April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

More than 4.5 million children and all those who work in Catholic ministries serving youth have been trained and educated in the prevention and reporting of child abuse. The Church continues to strive to be one of the safest institutions in the country.

"This April, we encourage you to continue to work on developing open lines of communication with your children, teach them that they are God’s beautiful creation and have the presence of the Holy Spirit around them," said Stephanie Bonilla, director of the Office for Safe Environment and Child and Family Resources for the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

Bonilla encourages parents to teach their children safety, know who has access to their children, know the warning signs of abuse and most importantly, trust their instincts.
"The Office for Safe Environment and Child & Family Resources is here to help you with educational tools and resources to aide those caring and working with children in protecting the grace and dignity of our little ones," Bonilla said.

For more information call (36) 693-6686.

Dear Lord, We ask You to bless these Your holy people who have participated in the Church’s efforts to help stop educate on the societal ill of child abuse. Open their hearts to Your call to be the “ears, eyes and voice of children and young people” everywhere. Give them the vision and grace needed to fulfill the special commitments that each of them has made to making their homes, churches, schools, communities and world a safer place for all God’s Children. Amen