{"id":45005,"date":"2026-04-22T14:42:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:42:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/?p=45005"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:58:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:58:22","slug":"prayers-pinwheel-plantings-part-of-diocesan-observance-of-child-abuse-prevention-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fallriverdiocese.org\/pt-pt\/releases-and-statements\/prayers-pinwheel-plantings-part-of-diocesan-observance-of-child-abuse-prevention-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Prayers, Pinwheel Planting Part of Diocesan Observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

FALL RIVER \u2014 A noontime Mass on Tuesday, April 28, in St. Mary\u2019s Cathedral <\/a>followed by an outdoor prayer service and the planting of blue pinwheels on Cathedral grounds will highlight the Fall River Diocesan observance of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., will celebrate the Mass and lead the prayer service, and students from some Catholic schools in the Diocese will plant the pinwheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All are welcome to attend the Mass and outdoor events, which will take place weather-permitting. St. Mary\u2019s Cathedral is located at 327 Second Street in Fall River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue pinwheels are now widely recognized as the national symbol of child abuse prevention, representing the carefree and joyful childhood every child deserves. Planting pinwheels is done as means to raise awareness and encourage conversations about child safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April is both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The annual observances draw attention to the need for vigilance, education, and advocacy to protect children and support survivors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEach year in April, as part of our observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the bishop leads us in prayer for healing for those harmed and for the prevention of abuse,\u201d said Carolyn Shipp, director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance for the Diocese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor the first time, this year\u2019s prayer service will include students from some of our diocesan schools, and we will plant blue pinwheels. The blue pinwheel is a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month because it represents the joyful and innocent childhood God desires for every child. As the pinwheels turn, they call us to renewed vigilance, compassion, and action so that all children may be protected, cherished, and allowed to grow in safety and love,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Office of Safe Environment<\/a> invited students in diocesan schools or parish faith formation programs to enter a poster contest with entries created to focus on central themes learned through their Circle of Grace<\/em> lessons. Circle of Grace<\/em> is the safe environment curriculum used in diocesan parishes and schools to teach children and youth important safety skills in an age-appropriate manner. That office also provided to parishes content for bulletins highlighting policies and procedures of the Diocese designed to create a culture of protection throughout its entities and programs with a goal of preventing any occurrence of abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n