Safe Environment Program Training Offered

Safe Environment Program Training

In response to the recent revelations of sexual abuse by Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and others in Pennsylvania, on August 21, 2018 Supreme Knight Carl Anderson wrote a letter addressed to all Chaplains and Knights. If you have not yet read his letter click here.

In the letter Carl Anderson states that the sins and crimes perpetrated by some in the clergy “have sent the Church we love, the Church we serve and the Church that Jesus Christ established into convulsions.” He offered a course of action for church reforms to take place but he also stated that the Knights, being part of the church equation will have an important role to play in its rebuilding.

Now, the Knights of Columbus — laymen, priests and chaplains together — will have an important role to play in rebuilding the Church. We must commit the Knights of Columbus to work for repentance, reform and rebuilding of the Church.

Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight

Meanwhile, in our own back yard in the Dallas Diocese we also recently found out of abuses that went on for years at St. Cecilia church in Oak Cliff.

Now is the time for all brother Knights to stand steadfast in faith, as Catholics and as gentlemen. We will assist priests, bishops and our fellow Catholics in helping the Church chart a course for the future that puts Christ at the center, so that truly we may say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight

So what can we as Knights do in our own parish to assist our priests, bishops and our fellow Catholics?

We can help protect our community (and ourselves) through education. By becoming aware of the signs and different types of abuse that victims may have suffered, we’ll be better equipped to recognize, properly respond and report any potential abuse situation.  As the Dallas Diocese Council of the Year, it is incumbent upon us to lead in offering Safe Environment training to all our members.

The KofC Safe Environment Program safeguards children and other vulnerable persons, assures members and their families that we maintain a safe environment, protects members from awkward situations, misunderstandings, and appearances of impropriety, builds trust with arch/dioceses and parishes, and protects the good name of the Knights of Columbus. For educational purposes, anyone can take the online training anytime.

Holy Spirit Safe Environment Program

In addition to the above mentioned KofC Safe Environment online program, we will also start offering Holy Spirit Church SEP training at our next meeting on October 2nd, 2018.

The agenda for the meeting will include a guest speaker and a video presentation followed by a brief discussion. The meeting will start 30 minutes earlier than usual. Please make plans to attend the October 2nd, 2018 meeting at 7 PM. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and a light meal and refreshments will be served.

Be on the lookout for an email invitation to come in the next few days, we will need a head count for the meal.

Thank you.

Awareness Committee
KofC Council 8157