Faith Formation Handbook for Junior High Youth Ministry Parents St. Jude Catholic Community New Lenox, Il 60451 2019-2020 Desires & Goals that our Teens will: Develop & deepen a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and faith sharing Share the Good News of their faith with their words & actions Participate fully and regularly in the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation Continue to grow in knowledge of their faith and be able to articulate what they learn Apply Catholic virtues and values to moral decision making Discover and share their gifts with the parish and community Celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity and work to build community Prayerfully consider God’s plan of service (vocation) for their lives LIFE MASS 6:30 pm! All teens and FAMILIES and adults are invited to a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring teen-ministered Mass every Sunday night. Please join us!
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Faith Formation Handbook for Junior High Youth Ministry Parents
St. Jude Catholic Community New Lenox, Il 60451
2019-2020
Desires & Goals that our Teens will: Develop & deepen a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and faith sharing Share the Good News of their faith with their words & actions Participate fully and regularly in the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation Continue to grow in knowledge of their faith and be able to articulate what they learn Apply Catholic virtues and values to moral decision making Discover and share their gifts with the parish and community Celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity and work to build community Prayerfully consider God’s plan of service (vocation) for their lives
LIFE MASS 6:30 pm! All teens and FAMILIES and adults are invited to
a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring teen-ministered Mass every Sunday night.
Please join us!
Faith Formation Staff Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or ideas you have! !
Pastor: Fr. Robert Basler O.S.A. Pastoral Associate: Fr. Bill Sullivan, O.S.A. Pastoral Associate: Fr. John Sotak, O.S.A.
Director of Children & Life Long Family Faith Formation: Katie Neu 815-463-4291
Director of Junior High & High School Youth Ministry: Matthew Krumdrick [[email protected]] 815- 463-4213 630-730-1368
Director of Discipleship & Youth Ministry: 815-514-0051 Jenny Krumdrick [[email protected]]
Faith Formation Assistant for JH/HS Eilish Sullivan [[email protected]] 815-463-4260
Faith Formation Assistant for PS-6th/Intergenerational Berni Kacor 815-463-4262
Our goals are to: Engage junior high teens and their parents with God, each other in faith conversations, and with their St. Jude Parish family in worship, Sacraments, and service. Journey with students as they develop and deepen a personal relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and faith sharing. Empower students to share the Good News of their faith with their words and actions.
JHYM offers the students meaningful experiences of prayer, worship, scripture, community service and catechesis within a relational context. The sessions always complement at home catechesis and the many intergenerational service and learning opportunities offered at St. Jude.
Four Cornerstones of Junior High Youth Ministry !
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1. Community: JHYM gatherings will provide teens an opportunity to develop trusting and genuine friendships in an environment without judgment or ridicule. What is shared in the small group is confidential and there is no room for gossiping! Teens can be themselves and share their questions, doubts, opinions, and ideas!
2. Participation: Because junior high teens are preparing to be Confirmed as adult Catholics, we ask that all teens and their families participate actively in the Junior High Youth Ministry gatherings, St. Jude intergenerational learning, service events, and most importantly weekly Mass!
3. Faith Growth: High school and adult coaches will continually model how Catholics rely on God’s strength and grace to get through all of life’s challenges. Through activities and discussions, small groups will learn what Catholics believe and why we believe what we do. Teens will spend time during each JHYM session looking up and reading Scripture, discussing their experience attending Mass, and praying together in their huddle groups.
4. Stewardship (Christian Service): Jesus calls us to adopt an attitude of service and as Christian stewards, we share our time, talent, and treasure with others in need. Many engaging and meaningful stewardship opportunities will be offered throughout the year for individuals, small groups, and families, and will be discussed regularly in the huddle.
Grow in Knowledge: Learn about the richness of our Faith
Experience a Deeper Friendship with Jesus (prayer &
Sacraments)
Live Out Your Faith with Stewardship (at home, at St. Jude & in the community)
Participate in Mass (get fueled up to live out and share your faith throughout the week)
Expectations & Dates !
