Why This Program is Necessary

Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (O.L.S.) has implemented its Safeguard the Children program in accordance with Archdiocesan mandated guidelines.  This program has set for itself the goal of ensuring that all children and teenagers below the age of 18 years, and entrusted to any parish sponsored program or event, will be properly supervised and safe from physical, emotional and psychological abuse.

In large part this program is in response to the many media reports of sexual abuse of young children by clergy.  And even though instances of sexual molestation by clergy may be the driving force behind the Archdiocesan decision to mandate this program in all of its parishes, it is also true that some individuals, other than clergy, have also been accused, and in some cases convicted, of using their position to prey upon children. 

Therefore, Our Lady of Sorrows parish has broaden the focus of its program and created an oversight committee comprised of lay parishioners who will recommend policies and operating guidelines on a parish-wide basis and annually review performance against those policies. 

It is our intention to eliminate any confusion or hesitation on the part of all staff members, clergy and non-clergy alike, as to their obligations to protect children under their charge from abuse.

In building this program we have also committed ourselves to respecting and affirming the rights and the proper role of parents and legal guardians as the ultimate authority regarding the care and supervision their children is to be place under.

About The Committee