In the Vineyard: April 8, 2025: Volume 25, Issue 3
April is Child Protection Month
VOTF has several resources for Child Protection Month, including “Child Protection Resources: Ten Points for Protecting Children.” The PDF discusses child sexual abuse and how to prevent it. It explains the ways to help prevent child sexual abuse by building safety barriers around children, such as protective guardians, codes of conduct, background evaluations, policies and procedures, and safety training programs. The PDF also highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of abusers, such as grooming techniques. Read the resource here.
Read VOTF’s other child abuse prevention information here.
The USCCB is also promoting child abuse prevention awareness this April through various initiatives. They are encouraging community engagement through Masses, novenas, pinwheel ceremonies, and Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 4th. The USCCB outlines several ways individuals can participate, including prayer, wearing blue in solidarity, attending local events, volunteering, educating themselves and others about the signs of abuse, and supporting families. Learn more about their initiatives, here.
“More Than Protocols”: A Familiar Refrain?
Pope Francis’s recent address, urging the Church to move “beyond protocols” in safeguarding minors, echoes familiar sentiments. While the emphasis on a cultural shift, empathy, and proactive care is laudable, one can’t help but wonder: will this translate into tangible change?
The Pope’s call for ongoing formation and transparency is crucial, but past promises have often fallen short. The Church’s track record in handling abuse cases necessitates a cautious approach. While protocols are indeed a starting point, they are meaningless without consistent enforcement and accountability.
The emphasis on creating “safe spaces” is welcome, but it raises the question of how this will be achieved in practice. Will there be concrete mechanisms for reporting abuse, independent oversight, and genuine support for survivors? Or will this remain an aspiration?
It is easy to speak of a “cultural shift,” but far harder to implement. The Church must demonstrate a commitment to action, not just words. Survivors deserve more than well-intentioned pronouncements. They require concrete measures that ensure their safety and hold abusers accountable. While the Pope’s message is encouraging, the proof will be in the implementation. We await with cautious optimism, hoping that this time, the Church’s actions will finally align with its rhetoric.
(based on reporting by the Vatican News)
In the News
Catholic church is keeping secrets about child-molesting military chaplains
The arm of the church serving U.S. Armed Forces and veterans hospitals is one of the few Catholic groups that has not created a public list of credibly accused priests. And there are lots of them — roughly 140 from the World War II era until today, according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis. Read more here. Read more here. By Robert Herguth Chicago Sun Times.
Should Vermont’s Catholic Church pay retirement benefits to clergy facing abuse claims?
Accusers are sparking legal questions as they seek to stop the state’s largest religious denomination from providing monthly pensions to two former priests whose files include allegations of sexual misconduct. Read more here. By Kevin O’Connor, VT Digger.
Five Catholic women who dream of ordination as deacons
Five dedicated Catholic women who feel a strong calling to the diaconate and are hopeful for the possibility of ordination are the focus of a recent RNS article. Highlighting their diverse backgrounds and the various ways they already serve their communities within the Church, their stories underscore a growing desire among some Catholic women to take on more formal ministerial roles. Read more here. Claire Giangravé, Religion News
Lent
Pope Francis’ Prayer Message for Lent
In his message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one’s life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside one’s fellow humans.
“May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter,” the pope said in the message.
He also quoted St. Paul’s exclamation in the first letter to the Corinthians: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Read the rest of the Pope’s Lenten message, here.
Looking for Some Lenten Prayers?
Catholic Climate Covenant envisions a world in which all humanity shares in both the responsibility and joy of our common home and all creation thrives with wholeness, abundant life, dignity, and justice. They ask that this Lent, as you reflect on how we are called to practice temperance and sacrifice, you consider taking the Laudate Deum Pledge and pledge to take climate actions. Learn more here.
USA East Jesuits have put together a booklet of Lenten reflections which can be read here.
The Pope’s April Video – For the Use of New Technologies
The Holy Father invites us to “use technology to unite, not to divide.” Pope Francis warns us of the risk that technology can replace face-to-face interactions. This can lower the quality of our human relationships. He invites us to find a balance, using technology to foster authentic human connections, rather than replace them with virtual interactions.
The Pope’s prayer intention is an invitation to develop a critical awareness of how we use technology and its effects on our lives and on society. This includes reflecting on our own online habits, promoting a responsible and conscientious use that fosters human integral development.
“Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.” Pope Francis.
Watch the Pope’s Prayer Intention, here.
Comments?
Please send them to Siobhan Carroll, Vineyard Editor, at Vineyard@votf.org. Unless otherwise indicated, I will assume comments can be published as Letters to the Editor.
Reminder: Please notify office@votf.org if you change your email address