CHILD PROTECTION SUNDAY

This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Child Protection Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters.

We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings.

The Church takes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. We recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the     safest possible place for children and people at risk.

Find out more at:  www.catholic.org.au/childprotectionsunday and www.catholicreligious.org.au/safeguarding

Prayer

Gracious God,

You love and care for all of your children, especially the smallest and most vulnerable.  We entrust to you the lives of children and adults at risk who have been sexually abused, and whose trust and innocence have been destroyed.  Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for those whose lives have been broken.  Help us to recognise the hurt felt by those wounded by abuse, and the failure to be heard.

We pray that with the help of your grace communities and families will find understanding and support, so that now and in the future their wounds may be healed and they may find lasting peace.  Let your grace and love fall gently now upon our children, giving them the inner strength, peace and resilience to seek out assistance when required.  We ask this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

Amen