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October
2014
Dear Corpus Christi Parents,
The Roman Catholic Diocese of
Albany (RCDA) is committed to meeting its responsibility of ensuring that
our children and young people are safe from harm, especially that of sexual
abuse. The RCDA upholds the principles contained in the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People (Charter), as adopted by
the Bishops of the United States in June 2002, by enforcing compliance policies
and procedures for all Parishes, Schools and Diocesan offices to adhere to.
Key requirements of the Charter include:
Safe Environment Training for Adults; Background Checks, and
Screening - All individuals (over the age of
18), who are either paid parish personnel or volunteers, who have regular
contact with children and youth, must:
1) receive Virtus: Protecting
God’s Children training , and
2) undergo a background check prior
to commencing their work or service, and
3) sign the Standard Code of Conduct
as a condition of their employment or volunteer participation.
Further, all parish volunteer
catechists and youth ministers are required to complete an Application and
provide two character references. The references are called and the
Application is reviewed and approved by the Parish Priest or Parish Life Director.
Safe Environment Training for Children and Youth - All children in the Faith Formation and Youth Ministry
programs are to complete Safe Environment Training. Child sexual
abuse prevention includes empowering children by teaching them personal safety
skills that help keep them safe from dangerous and abusive situations,
including internet safety awareness. The RCDA provides an age appropriate
curriculum for Safe Environment Training to be used by parishes in their Faith
Formation and Youth Ministry programs.
During the weeks of November 9th and
16th all Corpus Christi Faith Formation classes will view an
age-appropriate, Diocesan-approved Safe Environment DVD. Children will be
grouped by grades as follows: Grades K - 2, Grades 3 -5, and Grades 6-8. Grades
9 & 10 will receive their training within the Confirmation program by
attending the Respect and Relationship class. For families with 11th and
12th graders, you will receive information on their training in a separate
letter.
We encourage parents to stay
and watch the presentation with their child. If you are unable to attend
class or would like to view the presentation material in advance, I have
attached the information in PDF format. If you choose not to have your
child watch the presentation, you may “opt-out” of this training. For
those families opting-out of the training a release document must be signed.
Please see me for the form.
We know that ministry with children
and youth, in particular, is a sacred trust.
We, at Corpus Christi Church are committed to preserve, at all times and
in all places, this sacred trust which is rooted in our faith in Jesus
Christ. If you have any questions or concerns
regarding the upcoming Safe Environment Training, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
In peace,
Eileen Earle
Coordinator of Religious Education
877-8506 ext 373
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