Weeks for Freedom Call Colorado Catholics to Prayer, Awareness and Action
- Denver Catholic Staff
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The plague of human trafficking affects countless souls, and local Catholics are invited to pray, witness and work to end the vicious suffering.
Catholics across Northern Colorado are invited to unite in prayer and action during Weeks for Freedom, a focused observance running from January 10 to 24 dedicated to ending human trafficking through faith, education and concrete outreach. Taking place during Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the initiative invites parishes and parishioners throughout the Archdiocese of Denver to confront a reality that is often hidden but tragically present in local communities.
Human trafficking takes many forms, including domestic servitude, forced labor, pornography, online child exploitation and sex trafficking. While it is frequently perceived as an international issue, organizers emphasize that it is happening right now, in our own communities. January’s observance is intentional, coinciding not only with national awareness efforts but also with large events in the Denver area, such as the National Western Stock Show, when increased activity can heighten the vulnerability of those most at risk.
At the heart of Weeks for Freedom is prayer. Each parish is invited to select one of the 14 days for a Parish Day of Prayer, which may include Eucharistic Adoration or another form of devotion offered for victims and survivors of trafficking, as well as for those working to end it. These moments of prayer serve as a reminder that the fight against exploitation is rooted in the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person.
Parishes are also encouraged to raise awareness in visible and practical ways. Suggested efforts include distributing prayer commitment cards, encouraging parishioners to wear blue during January in solidarity with anti-trafficking efforts and posting flyers with key warning signs and the national human trafficking hotline. Together, these small but intentional actions help foster communities that are attentive, informed and ready to respond.
Education and outreach are central components of the observance. Weeks for Freedom materials encourage parishes to host presentations on protecting children and adolescents from online grooming and its connection to sex trafficking, as well as to partner with local organizations and law enforcement for prevention training. Other initiatives focus on direct outreach, placing hotline information in locations where victims may encounter it at critical moments.
Weeks for Freedom ultimately invites the faithful to move beyond awareness to sustained commitment. Through prayer, learning and action, Catholics across Northern Colorado are called to stand with the vulnerable and to witness to the Gospel’s call to justice and mercy. United in faith, the Church offers a hopeful response to a painful reality, trusting that light can overcome darkness and that freedom can be restored where it has been lost.
For more information on the plague of human trafficking and how local organizations and ministries are responding, read more:
For more information on the Weeks of Freedom initiative, review the flyer below.
