How you can help
Participate in healing rosary service
As the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois continues to support survivors of abuse on their path to healing, a special rosary service will be held on Wednesday, April 28 at 12 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Please join the Office for Safe Environment in praying the rosary with special intentions for the healing and protection of those affected by childhood abuse; be with us in lifting their needs in prayer. Where to join in person? Location: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Where to join virtually? Livestream at dio.org/live; Facebook at facebook.com/diospringfield; or YouTube at youtube.com/diospringfield.
The month of April is a perfect time to say this prayer:
God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just: You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to our own suffering the pain of all who have hurt in body, mind, and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.
Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters who have been gravely harmed, and the cries of those who love them. Soothe their restless heart with hope, steady their shaken spirits with faith. Grant them justice for their cause, enlightened by your truth.
Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness. Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace, to act with justice. Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors. Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice. We ask this through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Wear blue this month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed every April since its proclamation in 1983. This is a time to celebrate happy, healthy childhoods and bring awareness to ways in which child abuse can be prevented. As we strive to help children around us live the full and abundant lives that God desires for them, schools and parishes throughout the diocese continue in their protection and prevention efforts. April is the perfect time to highlight this mission.
Blue is symbolic of Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois will be joining other organizations in wearing blue throughout April. By wearing blue, we encourage others to support child abuse prevention by highlighting our belief that every child deserves a good childhood because they are our future. Join in this national movement and show your commitment to preventing child abuse by wearing blue in April.
Be on the lookout for the staff in our schools and parishes in the diocese who will be participating in the Wear Blue campaign. Send photos of you and your colleagues or friends wearing blue to the Office for Safe Environment at .
Promote safe environment in schools and parishes
Christ reminds us that children are a precious gift which we are called to protect.
“Children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked him, but Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’” (Mathew 19:13-14).
Child Abuse Prevention Month in April brings awareness to the many ways we work to safeguard our children. Children are vulnerable to abuse that can have lasting harmful effects. By addressing risk factors and becoming more knowledgeable of protective methods, child abuse can be prevented.
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois continues its strategies to prevent abuse by screening and training its staff and volunteers. By educating individuals about risk factors and equipping them with protective skills, Protecting God’s Children training is a tool the diocese continues to utilize in this prevention effort. Criminal background screenings are also required for staff and volunteers in the parishes and schools throughout the diocese. To our clergy, safe environment coordinators, and the staff and volunteers in our schools and parishes, thank you for your continued hard work in this important mission.
To report allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by clergy or other church personnel — even if it is past abuse — call the Diocesan Child Abuse Reporting and Investigation number at (217) 321-1155. Individuals may also contact Illinois Department of Children and Family Service Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 25-ABUSE. The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois also encourages anyone who suspects a child is being abused to report the matter to local authorities.
Ali Smith is director of the Office for Safe Environment for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.