The Diocese of Laredo remains firmly committed to the Chapter for the Protection of Children and Young People. As agreed upon by the Bishops of the United States in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in June 2002, each diocese will “provide education and training” about “ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children.” The 2018 revision of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People reaffirms the deep commitment of the Bishops of the United States to create a safe environment within the Church for children and youth.
Most Reverend James A. Tamayo issued a decree on May 22, 2019, stating that we will continue fulfilling our responsibility to educate children concerning this critical information through the program Circle of Grace: Safe Environment Training. This program replaced the previous program named Learning about L.I.F.E. – Life, Infatuation, Friendship, Exploitation (L.I.F.E.).
It is our responsibility as a Diocese to ensure that our parishes, missions, and schools implement these programs for the safety of our children. The Office of Faith Formation & Sacramental Preparation, in collaboration with the Office of Safe Environment, provides training, curriculum for children in grades K-12, parent resources, and conducts site visits to aid religious education staff with the successful implementation of the program at each of our parishes and schools.
Circle of Grace and The Family
Through the Circle of Grace program, children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundary violations are threatened or violated. Along with a strong parent component, the program teaches children that God is with them at all times, especially in difficult situations.