Recognizing Blue Sunday

By Caitlin Bootsma

In the Protecting God's Children® training, you learn a lot about how to recognize abuse and grooming behaviors, as well as ways to protect the children in your care. These are essential steps to keeping children safe. And, as Christians, we have something else we can do that's just as important—pray! April is Abuse Prevention Month and during this time, consider praying especially for children who have suffered abuse and for the prevention of future abuse.

One specific way you can lift this intention up in prayer is through Blue Sunday. This year, Blue Sunday takes place on April 25, 2021, and is an opportunity for faith communities to join together to pray for victims of abuse.

The organizers of Blue Sunday offer the words of Jesus to remind us of just how important it is to care for the well-being of children, "And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me" (Matthew 18:5).

Approximately 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys will be abused before they turn 18. On this day, we can pray that they receive the help they need to heal from abuse. We can pray for the many individuals, communities and organizations that do so much to help children and to prevent abuse.

If your church community doesn't already recognize Blue Sunday, consider bringing it to the attention of your pastor and parish. Adding a general request to "prayer for victims of abuse" (without citing any names) to the General Intercessions at Mass, including a reminder and resources in the bulletin, or holding a prayer service (even virtually) are important ways to bring awareness and healing to this reality. We know that when many adults are aware of warning signs of potential abusers and grooming behaviors, there is a better chance of preventing abuse.

This could also be a wonderful opportunity to serve children in your area through a clothing, toy, or donation drive.

You can find more information and resources about Blue Sunday at www.bluesunday.org.






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