1) How is this connected to the “Safe Environment” program?
Circle of Grace is the safe environment program for children/youth.  The goal is to help children/youth understand the sacredness of who they are and how to seek help when needed through their relationships with trusted adults.

2) What information does this program give my child that they are not getting already?
Circle of Grace reinforces, in a peer setting, that our children's faith community cares about their safety and wants them to understand how to seek help if they feel unsafe for any reason.  It helps them identify potentially unsafe situations and know how to handle unsafe situations by seeking help from trusted adults.

3) You indicate that this program provides them with “life skills”, what do you mean by this?
Circle of Grace reinforces that children are valued by God and others.  It gives them information about boundaries and practical directives on what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable when in their Circle of Grace.  It is a good foundation for healthy relationships that will help them throughout their lives.

4) Will this program be age appropriate?
Yes! The lessons are written with great attention to the stages of child development. 

5) How can parents support what is being taught in the program?
Parents receive parent letters, and some receive take home activities to do with their children.  Talking with your children about the Circle of Grace helps your children understand the importance of the lessons and that the lessons apply everywhere, not just at church or at school. Remember, you are your child’s most important teacher in the area of relationships.  Much of what your child learns and will later imitate about relationships comes from what they learn by your example.  Creating an atmosphere where they know that they can talk to you about anything provides a valuable safety net for your children because they know they have you to turn to whenever they have a concern.

6) Is there accountability attached to this program's implementation?
Yes! There is an ongoing evaluation of the program to ensure its efficacy and to incorporate any suggestions that improve the quality of the program.

7) Will there be resources (people and material) available if I have questions?
Yes! There is a parent packet for parents that includes contact numbers, should parents wish to have one. Please contact your Faith Formation Director (see end of page) for more information.

8) Shouldn’t parents be the ones teaching their children about sexuality?
Absolutely! However, this is NOT a sex education program.  Circle of Grace provides children with a sound understanding of their own value and of God’s care and presence in their lives.  It also helps them notice the signals that tell them when they do not feel safe and how to talk to a trusted adult.  All of this is a good foundation for healthy relationships.  However, Circle of Grace is not a sexuality education program.  Many parents appreciate that this program provides a spiritual framework that allows parent‐child communication about the value of all that they are, including their sexuality.  Those conversations are most effective between parent and child.  There are grade specific Parents First newsletters that assist you in these conversations.

9) Is this a mandatory program for my child?
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) developed the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People.  Article 12 of this document states that each Diocese must have a safe environment program for adults and children/youth. 

If you have questions or concerns about your child participating in the Circle of Grace program, please feel free to contact either Lana Jezierski (Children Faith Formation Coordinator) at ljezierski@stmichaelchurch.net, or Laura Rodriguez (Coordinator of Youth Faith Formation) at lrodriguez@stmichaelchurch.net.