We are ALL "Called to Protect"...Parents Know Best.

“If the policies and programs to protect children from sexual abuse you have adopted are to achieve their full purpose, they need to be placed in a wider context. Children have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person. We need to reassess urgently the values underpinning society so that a sound moral formation can be offered to young people and adults alike. Every member of society can contribute to this moral renewal and benefit from it. Truly caring about young people and the future of our civilization means recognizing our responsibility to promote and live by the authentic moral values which alone enable the human person to flourish.”


Pope Benedict XVI to Catholic Bishops of the United States on April 16, 2008 regarding the issue of the clergy sexual-abuse scandal.


Because of the serious concerns regarding the sex education/safe environment programs in the Archdiocese of Portland I sent Cathy Shannon, the Child Protection Director an email. This was almost a month ago and these programs are being implemented. Our common quest to protect the innocence and souls of children of the Archdiocese of Portland might have fallen on deaf ears.

While praying and waiting for a response I do believe, that the Superintendent of School, Robert Mizia is the next step. In the interim there are on going training sessions for adults. I am sending part of the letter from Rome indicating that this Archdiocese has a parental opt out policy for children, just to remind the facilitators of this fact.

Below is a copy of the letter I sent Cathy Shannon and the letter to those contact people responsible for the meetings. All policies regarding our children should be offered, as well as a mention of the opt-out policy on the Archdiocesan web page.
Archdiocese of Portland chlid policies - Child Protection web page.

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Dear Cathy,

Since you are getting started with your new school year and the child protection programs, I was wondering if you would please consider adding "Healthy Families, Safe Children" as an option to your list. Go to Healthy Families/Safe Children for clips and an overview. According to the "Charter", each diocese can choose and develop their own list as long as it is in compliance with the Charter. This is a wonderful option.

This series would educate parents in how to have healthy families and thus keep their children safe..as the title of the program states. Thus, the Archdiocese would be central in the Church's mission to help the family in their role, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The folks that put this together are in Oregon: Bishop Robert Vasa, Dr. Lee Harrington, Dr. Lynn Bissonnett-Pitre to name a few. This shows how Oregon does care about her children.

And finally, it's a truly Catholic option. The other programs that are on the list are simply modified for "religious" organizations. They also are suspect in their foundations and content as being Catholic-friendly and Archbishop Vlazny has agreed that parents can opt-put of these existing programs.

Since the Archbishop has given an opt-out option, would you please include this in your website and let those giving the workshops this information? This happened in March and it has still not been "advertised".

Thanks for all you do and for your kind consideration to these requests.

Carolyn Wendell
503-769-4767

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EMAIL RECENTLY SENT TO FACILITATORS ON
"CALLED TO PROTECT" PROGRAM SCHEDULE ATTACHED

Dear Facilitator for the Safe Environment Program,

Thank you for caring for the children of the Archdiocese of Portland. However, there are many parents in Oregon who feel that these particular "safe environment" programs do not conform with the directives of our Church to actually protect the innocence of children and ensure parental control. This is a nationwide problem.

Vatican on Parents and Children
Catechism of the Catholic Church - The Fourth Commandment - Life in Christ
2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental. As far as possible parents have the duty of choosing schools that will best help them in their task as Christian educators.38 Public authorities have the duty of guaranteeing this parental right and of ensuring the concrete conditions for its exercise.

To help parents and their concerns, the Archdiocese has a parental "Opt-Out" provision. This was confirmed in a February 2009 letter from Rome to a concerned parent. Since there is no mention of this opt-out provision on the Archdiocesan Child Protection web page http://www.archdpdx.org/cpo/ or even in its March 2009 press release it seems necessary to make sure that you, the facilitators, are aware of the policy to be in compliance with the Archdiocese and Rome. Here is a portion of the letter. The entire letter is available if needed .

“It would appear that parents are able to seek an exemption from the Safe Touch programs offered in Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Portland on their own behalf and on behalf of their children, and that this is the policy of the Archdiocese.”
Archbishop Mauro Piacenza – Titular Archbishop of Vittoriana,
Secretary for Congregation of the Clergy.

Again, thank you for your dedication to the children of Oregon.

God Bless you,
Carolyn Wendell
503-769-4767

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PEOPLE I CONACTED ABOUT THIS.....

