Diocesan safe environment efforts continue

this year’s presentation discusses “boundaries”

New Ulm, MN - In accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, parishes, schools and youth organizations within the diocese have been diligently working to "ensure that children and youth who worship, study, or participate in activities sponsored therein can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible."

The Charter also requires that dioceses/eparchies establish "safe environment" programs. Article 12 of the Charter states: "Diocese/eparchies will establish "safe environment" programs. They will cooperate with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Dioceses/eparchies will make clear to clergy and members of the community the standards of conduct for clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse."

In keeping with Article 12, Tom Thibodeau, assistant professor of religious studies at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, addressed an audience of 300 New Ulm diocesan Catholic school teachers and Directors of Religious Education the afternoon of October 25 at the St. Anthony Building of New Ulm Area Catholic Schools. Thibodeau spoke about "Boundaries" as it pertains to sexual misconduct.

Thibodeau’s presentation was videotaped by the diocesan Office of Communications. On November 3 the videotape was shown simultaneously to diocesan pastoral leaders and parish staff in three locations throughout the diocese - St. Mary’s, New Ulm, St. Joseph, Montevideo, and St. Aloysius, Olivia.

The videotape presentation is currently being used throughout the Diocese of New Ulm as a required training tool for all diocesan employees and volunteers.