During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded of the call to be instruments of justice, working for the common good of all, which includes the provision of healing for those who have suffered as victims of abuse. As Jesus entrusts to Peter the care of the flock, we are reminded that this responsibility belongs to everyone as a matter of charity and justice. Child Abuse Prevention Month should lead to heightened awareness of the need to be vigilant about providing a safe environment for all within the Church and for the world.
From Blue to Better is a local awareness campaign across the first district of the Florida Panhandle in conjunction with National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.
We will have blue bows and posters available like in year's past, beginning the last week of March and feel free to check out our From Blue to Better Facebook page to learn more about getting involved.
Photos of the Pastoral Center, April 2018
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Committee for Children, the creator of the Second Step Program, is proud to announce that they have partnered with actress and activist Ashley Judd on a PSA to support our new Hot Chocolate Talk campaign.
Follow this link to learn more about the Hot Chocolate Talk, then help us spread the word far and wide.
To help you to get the conversation going, Committee for Children is encouraging you to make the time for a Hot Chocolate Talk. It’s a chance to sit down over a nice cup of cocoa and discuss these difficult issues in a warm, caring atmosphere. Normalizing the conversation draws the issue out of the shadows.
To get started, take the pledge to have a Hot Chocolate Talk with your kids, then download our printable conversation guide which contains conversation starters and talking tips.
On April 29th all parishes can particapte in “Blue Sunday” to show support for victims of abuse and their families. During the month of April would be an excellent time to reach out to those who have been abused. Offer a healing mass for victims of abuse and their families. Post information around your parish, on your websites and in your bulletins about how to recognize, report and prevent abuse. For more information see the links below.
Wearing a blue ribbon signifies solidarity with all those who promote child abuse prevention. We all want a child to go from feeling blue to feeling better.
Wear blue to church the weekend of April 28rd/29th or wear a blue ribbon to show your support.
Pray together the following prayer before or after Mass.
Click here for a printable version
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 our cries as we agonize
over the harm done to our brothers and sisters.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers,
soothe restless hearts with hope,
steady shaken spirits with faith:
Show us the way to justice and wholeness,
enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people's wounds
and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice
and find peace in you.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.