CBS Atlanta 46Church hosts mass in memory of child death victims

A North Fulton County church congregation came together Sunday to pray for children who lost their lives to violence and abuse.

"The name of the church is Holy Innocents Episcopal Church and it seems only fitting that in our day to honor and try to end violence against children," said Alison Schultz, the assistant director at Holy Innocents.

Authorities said violence against children is a major problem in Georgia. For every Joreyls Rivera, the Cherokee County girl who was sexually assaulted and beaten to death by a maintenance man last year, there are countless others whose names, faces and killers are never known.

"This is an issue that needs to be continually raised and brought forward and not hidden away," said Schultz.

This is the second year in a row the church has hosted the mass, and this year the congregation was joined by representatives from Drake House.

The North Fulton County based non-profit agency provides short term help to homeless mothers and their families, assistance that could prevent children from getting hurt.

"It is critically important to have community and faith support for agencies such as ours," said Kathy Swahn, with Drake House.

"I know I can pray that is what I do I also know I can support those groups, those people like Drake House like so many institutions that act against violence," said Schultz.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.