Diocese of Orlando’s

Safe Environment Program CIRCLE OF GRACE

Per the USCCB, United States Council of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of Orlando is required to provide safe environment training each year for all students.

The Orlando Diocese has chosen to use The Circle of Grace Program created by the Archdiocese of Omaha.

What is the Circle of Grace? Circle of Grace is the love and goodness of God that surrounds us and all others. It is the recognition that God is with us always and is there to help us in difficult situations. Through children and youth to recognize God’s love by understanding that each of us lives and moves within a Circle of Grace. Your Circle of Grace holds your very essence in body, mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. This is taught in a visual and real way by the following prayer. One can profound simplicity. The Circle of Grace program teaches children and young people to seek help from a trusted adult, reinforcing God’s presence in their real life struggles.

 Goal of the Circle of Grace Program     Pre-K- Grade 12

 The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others.

 Objectives of the Circle of Grace Program     Pre-K- Grade 12

  ·  Children and young people will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 ·  Children and young people will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us.

 ·  Children and young people will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual boundaries.

 ·  Children and young people will be able to identify all types of boundary violations.

·  Children and young people will demonstrate how to take action if any boundry is threatened or violated.

 Outline of the Program for Youth Ministry

 Middle School YM ‐ one of 2 lessons

1 - Circle of Grace: Pieces of the Puzzle Safe Relationships, Boundaries, Safety PLAAN

 2 ‐ Saying “No” to Disrespect: Honoring Everyone’s Circle of Grace

 High School YM – one of 5 lessons

1 ‐ How to be Morally Responsible in Today’s Culture

 2 - Communion of Saints, Mary and Joseph When the Circle is Broken,

 Action PLAAN

3‐ Levels of Intimacy and In fluence

 4 ‐ When Boundaries Go Wrong

5 ‐ Love and the Theology of the Body

 I, the parent or legal guardian of the student understands that the diocese is committed to protecting all the children in our program through the Circle of Grace.

 On the registration form confirm if you give the Diocese of Orlando and Our Lady of Hope Parish permission, or decline, that your child attend and participate in the Circle of Grace safe environment program which will be provided February 9th, 2025 for Middle and High School Students. If you did not opt out on the registration form but would still like to do so, please fill out the following form and return it to your student's teacher before the Circle of Grace session.