Arlington Diocese Moves Forward With Child Protection Plans

Recently, three CTR staff members participated in a training session mandated by the diocese for the protection, safety, and well-being of children in Parish and diocesan programs. Four informative and caring hours were spent learning about the reality of child abuse in the Church, in families, and in other parts of our society.

We are all aware of the tragedy of child abuse within our Catholic community, brought to renewed attention with abuse by bishops and priests within our Church. Television, radio, and magazine headlines have caused various reactions: anger, disgust, confusion, and general dislocation about our response as believers to this tragic and unfortunate reality in the life of our Church. Bishop Paul S. Loverde, our local bishop, has set a direction for the diocese with the "Protecting God's Children" program. As we have rightly asked for accountability from our bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, and employees, it is now our turn to move forward locally with training and awareness of how better to protect our children -- our future hope within the Church.

Who is asked to respond? All priests, deacons, diocesan and parish employees, and parish volunteers, all with significant contact with children. All volunteers and employees are required to attend a session of "Protecting God's Children." The required sessions focus on two videos: "A Time to Protect God's Children" and "A Plan to Protect God's Children." Here at CTR, as in all parishes, the following people must attend these training sessions:

Catechists, assistants, and coordinators in our Religious Education and Faith Sharing Programs

Volunteer catechists in Sacramental Preparation

Adults involved in the Catechumenate for Children

Adults involved with the Children's Choir and with our Sunday Night Family Choir

Co-operative nursery care givers

Mother's Day Out participants

Adults involved in training of Alter Servers

Parents are welcomed to attend, as all of us can learn much about this social problem of child abuse in our society, not only in the Church, but in families, and in other parts of our society.

When And Where

Christ the Redeemer Parish, Sat- urday, 9/11, from 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

St. Joseph's, Herndon, Saturday, 10/23, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Our Lady of Hope, Potomac Falls, Saturday, 11/6, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

St. Thomas a Beckett, Reston, Thursday, 9/16, from 6:30 PM

and many others

How to Register

Preregistration is required and attendance at the complete workshop is mandatory. Contact Donna Ata, Parish Virtus Liaison, or Maureen Roan, Director of Religious Education, at 703-430-0811, or register at the Virtus website.

More information will be coming from the Parish. All of us are called to share in the ministry of the Church and become more aware of our part to care for and protect our Parish children.