Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Safeguard the Children Committee
Our Mission Statement
“St. Catherine Parish is committed to make our community a Safe Heaven for the Children of God.”
History:
The establishment of the Office of Safeguard the Children and the formation of the Safeguard the Children Parish Committees were mandated by Cardinal Roger Mahony in 2002, stating:
“It is essential that each parish of the Archdiocese establish as soon as possible a special group entitled: The Safeguard the Children Parish Committee… to involve parents and parish leaders in your parish/school, religious education programs, Confirmation programs, youth ministry program and the like.”
“Each Safeguard the Children Parish Committee plays a crucial role in assuring that the safeguard initiatives found in the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People have been made a priority in every parish and school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and that the Archdiocesan safe environment programs, policies and procedures are being implemented throughout the parish/school and its community.”
Committee Membership
- Pastor
- School Principal
- Religious Education Program
- Pastoral Council
- Council of Ministry
- Youth Ministry
- Liturgy Ministry
- VIRTUS Facilitators
- Volunteers
Responsibilities and Practices
- Monitor: Archdiocesan policies and procedures
- Educate: Safe Environment programs & resources (VIRTUS, Live Scan)
- Evaluate: Parish/School site safety (Code of Conduct literature for Adults and Young People)
- Review: Parish/Schools Policies/Programs/Events
- Assist: USCCB Safe Environment Pre-Audit & Audit Process
- Celebrate: Child Abuse Prevention Month (April Liturgical programs)
Contact Information (Chairperson)
safeguardthechildren@catherineofsiena.org
(818) 996-4588
(818) 343-2110
For more information about the Virtus Training Program, please click on the following link
