Dear Faith Formation Families,
I would like to remind all of you to come to a parent and child meeting Friday September 27 ^th at 6:30pm in the Gathering Hall to introduce you to this year’s Virtus Safe Environment Program that we will be using. As you may know Bishop Cantú, in accord with the United States Bishops Charter and Essential Norms for the Protections of children and youth, has mandated that all parishes teach the Virtus Safe Environment lessons to all children and you who are in any religious faith formation process.
For purposes of this program “safe environment” refers to teach children how to keep themselves and others safe and free from harm at all times. The Virtus program focuses on the three major aspects: How and when to say NO! When and how to GO! Who and when to TELL!
Virtus is a program broken down into specific age groups and offers age appropriate language and activities. All Children and youth who participate in the program will receive information on appropriate touching, boundaries, private body parts, secrets, rules, safe and unsafe adults and friends, peer pressure, risky situations, personal space, and other safety related topics.
At the meeting you will be given the opportunity to review and receive explanation of the topics that will be covered on Friday September 27^th This gathering is for parents, guardians, and children in Kinder-6^th grade. Young people 7^th and above will receive their session on October 7^th at the JOY sessions. Once again please come to this important session with your children on Friday September 27 ^th at 6:30pm in the Gathering Hall. If you have any questions, please contact me at lnakamura@dsj.org
Lisa Nakamura, Lerma Simpson, Kevin Bernaga - Faith Formation Team