9 Small Group Sessions (Bible and Binder brought to each session) 1 Reconciliation Service (Wednesday, March 18th 7-8:30 pm is specifically planned for the teens) “Explore 4”: Chose from the options listed on the web: stjudes.org
! 7th Graders only: 3 Catholic Skills Sessions and a 7th Grade Retreat with their Huddle 8th Graders only: 3 Confirmation Prep sessions (with a parent and/or sponsor), 1 Confirmation Retreat, letter requesting permission to be Confirmed, and a Saint Report 6 Stewardship Projects: 2 to Family, 2 to Parish, 2 to Community (that total approximately 20 hours) 1 Stewardship Reflection Page and Stewardship Log 7 Family Mass Reflections (can be done on paper or submitted on line)
When parents attend the Catholic Skills Sessions (for 7th graders), the Confirmation Prep Sessions (for 8th graders), or a stewardship project WITH THEIR TEEN, those events count as an Explore 4.
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Year #1: 7th Grade
Dates in bold: Parents asked to attend * Parent(s) are asked to attend (count as Explore 4)** Teens are asked to attend 6:30 pm Life Mass with their small groups. Families are encouraged to attend.
Intro to JHYM & Scripture Workshop (Parents attend)
Teaching Mass December 8 11 am OR 6:30 pm
Small Group Huddle Gatherings:
Prayer Workshop (Parents attend)
Monday 6:30-8:00 pm
September 16*
October 7 October 21November 4 November 18 December 2
January 27*
February 10March 9April19
Sunday 4:45-6:15** pm
September 15*
October 6 October 20 November 3 November 17 December 1
January 26*
February 9 March 8April 19
Teen Reconciliation Service* Wed., March 18 7 pm
Small Group Huddle Gatherings:
7th Grade Retreat: January 11 9-12 pm
Year #2: 8th Grade
Confirmation Prep #1: attend with parent(s)
Small Group Huddle Gatherings:
Small Group Huddle Gatherings:
Teaching Mass December 8 11 am OR 6:30 pm
Confirmation Prep #3: attend with sponsor
Monday 6:30-8:00 pm
September 23*
October 7 October 21November 4 November 18 December 2
January 13*
February 10March 9April19
March 23*
Sunday 4:45-6:15** pm
September 22*
October 6 October 20 November 3 November 17 December 1
January 12*
February 9 March 8April 19
March 22*
Teen Reconciliation Service* Wed., April 3rd 7 pm
Confirmation Prep #2: attend with sponsor
Dates in bold: Parents are asked to attend *Parent/sponsors must accompany teen (Explore 4).** Teens are asked to attend 6:30 pm Life Mass with their small groups. Families are encouraged to attend.
7th Grade Catholic Skills 101 Curriculum !
Parents of 7th grade teens are asked to attend these sessions to gather with other parents and hear outstanding speakers that will empower and inspire you and your faith! (It counts as an Explore 4!)
8th Grade Confirmation Preparation Curriculum !
Parents and/or Sponsors of 8th grade teens need to attend these sessions with their teen!
★ Confirmation Retreat: please register on-line (www.stjudes.org/JHYM) for a retreat. Space is limited to the first 30-40 who register. Adults are needed to help carpool and facilitate small group conversations.
★ Sponsor: Teens are asked to choose a practicing Catholic (male or female, non-parent) to be their sponsor for Confirmation that will attend the last 2 prep sessions, the rehearsal and the ceremony. The Sponsor Commitment form will be due by the end of January.
★ Saint Report: a detailed outline will be provided in the Confirmation Prep #1. The Saint report is due at the February 10th or 11th session.
★ Letter requesting permission to be Confirmed: a detailed outline will be provided in the Confirmation Prep #2. The letter, addressed to Fr. Robert Basler, will be due at the March 8th or 9th session.
Date Topic Objectives
September 2019 Scripture: The Big Picture
What is the Bible? How can we understand the story as the history of our faith? How can we use it to read and pray?
December 2019 Teaching Mass What do the prayers and rituals mean at Mass and how can we get more out of Mass?
January 2020 Christian Prayer Participate in and discuss a variety of different forms of prayer: adoration, music as prayer, the Our Father, etc.
