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. 

Below are some opportunities to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month, and some resources that can be used in your own local diocese, parish, and/or school.

 

Rosary for Healing and Protection, Friday, April 6^th at 2pm ET

Pray a Rosary to Our Lady with special intentions for victims/survivors of abuse and the defense of the vulnerable. A Rosary prayed in the USCCB Chapel will be streamed live on the USCCB Facebook and Twitter pages.

• Rosary Booklet | Full-page
  

Holy Mass with Special Intentions for Victims/Survivors and the Protection of Minors, Thursday, April 12^th at noon ET

Dioceses are encouraged to celebrate a local Mass with special intentions for victims/survivors of abuse and the protection of minors.  At the USCCB, Most. Rev. Mario Eduardo Dorsonville-Rodríguez, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, will preside.

• Prayers of the Faithful
• Prayer for Healing

Call to Prayer, Friday, April 13th

Dedicate Friday, April 13th to prayer and sacrifice for the intention: "We pray that God may grant those affected by abuse in any way the courage to tell their story and seek healing." More about the Call to Prayer is available at usccb.org/pray, 

Additional Resources

Hang these victim outreach posters in your parish or school

• English Poster | Spanish Poster

Share these brochures with your parish or school

• English Brochure | Spanish Brochure

Post and share these images on social media or in your parish bulletins

• Pope Francis 1 | Pope Francis 2
• Saint John Paul II
• Ten Tips on Protecting Children

Contact your diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator to learn more about what your own diocese is doing throughout the month.