Circle of Grace:
Safe Environment Training Series – Part I
 
Our parish leads annual sessions for all children and teens who are enrolled in our Faith Formation groups each Fall at our four churches. Parents are asked to join their children and teens for one initial session. An annual report is submitted to the Diocese of Portland.  Circle of Grace follow-up conversations and trainings will occur throughout the year. We support our Diocese’s choice for a faith-based and clinically sound resource called “Circle of Grace” which was developed by the Archdiocese of Omaha.  It expresses our deep and committed desire to keep our parish youth safe and secure.
In our parish, every gathering space provides clear visibility of group sessions.  No child is EVER left alone with a teacher, catechist, mentor, leader, or member of our clergy.  Though a trained and certified Catechist or Facilitator may legitimately be the sole leader or facilitator of a group, we strive to provide 2 trained adults per group.  As we move forward with our model of family formation, we are happy that parents assist us in being present to their own children as they learn together.
What is a Circle of Grace?
The Catholic Church teaches that God has created each of us as unique and special.  In that goodness, we are meant to respect ourselves and everyone else as persons created and loved by God.  Adults assist young people to recognize God’s love by helping them to understand that each of us lives and moves in a Circle of Grace. As symbolized by the image above this text, you can imagine your own Circle of Grace by putting your arms above your head, then circling down in front of your body and side to side. This circle, front to back, top to bottom, holds who you are in your body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality.   (Part II next week)