Christ calls upon each of his followers to protect children. National Child Abuse Prevention Month has been observed every April since its proclamation in 1983. While this is a call we must answer on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis, Child Abuse Prevention Month in April is a time to emphasize these efforts and bring awareness to ways in which child abuse can be prevented. This is also a time to celebrate happy and healthy childhoods. As we strive to help children around us live the full and abundant lives that God desires for them, schools and parishes throughout the diocese continue in their protection and prevention efforts. April is the perfect time to highlight this mission.  Children, one of God’s most precious gifts, are vulnerable to abuse that can have lasting harmful effects. By addressing risk factors and becoming more knowledgeable of protective factors, child abuse can be prevented.