Archdiocese of Baltimore to highlight resources to fight porn

Baltimore, Md., Mar 1, 2021 / 07:36 pm (CNA).- The Archdiocese of Baltimore has set aside the weekend of March 13-14 as a time to focus on the dangers of pornography and the resources available to avoid and recover from it.

March 14 will be observed as “Safe Haven Sunday.” Parishes are encouraged to highlight resources to fight pornography and to discuss the threat of pornography for individuals and married couples.

The archdiocese is also offering a website with resources.

The Catholic Review, a publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, cited statistics from internet accountability organization Covenant Eyes detailing how pervasive porn use is in modern American culture.

Twenty percent of mobile searches are for pornography, Covenant Eyes says, and even Christians report a significant level of pornography use. Furthermore, a significant percentage of students – more than half of males and a third of females –  say they were first exposed to pornography before they were teenagers.

Father Brian Nolan, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues, told the Catholic Review that he frequently hears pornography mentioned in confession.

He said it is important for Catholics struggling with pornography to seek resources – including internet filters and professional counseling if necessary.

While overcoming a pornography addiction can be challenging, Nolan said, healing is possible – particularly with the resources and support available.

“We have the ability to say no to ourselves and to say yes to God,” Nolan told the Catholic Review. “We have the ability to grow in the virtue of self-control, which makes us self-possessed and available to God in a freer and fuller way.”