April 26: Day of Prayer in Atonement for those Harmed by Sexual Abuse

“It’s an important step for the Church to publicly profess its apology for the harm caused to victim-survivors by their perpetrators and the mishandling of the abuse within the Church.” Whitney True-Francis, victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph

April 26 | Day of Prayer in Atonement for those Harmed by Sexual Abuse

Each year since 2017, the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph sets aside one day during Child Abuse Prevention Month devoted to prayer in atonement for those harmed by sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. This started with the Service of Lament in 2016, where Bishop James Johnston made five commitments to the people of the diocese which included naming April 26 as an Annual Day of Prayer. Bishop Johnston will celebrate Mass on April 26, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Joseph to which the entire community is invited.

SERVICES AND GATHERINGS

April 25 | Vision of Courage Art Show

• Featuring art by students from diocesan schools—Tuesday, April 25^th in the Cardinal Baum room at the Catholic Center.

April 26 | Diocese Day of Prayer in Atonement for Those Harmed by Sexual Abuse

• 12:00 pm| Mass | Cathedral of St. Joseph. 519 N. 10th Street, St. Joseph, MO Planned by the diocese, this Mass will recognize the 7th annual Day of Prayer. Bishop Johnston will be the presider.  A counselor will be available after Mass for those who would like to talk. Clergy will also be available after Mass

April 26 | Prayer Service- Seeking Light in the Darkness

• 6:30-7:30pm | Prayer Service | A lay-led service inspired by Seeking Light in the Darkness, created by clergy abuse survivors – Precious Blood Renewal Center – 2120 St. Gaspar Way, Liberty, MO 64068.

During April: Traveling Pinwheel Garden

The pinwheel is the symbol of child abuse prevention because, by its very nature, it connotes playfulness, joy, and childhood. For survivors of clergy sexual abuse in our diocese, the innocence of childhood was replaced by shame and fear. With this traveling display we hope to honor survivors and let them know that there are people who care about them.

• • • April 3 | Nativity of Mary
    • April 11 | St. Peter’s
    • April 17| Visitation
    • April 21 | Bishop LeBlond High School

Meet the Office of Child and Youth Protection

If you experienced sexual abuse as a minor by a member of Catholic clergy, religious or Church volunteer, please consider making a report. Contact Independent Ombudsman Joe Crayon at crayon@ombudsmankcsj.org.