Date Topic Objectives
September 2019 Confirmation 101 (parents & teens)
Choosing a confirmation name & sponsor, what confirmation means, and reasons to get confirmed
January 2020 Discipleship Night (sponsors & teens)
How can Confirmation empower us to be present day disciples of Jesus?
March 2020 Gifts of the Holy Spirit (sponsors & teens)
What are the gifts, how we get them, and how we use them
Sacramental Policy The preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is done with the cooperation of the Faith Formation Office and the clergy of St. Jude Parish. In order for a teen to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, they must be a baptized Catholic and must have received their First Eucharist and Reconciliation. Besides regular monthly sessions and in home preparation, each 8th grade teen will:
1. Attend three Confirmation Prep Sessions (parent attends the first, sponsor attends the remaining):
2. Attend one Confirmation Retreat (options are listed on the JHYM website; registration is limited and is first-come, first-served).
3. Write a Saint Report that must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11 stationery, at least one page (double-spaced) , turned in by the February 9th or 10th session, and include the following: ✦ A summary of the life/lives of the saint(s) whose name he/she has chosen to take as his/her
Confirmation name. ✦ What are the reasons for picking this name as his/her Confirmation name? ✦ Teen should include a list of the resources (web sites, books, etc.) they used in this report.
4. Write a letter requesting permission to be Confirmed that must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11 stationery, about 200 words, addressed to Fr. Robert Basler, turned in by the March 8th or 9th session, and contain the following: ✦ Briefly stating what he/she feels Confirmation is, what it will do for him/her, what he/she will do
for Jesus and the Church as his/her response. ✦ Stating the reasons the student feels he/she is prepared and ready to make the necessary faith
commitment. ✦ Asking for permission to be confirmed at St. Jude Church.
5. Attended three Catholic Skills Workshops: Scripture, Mass & Prayer (provided in the first year of preparation).
6. Diocesan Requirements for the Sacrament are: engage in two years of faith formation prior to Confirmation, must be baptized, received First Reconciliation, and First Eucharist.
7. A Confirmation Candidate must also have a sponsor who is an active Catholic. The sponsor must not be a parent. Turn in the Sponsor Form by the end of January.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is an integral part of a teen’s life-long faith journey. Teens NEED their parents and sponsors to participate
with them on this journey!
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Sunday, September 22 4:45-6:15 pm Sunday, January 12 4:45-6:15 pm Sunday, March 22 4:45-6:15 pm
Monday, September 23 6:30-8:00 pm Monday, January 13 6:30-8:00 pm Monday, March 23 6:30-8:00 pm
JHYM Pre-Planned Stewardship Opportunities !
Jesus calls us to adopt an attitude of service and as Christian stewards, we share our time, talent, and treasure with others in need. Teens are expected to participate in a minimum of 6 stewardship projects (that total a minimum of 20 hours): two that serve their family, two that serve St. Jude parish, and two that serve the community. Teens need to record each service effort in their Stewardship Log as well as reflect on, fill out, and turn in one Stewardship Reflection page to their coach by the end of April.
Look over the Stewardship Opportunities for all of the meaningful, close-to-home service events & trips for your teen and whole family at www.stjudes.org/JHYM
★ Mission Trip Informational Meeting: Sunday, September 29th 5:00-6:15 pm ★ Care Packages for St. Jude College Students Thursday, October 17th 6-8:30 pm ★ Rake & Run for St. Jude Parishioners Saturday, November 16th 8:30 am - 12:00 pm ★ Feed My Starving Children Trip on November 26th ★ St. Jude Giving Tree at the end of November and beginning of December (groups are asked to
deliver gifts to 5 home-bound parishioners. Contact Sue Yeager in November [email protected] ★ Set up for or display your artwork at the Fine Arts Fair February 29/March 1 after Masses ★ Family Service Day at Hopkins Park, tentative date: Saturday in April ★ Impact Weekend of Service (specific date TBD)
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Ideas to Serve Your Family:
Help clean a relative/friend/neighbor’s house Tutor a younger sibling/neighbor Help a relative/friend/neighbor move Take care of a relative/friend/neighbor’s pet, check mail, get newspaper, water plants while they are away Shovel driveway or do yard work for a relative/friend/neighbor Babysit for a relative/friend/neighbor Help take care of a sick relative/friend/neighbor
Ideas to Serve Your Parish: Become the “Representative” of your huddle Sunday, October 21st 12:15-2:00 pm Participate in the Teen Choir singing or playing an instrument; Contact Tom Labanauskas 815-463-4209 Help decorate the church for Advent/Christmas/Lent/Easter or clean the church afterwards Meal Angels: Make and deliver a meal to a St. Jude family [email: [email protected]] Volunteer at St. Jude Summer Kid’s Camp and/or Assist with the Faith Formation grades 1st – 6th
[email: Katie Neu [email protected]] Volunteer with Children’s Liturgy of The Word
[email: [email protected]] Be a Server or Greeter or Reader during Mass Provide babysitting at Parish events
Family Mass Reflections: To assist teens in more fully and actively participating in and understanding Mass as well as how faith is lived at home and in the community, we ask teens to complete at least 7 Family Mass reflections by the end of April. Reflection pages can be downloaded or filled out on-line at www.stjudes.org/jhym.
