helping survivors heal is a commitment of the Church  and we are fortunate that we are able to have someone of Vivian’s substantial gifts and background available to oversee this ministry,” he said.