The Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph hosted its sixth annual Day of Prayer in Atonement for those harmed by sexual abuse Wednesday.

Bishop James Johnston said the annual mass is held every April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“It’s an annual occasion for us to highlight the importance of keeping our children safe and this mass today is kind of a centerpiece for all of that,” Johnston said. “We lift up those who have been wounded by sexual abuse. Whether it’s in the church or outside the church, we want to lift up and give to God all those who have been wounded and pray with them and for their healing.”

A group of Bishop LeBlond students also sang at the mass.

The annual day of prayer brings together diocesan schools and helps provide education on the established child abuse prevention efforts in 93 parishes and…