Written Reflections on Stewardship Efforts: Teens are asked to complete 6 Stewardship Projects: 2 to Family, 2 to Parish, 2 to Community (roughly equaling 20 hours). As well as reflect on, fill out, and turn in one Stewardship Log & Reflection page (per year) to their coach. Reflection pages can be downloaded at www.stjudes.org/jhym. See page 6 for ideas.
Student Arrival Policy: All teens should arrive for the start of their session at the entrance of the St. Jude gym (in the school parking lot’s west entrance), unless explicitly indicated prior to that session. Teens are encouraged to arrive up to 15 minutes early for sports, socializing, and snacking prior to the session.
Student Dismissal Policy: Dismissal for all regularly scheduled sessions will be from the St. Jude Church building, unless otherwise explicitly indicated.
Attendance Policy: We keep accurate attendance records so that we can account for each student. If your student is absent, they can either attend on the alternative day (Sunday or Monday) or complete a make up packet (that is emailed to you) and turn in to the office prior to the next session.
Tardiness: Teens are expected to be on time. Sessions meet for one hour and thirty minutes. These periods are too short a time for teens to be late.
Early Dismissal: Parent/guardian must provide handwritten consent, indicating time and reason for departure, even if a phone call has been made. The notice should indicate the name of the person picking up the teen. The adult picking up the teen must report to the Faith Formation Workroom upon arrival with a photo ID to sign the student out. The student will be called down to the Faith Formation Workroom. This is for the safety of your teen.
Behavior: The behavior of the students attending St. Jude Faith Formation is expected to be exemplary of Christian values. Such a code of conduct requires that the student show the proper respect for themselves, others, and any property we may use. St. Jude’s discipline code is one that encourages responsibility and self-discipline, resulting in self-understanding and self-esteem. Therefore it is important that the parents, teachers/
ministers, and administration/staff have the same high expectations for the student’s behavior. In order for he or she to grow socially, emotionally, and in faith, your child needs to be in a safe environment in which there are concerned adults who set firm, consistent, positive limits while also providing warmth and support for the appropriate behavior. Teens are required to adhere to these foundational rules:
• Confidentiality is a huge element of the small group experience (absolutely no gossiping!). Everything said within the small group is expected to be kept confidential in the small group. The leader has been instructed to maintain this at all times unless the leaders know that a teen has expressed something that should/will cause the injury of self or others.
• Respect for adult and high school coaches (catechists), peers, and St. Jude church building, school and property through right choices and group or one-on-one interactions.
The procedure for disciplinary action will be as follows: 1st Offense: The teen will receive a warning from an adult stating that they have not followed the expectations of proper behavior in the small or large group setting. 2nd Offense: The parents will receive a letter stating the problem and the teen will be sent to the Faith Formation Workroom to meet with the Director of Junior High Youth Ministry. The student will not be allowed to return to a Junior High gathering until that letter is signed by the parent and returned to the Faith Formation Office. 3rd Offense: The parent will have to attend gatherings with their teen, possibly until the end of the year. 4th Offense: The parents will find alternative means of faith formation for their teen.
