DIOCESE—Every April, organizations serving children and youth, including Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools, participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month to highlight the importance of protecting minors from abuse.

 

The last Sunday of April is observed as Blue Sunday to raise awareness of child abuse and its prevention, according the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

These efforts are part of the ongoing work of the Church in the U.S. to carry out the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

 

Heather Dunaway,  Safe Environment coordinator for the Diocese of Rockford, provided resources for schools and parishes to observe this month, raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse and for parish prayers of healing.

 

Since the Illinois governor’s Stay at Home order on March 17, Dunaway has also provided resources on the Safe Environment page of the Diocese of Rockford website. 

 

For all Catholics during the time at home, Dunaway suggests praying the prayer for healing provided to all parishes. 

 

Info: https://www.rockforddiocese.org/safe-environment/; hdunaway@rockforddiocese.org