During the month of April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness of the important role that we play in helping to care for the children in our community and prevent child abuse. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better time than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God—our children.

Click here to learn about the measures we take to maintain a culture of child protection at our parish and the requirements and procedure for reporting abuse. Additional resources can be found at the links below.

www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/

www.archbalt.org/child-and-youth-protection 

Prayer for the Protection of Children

“God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just:
You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross.

“Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

“Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.

“Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
– USCCB