1 Safe Harbor: Safeguarding All God's Children St. John the Evangelist Religious Education Program © 2004

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Safe Harbor: Safeguarding All God's Children

St. John the Evangelist Religious Education Program

© 2004

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Introduction“Safe Harbor”

“Steer the ship of my life, good Lord, to your quiet harbor where I can be safe from the storms of sin and conflict. Give me the strength and courage to recognize the course I should take that I find in you comfort and peace, and shelter from the storm.”

“The Apostle Simon”Rubens c. 1613

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Lord God, you bring us here together to learn more about how you created us and how you want us to live in peace and happiness with each other. We know that each person is precious to you.

You sent your son, Jesus to live in a family because you wanted him to have the chance to live life fully here on earth. You gave Jesus parents, other relatives and friends to protect and guide him while he was a child. You want the same for us.

Open our minds to take this opportunity to understand better the world around us. Teach us to love and protect each other in every way that we can. Keep us mindful of all the blessings of everyday life we might take for granted, especially the gift of living in a family with each other.

Open our hearts to hear anew your unconditional love for us. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Opening Prayer

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Topics of Discussion

What is a “Safe Harbor”? What is the “storm” I need to be

aware of? Who do I turn to? How do I receive strength and

courage? What happens next? What would Jesus do?

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Topic One: What is a “Safe Harbor”? A “safe harbor” is a person, place,

or thing that provide peace where there is conflict.

A “safe harbor” is not there to judge or be judged.

A “safe harbor” is there solely to protect and keep one safe.

A “safe harbor” lives out Jesus’ request to keep His sheep safe.

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“SAFE HARBORS” Parent Policeman Fireman Doctor Nurse Principal Director of Religious

Education Teacher Catechist Family Member Friend

Who would you go to first?

Why? What would you

say? Why would this

person be a “safe harbor”?

**Think: Who is your “safe harbor”.

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Topic Two: What is the “storm” I need to be aware of? Bullying/Harassment Abuse

Verbal/ Emotional Abuse Name Calling Using improper language

Physical Abuse Hurting someone physically

• Beating, punching, kicking Sexual Abuse

Touching/Hurting someone in private areas Saying things that refer to adult actions

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Bullying/Harassment

What is bullying?

Why would someone bully another?

What happens when one is bullied?

What could you say if you are being bullied?

How would you feel?

Who can you turn to?

What is harassment?

Why would someone harass another?

What happens when one is harassed?

What could you say if you are being harassed?

How would you feel?


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Why? What would you

say? Why would this



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Verbal/ Emotional AbuseName CallingUsing improper languageTeasingVerbal AttacksWithholding affectionMaking a person feel useless

Why would this be considered abuse?

When does it become abuse?

What could you say if you are being abused?

How would you feel?


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Why? What would you

say? Why would this



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Physical AbuseQ.: What is Physical Abuse?

Answer: Hurting someone physically

•Beating, punching, kicking


Why would someone do this?


How would you feel?


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Why? What would you

say? Why would this



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Sexual AbuseQ: What is sexual abuse?

Answer: Touching/Hurting someone in private areasSaying things that refer to adult actions




How would you feel?


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What is meant by “private parts” for girls? “Private parts” are

parts of your body that you keep covered, even in a swimming suit.

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“Private parts” are parts of your body that you keep covered, even in a swimming suit.

What is meant by “private parts” for boys?

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Sexual AbuseWhy would this be considered abuse?



How would you feel?


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Why? What would you

say? Why would this



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Topic Three: Why turn to a “Safe Harbor”?



“Safe Harbors” know what do do in the event you need help fast.

“Safe Harbors” know that you are very important and your feelings are very important, too.

“Safe Harbors” will do whatever they can to make you feel comfortable.

“Safe Harbors” will do whatever they can to keep you safe.

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Real Life: How will I receive strength and courage? It is very important for you to know that it

is okay to be frightened or scared at certain times of your life.

There will always be an adult who will be there to assist you.

You never need to deal with these “storms” alone.

Remember Jesus said, “I am with you always until the end of the world.” (NAB)

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What happens next? First you will need to tell your “Safe Harbor” everything.

You need to be truthful. You need to be specific. Do not be judgmental.

*Your “Safe Harbor” will tell you what will happen, what information will be used, who it will be reported to, and what will happen next.

*Be sure to ask questions at any time.*If you do not feel safe, tell your “Safe Harbor”.*Your “Safe Harbor” will continue to inform you what will

happen next.*There will be a solution.

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What would Jesus do? What does the Church ask of

each of us? What can we do to stop the

“storms” in our lives? What can we hope for?

The Church’s “Safe Harbor”: Jesus Christ

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Final Prayer

Holy Spirit, be with me.

Help me to know that you live within me.

Help me if I feel uncomfortable to be able to tell someone about it.

Keep me safe in your embrace

Now and throughout my life.

Amen.

Documents

1 Safe Harbor: Safeguarding All God's Children St. John the Evangelist Religious Education Program © 2004