Dress Code: A teen’s general appearance should not be distracting, immodest, or unkempt. Guidelines: ✓Articles of clothing which display obscene or suggestive phrases or images should NOT be worn. ✓Occult (Satanic/devil worship) clothing or related symbols may not be worn. ✓Clothes that display antisocial, immoral, or illegal behavior are not allowed. ✓Clothing or accessories which promote alcohol, drugs, tobacco products or which promote violence or
death are not permitted. ✓Uniform equipment is not allowed on premises. (ie, shoulder/knee/chin pads and shoes with cleats) ✓Hats/sunglasses must be removed upon entry to the building. ✓Electronic devices must be turned off. This includes cell phones, ipods, hand-held game devices, etc.
Anyone using such a device during a gathering will have to forfeit the item until the end.
Special Needs: It is also helpful to the adult small group leader to be informed of any learning, emotional or behavioral problems. If you did not inform our office of any concerns, please do so. You also are encouraged to talk to the small group leader personally. It is important that the Director and small group leader have this information just as you would inform the principal and teachers of the teen’s day school so we can better serve your teen.
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Health and Emergencies: At the time of registration, you completed an emergency form for your child/children. If there are any changes to this information, please notify our office. It is important that we are informed of any health problems or medication that the child is receiving in case your child would require emergency treatment. In an emergency we will attempt to telephone parents first. If not successful, we will notify the other responsible person you noted on the registration form. The authorization gives us permission to have the child treated if you cannot be reached in an emergency. If any information changes (telephone, address, or insurance), please advise the Faith Formation Office so we can have updated information on your children.
Late Pickup from Faith Formation: We understand that sometimes rides can be delayed due to unexpected traffic or trains. Please call our workroom and advise us of the situation. Please leave a home or cell number you can be reached at in case your child is brought to the workroom to wait for you.
Emergency School Closing: If weather or other conditions make it necessary to cancel classes, St. Jude Faith Formation Office is part of the Emergency Closing Center. An announcement will be made on AM radio stations: WJOL (1340), WMAQ (670), WGN (720), WBBM (780), or WLS (890). It will also be announced on the following television channels: CBS (2), NBC (5), WGN (9), FOX (32), and CLTV (37). When New Lenox schools have been closed or have early dismissal for inclement weather, we may also cancel faith formation classes that day.
Walking or Riding Bikes to Faith Formation: This is highly discouraged due to the darkness when gathering has concluded. If you are unable to drive your child to your teen’s event/session please try to arrange a ride with another family.
Tornado Alarms: The tornado alarm at St. Jude is denoted by a rapid succession of short bells signaling an alert situation. When a tornado alarm sounds, students are to:
• Maintain silence so instruction may be heard. • Walk single file to the corridors and sit on the floor as close together as possible (not next to or below
any glass walls or exits) • Place your head between the knees with the hands over head to be protected from falling debris. • Wait quietly for all-clear bells to sound.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: St. Jude Parish admits students of any race, color, sex, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin in administration of its policies, supplementary programs, or any other program based function.
Parent Conferences: Parents may schedule a conference at anytime with their teen’s small group leader or the Director of Junior High Youth Ministry.
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Parish Website: Please take some time to visit our homepage at www.stjudes.org. St. Jude Church has much to offer and the website will be a useful tool to help your family stay connected to the life of the parish as a whole.
Procedure to Resolve a Problem or Concern: If a parent has an issue with a small group leader, the parent is to speak with the small group leader. If this issue is not resolved, the parent may meet with the Junior High Director. A meeting will then be set up between the parent, the small group leader, and the Junior High Director. Parents are welcome to take their concerns to the Faith Formation Director if they are still unsatisfied.
Amendment to the Handbook: Statements in this book are subject to amendment with or without notice. The Faith Formation program will attempt to keep parents informed of all changes as soon as they are able to do so. Some changes might be made immediately due to unforeseen circumstances.
