March 1, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Parents and Guardians have the awesome right and responsibility of educating their children in matters of personal safety, and we, in the Faith Formation Office here at St. Sylvester Parish, as directed by the Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children/Young People, have the responsibility of assisting you in ensuring that age appropriate abuse prevention education is made available for parents, guardians and children in both the elementary and secondary levels.
For Parents and Guardians:
In an effort to ensure that all parents and children in the Faith Formation Program have been properly informed in matters of abuse (defined as any physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child) we are making “Teaching Boundaries and Safety Guide; Guide for Caring Adults, Parents and Guardians” (Copyright 2015 by National Catholic Services Risk Services) available to you. In this guide you will find information that will increase your awareness about abuse and offer suggestions on how to discuss this with your child. Please click here to view the guide.
For Parents, Guardians and Children:
In accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Article 12; the Charter), which is approved by the U. S. Catholic Bishops and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, age appropriate materials on prevention, recognition and reporting of abuse will now also be available for parents and guardians to review with their children. The “Think First & Stay Safe” Child Lures Prevention Curriculum is available on our website. It is your responsibility to view these materials, share and discuss with your children. For Levels 1-4, please click here and for Levels 5-8, please click here.
In addition, in December of 2022 the Diocese of Rockville Centre filmed a program for students in grades 1 – 9 entitled “Thoughtful and Safe: Life Lessons” which can be found by clicking here. We ask parents to go to this link and view the grade/age-appropriate videos at home.
To meet the compliance requirements for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, after you have read the above information and viewed the videos, please be sure to complete and submit the short survey by clicking here. Thank you!
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Fran McMahon at 631-475-4506, Ext. 107.
We thank you for your cooperation and support of the endeavors of the Faith Formation Program. Know that we remember you and your family in our prayers.
Blessings,
Fr. Gonzalo Fr. Thomas Frances McMahon
Pastor Associate Pastor Director Faith Formation