October- Domestic Violence Awareness month

[jhs...@hotmail.com]

Domestic Violence Awareness month

This month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. According
to the USCCB, domestic violence is any violence in the form of
physical, sexual, psychological or verbal- it is sinful and many times
it is a crime. (When I cry for help, USCCB, 2002)
Domestic violence is also a pattern of coercive behaviors perpetrated
by one person with the goal of establishing power and control over the
victim. The coercive behaviors may include physical abuse,
psychological abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, progressive social
isolation, economic deprivation and intimidation. (FBI and Ohio
Medical Association definition)

Prayer intention for this month:

That victims of domestic violence and their abusers may break their
silence, cry out to God and find help from caring and wise people.

"Kindle a flame Lord, to lighten the dark and take all fear away."

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, through your unconditional love made manifest in your
beloved Son Our Lord Jesus, you showed us how to manifest love, care
and respect in our relationships. In our community many women,
children and men are beaten and abused by those who claim to love
them.
Help us to be more caring in our personal relationships and that our
community be a safe environment for those who are battered. Show your
love and mercy to the abusers, that they may seek sincere help and
healing. We ask this through Christ Jesus, Our Lord and Savior. Amen

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost... as it
was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

[TimF...@gmail.com]

It's good to acknowledge this issue, as we will have to look out for
victims of abuse throughout life - whether we are ordained or not.
Here in St. Louis, Our Lady's Inn often takes care of women from
abusive relationships that have been cast aside, and Saint Martha's
Hall deals with this problem exclusively.