It is important that our children and youth feel secure and cared for in the faith community. Although children and youth may have prior knowledge of sexuality and personal safety issues, this curriculum more specifically lends itself to the overall comprehension of the dignity of the human person. It is critical to help our children and young people understand sexuality as a gift from God. But they also need to understand that not all people respect the dignity of others. As Church, we are committed to help keep them safe from harm.
Our safe environment training for youth is a response to the mandates of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People: Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal regarding the sexual abuse of children. Our Diocese has incorporated a safe environment training program called Circle of Grace, used by about ¼ of the dioceses in our nation. Human Trafficking will continue to be taught in Grade 7. Parents are encouraged to attend this trafficking session with their children.
All training sessions for students will be held as follows during their regular class time and conducted by one of the catechists:
Gr. 1-5 and Gr. 7 on October 19, 2022; Gr. 6 and Gr. 8-11 on October 26, 2022.
Parents of children who do not participate in the training for any reason will receive a resource packet designed to help parents/guardians educate their children on these important issues.
Adults are also required to have a background check prior to working with the youth, as well as an online safe environment training. Call the office to take this training for our parish (715-427-5259). This training is required every five years for catechists, and also Annual Affirmation Statements are signed indicating each catechist is in good standing.