Local
Archdiocese marks Child Abuse Prevention Month

By Mark Labbe Pilot Staff
Posted: 4/15/2016

Courtesy photo

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BRAINTREE -- Vicar general Bishop Peter J. Uglietto celebrated a Mass at the Archdiocese of Boston's Pastoral Center in Braintree April 13 to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed each April.

During the Mass the bishop remembered "all the efforts of the Church to protect youth," and prayers were offered for the safety of young people, as well as for those working to protect them.

Speaking to The Pilot following the Mass, the director of the archdiocese's Office of Child Advocacy, Implementation and Oversight Maureen DiMilla, said, "The ministry of creating safe space is fundamental for the Church to be successful in its overarching mission of evangelization. I would like to thank everyone in our parishes and schools who contributes to keeping children safe. It takes a full commitment from pastors, employees, volunteers and parents to provide the necessary programs and policies to ensure a safe environment for our children and vulnerable adults."

As part of its observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the office distributed information on child abuse prevention, including links to archdiocesan and government resources, to all pastors, school principals and safe environment coordinators.

In emails containing the distributed information, the office wrote: "A hallmark of the Catholic Church is the protection of life and the dignity of the human person. Through Scripture and Catholic teachings we are called to protect the life and dignity of all human persons no matter how young or old. Working to prevent child abuse is an important ministry to protect the most vulnerable members of our community."