Children Matter Network » April 2007 Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse
Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2007
SUGGESTION/INFORMATION SHEET
AD/WEB SITE INFORMATION – The Catholic New World, The Chicago Catolico and Katolik will feature an ad to bring awareness to the April 2007 National Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse. For more detailed information we invite you to visit the Archdiocesan Children Matter Network website at www.childrenmatternetwork.org. Other links to sites dedicated to Child Abuse Prevention both in Illinois and nationwide include: (www.preventchildabuseillinois.org or www.preventchildabuse.org).
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT – Enclosed is a camera-ready announcement for your parish bulletin to promote the awareness of the campaign. Please include the announcement in your weekly bulletins throughout the month of April.
PRAYER OPPORTUNITY – A prayer card, Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal, is included. The prayer card is a product from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for the Protection of Children and Youth. You are encouraged to dedicate time with children (at family masses, school, or home) to say the prayer together. Also included are prayer suggestions that can be incorporated into masses during the month of April.
BLUE RIBBONS – Wear a blue ribbon as a reminder of the seriousness of child abuse and the need for its prevention. Some other ideas: tie blue ribbons on tree branches located on parish/school property; create bookmarks for distribution and attach a blue ribbon.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS – Display pictures of events promoting the campaign (that can be reused in future years). Light a candle to signify solidarity with victim-survivors of child abuse (the candle can be placed near the statue of the Holy Family or other similar location). Reflect upon ways you can help prevent child abuse throughout the year such as volunteering your time and/or helping to raise awareness about this important topic within your community.