Violence is overcome day by day, choice by choice, person by person. All of us must make a contribution. The Catholic Conference of Bishops sincerely believes that its Catholic Campaign for Children and Families can help a great deal. ARE Catholics simply need to do more because Business as usual is not enough. There are many ways in which Catholics can face the culture of violence.
Parishes can organize mentoring programs for teen parents.
The Church can be the first point of referral for spousal abuse. We can incorporate ways to handle family conflict in our religious education and sacramental preparation programs. We can work for public policies that confront violence, build community and promote responsibility. Preaching and worship need to acknowledge the violence among us and address the importance of peace in Christ. Catholic schools can significantly shift the attitude to violence by teaching peaceful resolution of conflict.