Diocesan Policies/Procedures Required Information: Following the mandate of the Bishop for our diocese, all persons over 18 working with minors (this includes catechists, aides, and volunteers who will be working with the Faith Formation Program) must consent to: • A criminal background check (ever 5 years) • Attend a three-hour session of “Protecting God’s Children.” • Sign the “Mandated Reporter” DCFS form annually.
Teach your children the names of their private body parts. Help them understand that they are the boss of their own body. Explain that there are three kinds of touches: � Safe touches. These are touches that keep
children safe and are good for their bodies. Safe touches include hugging, holding hands, pats on the back, and an arm around the shoulder. Safe touches can also include touches that might hurt, such as removing a splinter.
� Unsafe touches. These are touches that hurt children’s bodies, feelings, or spirits, for example, hitting, pushing, pinching, and kicking. This also includes the sexual touches described in the previous section. Teach children that these kinds of touches are not okay.
� Unwanted touches. These are touches that might be safe but a child doesn’t want. These include the sexual touches discussed earlier. It is okay for a child to say no to an unwanted touch, even if it is from a familiar person.
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Young children remember better how to protect themselves from sexual abuse when they learn and practice a few simple steps so they don’t have to wonder what to do, or have to stop and think. Children can be taught to follow these three steps when someone breaks the touching rules. � Say no or words that mean no. � Get away. � Tell a grown-up. Expand your child’s understanding of the third step by teaching the following: � Never keep secrets about touching. � Always tell about a touching problem even
if it has gone on for a long time. � Keep telling until someone believes you.
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Children who are assertive are better able to use the safety steps effectively and resist unsafe situations. Assertive behavior includes standing up straight, looking directly at the person and using a strong, clear voice.
95(%7#!'/!7+%!;/7%-/%7!!It is important for parents to educate children about Internet risks and monitor use of the Internet. Some rules: � Never give out personal information or use a credit
card online without your parent’s permission. � Never share passwords with anyone. � Never arrange to meet someone in person
you have met online unless parents go along with you.
� Never reply to uncomfortable messages. Always tell parents about them.
,'-!"%%/&!'-!<-%="%%/&!Honest, open discussions about sexual values/limits, healthy relationships, and personal safety can make a difference. Teens should: � Recall that human sexuality is a graced gift from
God. Intimate touching and sexual intercourse are morally appropriate only within marriage.
� Know their own wishes, limits and values, and clearly communicate them to their dates. They should listen to their date’s limits and respect them.
� Notice if their date is not respecting their limits and wishes or if their date’s behavior doesn’t seem right.
� Trust their feelings and intuition. If they are feeling pressured into sex, they have the right to say no.
� Be assertive and act immediately if their limits are
reached, even if it means making a scene. � Understand that it is never too late to say no and
never too late to hear no.
>'-%!95(%7#!"2$&!('-!"%%/&!� Avoid drugs or alcohol, which reduce one’s ability
to think clearly and manage one’s behavior. � Always pour your own beverages at a party and
keep them in sight. Date-rape drugs can be put in drinks and are often undetectable.
� Go to parties with a buddy and look after each other. Always have a safe way home.
� Meet a date in a public place or stay around others.
� Tell someone about the date, where it will take place, and what time it will end.
� Take a cell phone along if possible.
"+%!?'77'@!A2/%!� No means no whenever a person feels
pressured about anything and it should be respected!
� If a person says no and the other person continues to touch or to force touch it is abusive behavior.
� If a person forces another person to have sexual intercourse, it is rape, a criminal offense.
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Being a parent is one of life’s greatest challenges. However, if you have a strong relationship built on a foundation of trust, and your children have skills in self-management, relationship-building, and problem-solving, they are more likely to make safe choices and set personal safety boundaries.
For more tips for parents, please visit http://www.cfchildren.org/parentsf/parenttipsf/
If someone has been abused,
contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services at
1-800-25ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
Parent Guide
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Diocese of Joliet 425 Summit Street, Joliet, IL 60435
www.dioceseofjoliet.org
SOME BACKGROUND
INFORMATION
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sexual abuse is the use of a child for sepurposes by an adult or an older, more powerful person, including an older child. It is a crime in all 50 states. Sexual abuse is called incest when it happens between family members.
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child knows and trusts. Offenders come from all social and ethnic groups. Offenders actively workrelationships with children.
