Safe Parish
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Saint Susanna utilize Safe Parish as part of its ongoing commitment to the care and protection of children.
All priests, deacons, employees of parishes, schools and agencies of the archdiocese, and volunteers who have contact with children and vulnerable adults are required to complete the training prior to their first day of employment, service or ministry, even if they have taken Virtus or other child protection programs at another Diocese or Archdiocese.
Training is valid for 5 years at which time you will be required to re-certify in order to continue your status in the Archdiocese.
The course is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at www.Archindysafeparish.org
All priests, deacons, employees of parishes, schools and agencies of the archdiocese, and volunteers who have contact with children and vulnerable adults are required to complete the training prior to their first day of employment, service or ministry, even if they have taken Virtus or other child protection programs at another Diocese or Archdiocese.
Training is valid for 5 years at which time you will be required to re-certify in order to continue your status in the Archdiocese.
The course is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at www.Archindysafeparish.org
Circle of Grace
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All children and youth are sacred creations of a loving God. However, today's children and youth live in a world in which they are often confronted by persons who pose a threat to them. Recognizing this, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops mandated that Catholic educators in schools, parish religious education, and youth ministry programs be proactive in teaching youth about their value and how to protect themselves from being abused in any way. Responding to this mandate, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis adopted the Circle of Grace program in 2012.
What is Circle of Grace? The Catholic Church teaches that God created each of us as unique and special. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created "male and female in God's image" and that God saw this as "very good." In that goodness, we are meant to respect ourselves and everyone else as persons created and loved by God. Why is it important to help our children/young people understand the Circle of Grace? God intends our relationships in life to be experiences of divine love. Respectful, nurturing, loving relationships increase our understanding of our own value and help us to love others. It is never too early to help children/young people understand how very special they are and how relationships in life are called to be sacred. Understanding this can help them to protect the special person they are and to be respectful of others. Adults, as they strive to provide a safe and protective environment, hold the responsibility to help children/young people understand and respect their own dignity and that of others. A truly safe and protective environment is one where children/young people recognize when they are safe or unsafe and know how to bring their concerns, fears, and uncertainties to the trusted adults in their lives. |