Safe Environment:
Dear Faith Formation Families, As many of you know, each year we hold Safe Environment presentations for all of the students in our Faith Formation program. The Safe Environment program is mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as part of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that is required for students of all ages. As we are painfully aware, the issue of abuse has become prevalent in our society and has found its way into our church communities. As a result, the charter was established as a means to direct us in the education and protection of our children and those working with them. For this year, we are continuing to use the Circle of Grace program which we introduced into our parishes several years ago. Circle of Grace aims to equip our children and young people by arming them with essential knowledge and skills grounded in the richness of our faith. The Circle of Grace program reinforces the notion that the students’ faith community cares about their safety and wants them to understand how to seek help if they feel unsafe for any reason. It will help them identify potentially unsafe situations and know how to handle those situations by seeking help from trusted adults. Circle of Grace offers lessons and activities (rather than simply presenting videos) that aim to assist children and young people understand the sacredness of who they are and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults. Adults, especially parents, strive to provide a safe and protective environment at home, and hold the responsibility to help children and young people understand and respect their own dignity and that of others. We respect the fact that you might prefer to address this subject on your own. If this is the case, we are required to ask you to inform us in writing (using the attached form) that you are choosing to cover this material with your child at home and not through this program. The form can be dropped off at the Faith Formation office located at 86 High Street. There is a mail slot for your convenience located at the front door. If you would like to preview the program, please let us know so that we may send you a copy of the lesson for your child’s grade. If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Deacon David Murphy at the Faith Formation office (508) 295 – 0780 or by email: davidmurphy@stpatrickswareham.org.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe.
“Circle of Grace” Opt Out Form
Gr. 1 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 1 Handout
KIND Gr 1 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 2 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 2 Handout
Gr 2 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 3 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 3 Handout
Gr 3 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 4 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 4 Handout
Gr 4 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 5 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 5 Handout
Gr 5 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 6 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 6 Handout
Gr 6 & 7 COVID COG Parents At Home
Gr. 7 Safe Environment Packet
Parents First Grade 7 Handout
Gr 6 & 7 COVID COG Parents At Home