Child Abuse Prevention Month Resource Packet

February 26, 2008

To:                   Pastors, Administrators and Parish Leadership

From:              Sr. Glenn Anne McPhee, Chancellor

 Re:                  APRIL, 2008 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

The Ministry for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse asks that you focus on the very important topic of surviving and preventing sexual abuse during one Liturgy that you celebrate during the month of April, the nationally dedicated CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH.  As we have participated in our parish apology services and our Safe Environment trainings we have encountered many adults who were abused as children. Most of them were not abused by clergy but by family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches and other acquaintances.  As many of you now know statistics tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys will be molested before the age of 18.  These numbers are staggering and we must do all we can to prevent this. 

In this packet, you will find: 

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Information
• Prevention Materials Order form
• Child Abuse facts and statistics
• Guidelines and contact numbers for making Child Abuse reports
• Liturgy Guide for the Month of April
• Bulletin announcements for the weeks of April
• An Offertory petition to be used during the month of April

Thank you for all you do to keep the children of our parishes and greater communities safe!