Parish Resources/Abuse Crisis

Safe Environment at St. Mary’s:

All St. Mary’s staff and volunteers who interact with children are required to complete training through VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children program.

VIRTUS educates individuals to identify circumstances and interactions which compromise the safety of a child or the integrity of an adult. Training includes learning the signs of grooming and how to prevent, report, and put a stop to these situations.

Other safeguards that will remain in place on the St. Mary’s Campus:

  • All rooms in the Parish Center where children’s programs and activities occur have windows in the doors.
  • No child is ever alone with an adult behind closed doors. These practices apply to St. Mary’s Faith Formation, St. Mary School and parish ministries.
  • Altar servers vest in a separate room from priests and deacons, and the door has a window.

If you would like to better understand how to protect our children, consider taking the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training. If you have been trained, please maintain your certification by reading the monthly bulletins and updates that are designed to heighten our awareness of signs of predation. Several local sites are sponsoring training sessions in the next 2-3 weeks. Please visit www.virtus.org to register for a session.

New Parish procedures:

For all onsite Reconciliation and First Eucharist retreats, a designated adult (parent, grandparent, relative, friend, etc.) will be required to attend with their child.

If you are a victim of clergy abuse and need assistance, contact law enforcement and/or Jackie Joy (716-895-3010) Victim Assistance Coordinator for the  Diocese.

Additional Resources:

US Conference of Catholic Bishops:  Child and Youth Protection Resources

Bishop Barron videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncMEXr60AeI

If you would like to take action and write a letter to the Bishop, Cardinal, or Pope, review the following the suggestions: