Whether it is the care of vulnerable adults needing assistance in entering our church doors, or working with the Youth Group on an event, it is our responsibility as a Parish Family to take care of each other, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is also our duty to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment, so that individuals can come to Saint John to heal, reflect, socialize, and minister without fear or suspicion.
While performing Mass for the victims of sexual abuse in 2014, Pope Francis said:
There is no place in the Church’s ministry for those who commit these abuses, and I commit myself not to tolerate harm done to a minor by any individual, whether a cleric or not. All bishops must carry out their pastoral ministry with the utmost care in order to help foster the protection of minors, and they will be held accountable.
http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-homily-at-mass-with-sex-abuse-survivo
In order to accomplish what our Holy Father is asking of all of us, we must all work together to create this open, collaborative, and safe environment. We have established a new section on our website (https://legacysite.sjecc.org/about-us/safe-environment-at-saint-john) with the details of our efforts, including links to specific details for ministries and the Diocese of Venice Safe Environment materials.