April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every April, child- and youth-serving organizations, including
Catholic Dioceses, participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors.

We encourage you to participate with us throughout the month. 

• We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide Church leaders as they promote justice and healing for victims and survivors of abuse.
• We pray for our Holy Father, that he may fulfill his role as good shepherd, and protect the most vulnerable in his flock.
• May all civic leaders act in ways that show their commitment to the protection of all, especially children and young people.
• May all who work with children and young people be vigilant in protecting them from harm.
• We pray that all families strive to provide safe and nurturing environments for children and young people.
• May those who have been abused experience Christ’s profound love for them and God’s healing grace.
• May God the Merciful Father bring comfort and healing to victims and survivors of sexual abuse within the Church.
• We pray that all who provide help for the abused may act with wisdom and compassion in their healing ministries.
• We pray that God may grant those affected by abuse in anyway the courage to tell their story and seek healing.
• May all priests and religious, through their teaching and witness, lead children and young people to holiness.
• We pray that the bishops continue to carry out their promise to protect, and pledge to heal, the most vulnerable in their dioceses.
• We pray that all parish communities affected by abuse find healing and reconciliation through the Blessed Virgin Mary.