!"5%&'%0$%8)'92se happens to boys and
social and ethnic groups from infancy to 18 years. Young children are especially at risk.
!":%;53<$%(")*+4-3%=-**2easons children do not tell are:
� They have been taught to obey adu� They promised or have been bribed to
abuse secret. They have beeare afraid to tell. They feel guiltyabuse is their fault and are ashamed to tell. They are confused because the offensomeone whom they know and trust. They have been convinced that thnormal or okay. They are too yoappropriate, especially if someone they know and trust does it. They don’t
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Children rarely lie about al abuse. More often,s
they are afraid to tell.
PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN
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Educate yourself about sexual abuse. c guidelines for
efore
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e parent and are dating, this brings unfa
hings you can do: � � Learn and practice specifi
protecting children from sexual abuse. � Talk to your children about touching safety. (See Teaching Personal Safety Skills.) � Teach your children personal safety rules b
they reach school age. � Allow your children to participate in personal
safety instruction.
,#7-$:%?)$"%@#1:')$$-4'%%Ask babysitters�
� iew babysitters in person. Ask hodiscipline children. Ask what if questions to finout how they would cope with tricky situations.
Inform them about your family safety rules, including touching safety rules.
� Set other rules for the sitter. (TV, phone use, and friends)
� Make surprise visits to check on them. Ask your children what happens when ababysitter is there and whether they liher. If they don’t like the babysitter, ask for reasons.
low these guidelines even if the babysitter is a ily membf
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If you are a singlDear Parents and Guardians,
Joliet is committed to
our efforts
embers at the Religious Education
The Diocese of
promoting an environment that will help ensure the safety of children and young people. If you have participated in a Protecting God’s Children session, you have already received much information. This brochure is the next step in to help keep children safe. You are the primary educators of your children, so it is important that you talk with them personally about their safety. The material in this brochure is designed to give you background information about sexual abuse, to inform you about other ways to keep your children safe, and to provide you with tips for talking to your children. Staff mOffice (815-727-6411) and at the Catholic Schools Office (815-838-2181) are available to help you. Please call them if you have any questions about the material contained in this brochure or if you need more information.
Sincerely,
Sister Judith A. Davies, OSF
Chancellor
miliar adults into your home. � Let your new friend know your family’s safety
rules, especially about touching. � Tell him or her that your children have been taught
to tell if any of these rules are broken. � Don’t leave your children alone with a new friend
until you know him or her well. � Ask your children if they like the new person and
why or why not. � Watch your children’s reactions for clues to how
they feel.
TEACHING PERSONAL SAFETY SKILLS
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children fee you
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nly and honestly sets a tone tl safe and all s them to talk to ow
about anything. Talk with them about touching and private body parts. Here are some tips: � Make touching safety a part of your family’s safety
rules. � Take advantage of everyday teachable moments:
bath time, physical play situations, when a child expresses curiosity about his body or sexuality, and before a child goes out without you. Read a book or view a video on touching safety together with your child.
� Revisit the conversation. Don’t just talk about this important matter once!
%=-#D"%E5/4%(")*+4-3%="-'-%8/*-'%It is not okay for someobody parts.
Content of this brochure is adapted from “Ke or
With per r Children and
� It is not okay for someone to touch his or her own private body parts in front of you or to ask you to eping Children m Abuse: Tips f
Parents and Caregivers” touch them. It is not okay for someone to ask you to take your
clothes off or to take photos or videos of you with your clothes off.
It is not okay for someone to show you photos or videos of people without their clothes on.
mission from Committee fofrom the Diocese of Springfield, IL
ST. JUDE FAITH FORMATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM 2019-20 !
I claim responsibility for knowing the information in this Parent’s handbook. I have read and agree to the guidelines and discipline rules in this handbook. I also acknowledge receiving the Parent Guide from the Diocese of Joliet titled “Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” which is included in the 2019-2020 St. Jude Faith Formation Handbook. ___________________________________ Parent Name
___________________________________ Parent Signature ___________________________________ Date PLEASE NOTE Detach, sign, and return to the Faith Formation Office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Thank you so much :)
