For the Sake of God’s Children:
The document Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was approved by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) in June of 2002. In July of that same year Bishop Saltarelli appointed three committees to develop the response of the Diocese of Wilmington. These committees were composed of lay men and women from throughout the Diocese in differing areas of competence. Additionally, priest representation and staff members were appointed. These forty men and women worked for seven months to produce a final recommendation to the Bishop in March of 2003. The committees determined that the recommendation to the Bishop was to create our own safe environment program and with the submission of "For the Sake of God's Children" the task was complete. The Bishop approved the program and called for its immediate implementation.
In May of 2003 the Diocese convened more than 15 meetings around the Diocese for parish leadership, priests, employees and deacons. Special sessions were conducted later that summer for seminarians. By August of 2003 all priests, deacons, diocesan employees and all those who either as employee or volunteer worked on a regular recurring basis with young people were introduced to the program. Thus began the ongoing process of background screening, ethical standards of behavior/covenants and the educational processes aimed at maintaining a safe and secure environment for the children
Faith Environment/Safe Environment
On the Diocesan Website (www.cdow.org click on For the Sake of God’s Children) there is a 20 minute presentation entitled: For the Sake of God’s Children: Safe Environment Education that explains the Diocesan safe environment program and provides valuable information for parents and other adults who are engaged with children. In the fall of 2006 the Diocese began full implementation of “Keeping Our Promises”, a safe environment curriculum for pre-k thru grade 12. It is based on the elements of a safe environment such as keeping secrets, bullying, harassment, healing, life as a gift from God and others. Each is developed in an age appropriate lesson and is integrated into normal teaching activities in both Catholic Schools and Religious Education Programs.
Each adult volunteer is required to complete a Background Check every five years and sign a Volunteer Covenant yearly. The Volunteer Covenant provides general guidelines of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. To be cleared for service, every adult volunteer must have completed a Volunteer Covenant each year. If you are new volunteer please fill out and return to the Parish Office a completed Background Check and Volunteer Covenant. Any questions please call the parish office at 410-742-6443.
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