The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has produced these sample prayers of intention for parish communities to pray during Mass this weekend as we commemorate Safeguarding Sunday on 12 September.
Related: Liturgy notes for Safeguarding Sunday
Safeguarding Sunday seeks to acknowledge the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children and adults at risk, including by priests, religious and lay people within Catholic contexts. It makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people. It invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly.
You may wish to pray these prayers whilst attending Mass online, or pray them in your own time.
Presider: Conscious that the life and death of each person is precious in the eyes of the Lord, let us place our prayers before God who is kind and merciful, and rich in compassion.
For our community: that we have the strength to stand in solidarity with victims, the humility to come to terms with the sinful crimes of the past and the patience to stop and listen to children and the vulnerable.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For families: that they may grow stronger and more resilient in their love and care for one another so that children are raised in safe and nurturing environments.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For parents, relatives, mentors, teachers, coaches and other adults: that they may always follow the example of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, by treating children and young people with proper respect and care.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For those whose lives have been traumatised through abuse: that they may find the courage to share their story and to find lasting peace and healing.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For children in our parishes: that we may all work collaboratively to ensure the happiness and confidence of every child, and foster an environment of safety and protection where children flourish.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For Church leaders, especially Pope Francis, Bishop Vincent, Leaders of Religious Congregations, lay leaders of Church organisations and all entrusted with ministry and pastoral care in the Church: that they will continue to help build stronger faith communities that will promote the safety of children and adults at risk.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
For our community as it seeks to follow the example of Christ and the teachings of his Church: that we will work to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented to protect children, young people and the vulnerable in our society.
Let us pray to the Lord
R: Lord hear our prayer
Presider: Gracious and loving God, source of all truth, justice and healing, we implore you to hear the prayers we offer and to look favourably on the pleas of your people. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
The Australian Catholic Church marks Safeguarding Sunday on the second Sunday in September at the conclusion of National Child Protection Week, which ran from 5 to 11 September 2021.
For information on safeguarding initiatives in the Diocese of Parramatta, go to safeguarding.org.au or email safeguardingtraining@parracatholic.org
With thanks to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
