St. Joseph Catholic Church at 103 N. Mill St., Rushford, MN 55971 US - Newsletter Signup

The Generations of Faith Committee would like to have the input of parishioners to plan next year's events. Please consider the following and give us your frank opinions.

1. What did you like most about past events that we should continue?
2. What would you change about future events to make the events more appealing and enjoyable?

What topics would you like to see addressed at future GOF events?
4. Would you be willing to be a member of the GOF leadership team?

Diocese of Winona

Our Commitment to Maintaining a Safe Environment

Why does the Diocese of Winona have a Safe Environment Office?

The Safe Environment Office for the Diocese of Winona, established in 2002 promotes safe, healthy communities of faith, intervenes when there is misconduct and responds fairly and compassionately when people are hurting.

How do you ensure the mission is fulfilled?

Following the standards of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People under Articles 6, 12 and 13 from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 2002, we have established goals to achieve clear and well-publicized standards of behaviors and boundaries (Article 6), maintain safe environment programs for all children and adults (Article 12), and evaluate the background of all lay employees, clergy and volunteers who have contact with children (Article 13). www.usccb.org

Have policies been effectively implemented and monitored?

Established behavioral and boundaries standards, learning opportunities and safety tips have been implemented in parishes and schools across the diocese since 1987. Following the written Charter in 2002, standards were reviewed, updated and continue to be evaluated annually.

What support systems are available to aid in keeping our children safe?

Our Victims Assistance Coordinator (VAC) works with those who have experienced abuse in their lives or have been impacted by abuse because of something that has happened to a family member or friend. This person serves as the main contact for complaints and offers advocacy and resources to those who are hurting. The coordinator can be reached at 507-454-4643 Ext. 223 or initial contact can be made through email at pjthompson@dow.org.

The Diocese of Winona is committed to continuous improvement of programs and accountability standards in parishes and schools. Using feedback from participants, courses are updated and new material is written to offer learning about a variety of topics.

We affirm parish and school program leaders who have implemented additional measures to emphasize the importance of safety and the sacredness of all life. Annually, a variety of lyceums and community awareness opportunities are encouraged and advertised through parishes and schools.

Healing Masses have been offered for the abused during the year throughout the diocese. Prayers and processes are also posted on the website as a part of our ongoing outreach to those who struggle.

Has the Diocese of Winona had allegations of the abuse of a child since the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was implemented?

No. There have been no allegations of abuse of a minor in the Diocese of Winona since 1986.

How are the standards and expectations of the Charter publicized?

The Safe Environment Office oversees all programs through our Safe & Sacred™ online learning program. This easily accessible tool offers up-to-date course work reviewing topics specific to the standards established by the Office of Child and Youth Protection. Additionally, online meeting spaces offer a place to share ideas, questions and feedback. Tools for use in parishes, schools and community organizations are included as well as links to sites covering general safety issues.

The diocesan newspaper, The Courier, and the website – www.dow.org also carry information, feature articles or ads on safe environment topics.

Who can access Safe & Sacred™?

The interactive Safe & Sacred™ website is available to any person who lives in one of the 22 counties of southern Minnesota which make up the Diocese of Winona. The courses and information stations offered through Safe & Sacred™ provide learning opportunities designed for clergy, religious, employees and volunteers who work with children in Catholic institutions in our diocese.

Currently, there are four learning lessons available through the online learning community, Safe & Sacred™:

Part I: Protecting All Children of God

Part II: Code of Conduct

Part III: Essential Commitment – Regarding Misconduct

Part IV: In an Online World, Protecting All God’s Children

What does someone do if they don’t have a computer?

Curriculum modules are available upon request in book form with a written paper test for individuals who do not have internet access.

Is Safe Environment material available to our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters?

Basic course information is available online in the Spanish language. However, presentation tablets and a small group course has also been created for the purpose of engaging learners in interactive discussion. This format offers time for questions and dialogue about cultural practices and has been implemented successfully in collaboration with the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

How many people have completed the required learning components?

5,328 adults have completed online learning lessons through the Safe & Sacred™ program.

How does the Safe Environment Office address the learning needs of children and youth in our diocese?

Curriculum in Catholic Schools and Faith Formation programs across the diocese includes a variety of components that address required safety standards. These include basic safety awareness in the community, respect of self and others, appropriate boundaries topics and information on bullying.

How many children have participated in programs which cover Safe Environment standards?

14,988 youth have participated in programs either in their daily classroom curriculum or programs associated with school activities and youth opportunities.

Does the Diocese of Winona require background checks for individuals who work with children?

Yes. All part-time and full-time employees complete a criminal background check for employment through the affiliated parish or school. Additionally, volunteers are to complete a background check if they work with children or teens at the parish or in a school setting. These background checks are completed at a cost to the parish and results are kept on file locally.

How many background checks have been done?

4,131 background checks have been completed. It is recommended that clergy, employees and volunteers are re-screened every five to seven years.

How does the Diocese of Winona Safe Environment Office remain accountable?

The diocese participates in the annual Safe Environment audit which is required by the USCCB. Since the inception of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the Diocese of Winona has been in full compliance of all standards.

Safe environment contacts, made up of individual representatives from parishes and schools, provide local oversight for safe environment participation and compliance. These representatives maintain records and complete periodic reports which are submitted to the diocese.

Additionally, the Diocesan Review Board, made up of professionals in the fields of law enforcement, counseling, family therapy, legal counsel and the Church, meets quarterly and advises the bishop regarding policies, allegations and processes.