Holy Hour for Victims of Child Abuse | Child Abuse Prevention Month

Bishop David Bonnar will preside over a Holy Hour with Benediction for victims of child abuse on April 24, 2022, from 1:00-2:00pm, at St. Columba Cathedral. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Sunday, April 24 is also the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, written by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to address child sexual abuse in the Church in the United States. The Diocese of Youngstown’s Safe Environment Policy continues to implement the Charter, including safe environment training, compliance with regular audits, and the obligation to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper civil authorities.

In addition to our efforts to maintain a safe environment for children and youth and to stand with victims of child sexual abuse, you are invited to take time this month, including during this Holy Hour, to pray for victims of child abuse, all families and communities who are traumatized by the rippling effects of abuse, and for healing in our Church and in our world.