Revisions In Diocesan Safe Environment Policy Announced

Amarillo—On April 18, Bishop Patrick J. Zurek and Louise Ross, Chairperson of the Amarillo Diocesan Charter Review Board, authorized the implementation of the revised “Amarillo Diocese Safe Environment Policy” along with the revised “Appendix ’F’ Code of Pastoral Conduct.”

The policy ensures full compliance with the “United States Catholic of Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People – Essential Norms.”

The Safe Environment Office is implementing a new “Safe Environment Adult Trainers Training Program” as developed by Praesidium. This is a professionally produced program which provides safe environment training services to many religious and civic organizations.

Each parish Pastor should select one or two people from their parish (mission) to attend this training program. These persons must have already received Safe Environment training, hold a responsible position in the parish, be open to train those adults who work with minors, willing to make a long-term commitment to this ministry and have an email address.

In essence this program is designed to train those persons who will train volunteers and employees at their parish, a nearby parish, a Catholic school, or wherever needed.

The sessions will be in English; however the diocese will provide Spanish language units for those who will be representing Spanish speaking parishes. The training is one day from 9:00am to 4:00pm at St. Hyacinth’s Church, 4500 West Hills Trail, Amarillo.

Potential trainers can attend either Friday, Aug. 10 or Saturday, Aug. 11. If you are interested please contact your Pastor. Only those who are pre-registered and with permission of their Pastor will be authorized to attend the sessions.

In the next several weeks the second phase of “Right Relationships” will be available on the website for utilization in parishes and schools. The premise of this phase is: “Because human beings are formed in God’s image, we should treat everyone with respect. Right relationships are built on trust. Relationships that are not built on trust are not ‘right’ relationships.” This program was developed by the Archdiocese of Salt Lake City who has graciously authorized the Diocese of Amarillo to so use.

Deacon Blaine Westlake is Director of Safe Environment and the Diaconate Program for the Diocese of Amarillo.