Safe Environment

Blessed Sacrament Church is working closely with the Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment to create a safe environment for everyone, but especially for children.  The Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment (OVASE) was created in 2003 to ensure that every parish, school, organization, and agency is safe for all children.

See ARCHBISHOP'S LETTER FOR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN & YOUTH

Archdiocese Policy on Sexual Misconduct Video Schedule

Sunday, August 29  11:00am - 11:45am

                            Parish Center, Room 202

Wednesday, September 1    After Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Meeting

                                        Parish Center, Banquet Hall

Sunday, September 5  11:00am - 11:45am

                                Parish Center, Room 202

Child Lures Safe Environment Training

Monday, August 30    6:30pm - 7:30pm 

                               Parish Center, Room 202

OVASE:

• Offers immediate pastoral response and assistance to those who have been sexually abused by clergy, archdiocesan staff, or volunteer.
• Will assess needs, explain procedures, and help reconnect the victim to the church through honest and direct communication, and trustworthy, ethical conduct.
• Provide educational opportunities for archdiocesan and parish leadership regarding the effects of abuse on victims and appropriate ministerial boundaries.
• Educate children and adults about preventing abuse, encouraging behaviors that keep children safe, and acting to protect children if abust occurs.
• Trains and assists Safe Environment Coordinators in every parish, school, institution, and agency.
• Monitor criminal background checks for all clergy, employees, and designated volunteers.

OVASE Home Page

Policies, documents, and other helpful links available on the OVASE Home Page.

The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.  The Charter also includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse.  The Archdiocese of San Antonio developed eparchial policies and procedures relating to the Charter.  You are encouraged to read the following documents:

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

Archdiocese of San Antonio:  Policies on Ethics and Integrity in Ministry

Archdiocese of San Antonio:  Policy on Sexual Misconduct on the Part of Church Personnel

Clergy, Staff, and Volunteer Training and Screening

Criminal Background Check (CBC)   Select & Print CBC application HERE

• All clergy, staff, and volunteers who minister to children and/or vulnerable populations must complete a CBC
• Criminal Background Checks are valid for three (3) years.

• All clergy, staff, and volunteers must view the Archdiocese Policy on Sexual Misconduct video and review the Policy on Sexual Misconduct.
•  THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS.
• The policy video must be viewed at least once.
• Clergy, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to review Archdiocese Policy on Sexual Misconduct regularly.

Safe Environment Training (CHILD LURES)

• All clergy, staff, volunteers who minister directly to children must receive CHILD LURES training
• CHILD LURES training is valid for three (3) years.