Circle of Grace

Out of concern for all God’s people and in response to the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, we have a
program for the safe environment education of children and young people supported
and mandated by Cardinal DiNardo of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.   

"Diocese/eparchies will establish ‘safe environment’ programs. They will cooperate with
parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide
education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, and others
about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children. Dioceses/eparchies
will make clear to clergy and members of the community the standards of conduct for
clergy and other persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse."
(Article 12 – Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People)

This program is called Circle of Grace. It is meant to supplement and be integrated into
the excellent programs and curricula for the formation of children and young people in
our schools and religious education programs. Circle of Grace aims to equip our
children and young people by arming them with essential knowledge and skills
grounded in the richness of our faith. This program helps children and young people to
understand their own (and other’s) dignity in mind, body, and spirit.

What is a Circle of Grace?
The Catholic Church teaches that God has created each of us as unique and special.
Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created “male and female in God’s image” and that
God saw this as “very good.” In that goodness, we are meant to respect ourselves and
everyone else as persons created and loved by God.

Adults assist children and young people to recognize God’s love by helping them to
understand that each of us lives and moves in a Circle of Grace. You can imagine your
own Circle of Grace by putting your arms above your head then circle down in front of
your body including side to side. This circle, front to back, holds who you are in your
body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and
sexuality.

Why is it important to help our children understand the Circle of Grace?
God intends our relationships in life to be experiences of divine love. Respectful,
nurturing, loving relationships increase our understanding of our own value and help
us to love others. It is never too early to help children and young people understand
how very special they are and how relationships in life are called to be sacred.
Understanding this can help them to protect the special person they are and to be
respectful of others.

Adults, especially parents, as they strive to provide a safe and protective environment,
hold the responsibility to help children and young people understand and respect their
own dignity and that of others. A truly safe and protective environment is one where
children and young people recognize when they are safe or unsafe and know how to
bring their concerns, fears, and uncertainties to the trusted adults in their lives.

How is the Circle of Grace Program different from other protection programs?
According to research, one in four girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused
by age eighteen. Many protection programs focus on “stranger danger”; however, up
to ninety percent (90%) of the time the perpetrator of abuse is known to the child or
young person such as a relative or family friend. Circle of Grace goes beyond just
protection by helping children and young people understand the sacredness of who
they are and how to seek help through their relationships with trusted adults.

For more information about the Circle of Grace program, please contact your child's faith formation Coordinator.