EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN
Empowering God's Children is an age-appropriate, comprehensive program through which educators (catechists, teachers, and youth ministers) and parents can give children and youth the tools they need to protect themselves and what to do if someone tries to violate their boundaries.
Empowering God's Children is an age-appropriate, comprehensive program through which educators (catechists, teachers, and youth ministers) and parents can give children and youth the tools they need to protect themselves and what to do if someone tries to violate their boundaries.
St Rose of Lima’s Faith Formation program is partnering with parents and guardians in asking their assistance in presenting specific safe environment lessons to their child(ren). It is our cherished role as adults to fully protect children. In addition, we must also teach children about their safety rights and boundaries, so that they have tools to protect themselves.
Click here for the full Parent Letter
For the 2023-24 Faith Formation year, youth will be taught the following two safe environment lessons:
Lesson 5: Being a Safe Friend - Children must know that being a friend means that we “do the right thing” when it comes to healthy friendships with their peers: meaning we recognize unsafe situations, intervene (when possible) and get the information to a safe adult.
Lesson 6: Boundaries: Feelings and Facts - Through this lesson, the adult Lesson Leader teaches students specifically about boundaries, what unsafe situations could potentially feel like, and what to do in response if they feel uncomfortable or are in an unsafe situation.
The lesson plans include a grade-appropriate video component along with a hands-on activity. The material is designed to better equip your child to know their rights, recognize their boundaries, and to empower them to protect themselves when safe adults are not immediately available—and ultimately be safer from people who might want to harm them.
As parents, you have the option to “opt-out” of teaching these lessons to your child(ren) if you so choose. If so, then you need to complete and return the following archdiocesan required Opt-Out Form to
Opt-Out Form
Before teaching the lessons, please review the following important resources:
Program Overview - provides support to parents in educating children about preventing sexual abuse.
Program Overview
Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide - this booklet is a primary resource that assists parents with anticipating common questions and situations that occur in the safety lessons and diffuses fears.
Program Overview
Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide - this booklet is a primary resource that assists parents with anticipating common questions and situations that occur in the safety lessons and diffuses fears.
Please click on the following Lesson Plans with embedded You-tube video links to watch with your child(ren) for their specific grade level:
K - 2nd Grade:
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
3 - 5th Grade:
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
6 - 8th Grade:
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
9 - 12th Grade:
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
NOTE: All lessons must be completed by March 1, 2024.
Once you have completed both lessons for your child’s grade level, please complete and return the required archdiocesan Acknowledgment Form:
(complete one for each child), email to
Acknowledgment Form