Called to Protect Program Schedule Please check out the CYO web site link for additional training dates

Date Time Program Location Contact Person Contact Information


Sep 8 3:30 & 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace School Debilyn Janota 503-362-3443
4227 Lone Oak Rd. SE. school@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep 10 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 12 12:00 PM Parents and Ministers St. Alice Church Jason Roebuck 541-747-7041
1520 F St. jroebuck@archdpdx.org
Springfield, OR 97477

Sep 12 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries St. John the Baptist School Dana Day 503-654-0200
Video: School Library 10956 SE 25th Ave. ddaysjb@msn.com
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Sep 12 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Holy Trinity School Melissa Core 503-644-5748
Fireside Room 13755 SW Walker Rd.
Beaverton, OR 07005

Sep 13 11:00 AM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace Church Tricia Boyle 503-364-7202
4170 Pullman Ave. SE. Lana@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep 13 1:00 PM Parents and Ministries Ascension Catholic Church Sharon Grigar 503-256-3897
Must RSVP 7507 SE Yamhill St. sharon-ascension@qwestoffice.net
Conference Room Portland, OR 97215

Sep 15 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John the Baptist School Dana Day 503-654-0200
Video: School Library 10956 SE 25th Ave. ddaysjb@msn.com
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Sep 16 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 16 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John the Apostle Parish Mike Adams 503-742-8201
Parish Center 417 Washington St. sjamikeadams@aol.com
Oregon City, OR 97045

Sep. 16 7:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Paul Church Mary Ann Lamb 541-686-2345
1201 Satre St.
Eugene, OR 97401

Sep 16 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Barbara Stanton 503-288-9197
Parish Hall 3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland OR 97212

Sep 16 8:00 PM Parents and Ministries Queen of Peace School Dabilyn Janota 503-362-3443
4227 Lone Oak Rd. SE. school@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Sep. 17 9:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
This class is in Spanish 2838 E. Burnside St. Sr. Guadalupe Medina cfessler@archdpdx.org
Room 8 Portland, OR 97214

Sep 17 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries Our Lady of the Mountain Evelyn Tucker 541-482-1146
This class is bilingual 987 Hillview Dr.
Parish Hall Ashland, OR 97520

Sep 19 11:30 AM Parents and Ministries St. Juan Diego Parish Bridget Becker 503-644-1617
St. Pius X Community Center 1280 NW Saltzman Rd. bbecker@stjuandiego.org
Portland, OR 97229

Sep 20 12:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Andrew Catholic Church April Sandoval 503-281-4429
St. Andrew Nativity School 806 NE Alberta St. asandoval@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97211

Sep 21 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. James Church Engracia Arellano 503-472-5232
This class is in Spanish 1145 NE First St.
Fireside Room McMinnville, OR 97128

Sep 22 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutx@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Sep 22 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. James Church Sandra Van Bergen 503-472-5232
This Class is in English 1145 NE First St.
Fireside Room McMinnville, OR 97128

Sep 23 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Andrew Catholic Church April Sandoval 503-281-4429
St. Andrew Nativity School 806 NE Alberta St. asandoval@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97211

Sep 23 7:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Paul Church Mary Ann Lamb 541-686-2345
1201 Satre St.
Eugene, OR 97401

Sep. 24 2:00 PM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Sep 30 1:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. John Fisher Merrit Holub 503-452-8570
Parish Center 7007 SW 46th Ave.
Portland, OR 97219

Sep 30 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. John Fisher Merrit Holub 503-452-8570
Parish Center 7007 SW 46th Ave.
Portland, OR 97219

Sep 30 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries La Salle College Prep. Mary Neil 503-496-1761
School Library 11999 SE Fuller Rd. mneil@lshigh.org
Milwaukie, OR 97222

Oct 6 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Luke School Emily Humm 503-981-7441
529 Harrison St.
Woodburn, OR 97071

Oct 6 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Barbara Stanton 503-288-9197
3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212

Oct 12 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Oct 13 8:15 AM Parents and Ministries St. AnthonySchool School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Cafeteria 12645 SW Pacific Hwy.
Tigard, OR 97223

Oct 13 5:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Library 12645 SW Pacific Hwy
Tigard, OR 97223

Oct 22 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sara.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Oct 27-28 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Train the Trainer Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
cfessler@archdpdx.org
Eugene, OR

Nov 1 9:15 AM English Parents Ascension Catholic Church Sharon Grigar 503-256-3897
Must RSVP 7507 SE Yamhill St. sharon-ascension@qwestoffice.net
Conference Room Portland, OR 97215

Nov 10 8:15 AM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Cafeteria 12645 SW Pacific Hwy
Tigard, OR 97223

Nov 10 5:30 PM Parents and Ministries St. Anthony School School Office 503-639-4179
Video - Library 12645 SW Pacific Hwy.
Tigard, OR 97223

Nov 10 2:30 PM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Dec 4 10:00 AM Parents and Ministries Pastoral Center Ceil Fessler 503-233-8391
Room 4 2838 E. Burnside St. cfessler@archdpdx.org
Portland, OR 97214

Dec 15 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Jan 7 6:30 PM Parents and Ministries The Madeleine School/Parish Susan Steele 503-288-9197
3123 NE 24th Ave.
Portland, OR 97212

Jan 17 9:45 AM Parents & Ministries Queen of Peace Church Tricia Boyle 503-364-7202
4170 Pullman Ave. SE. Lana@queenofpeacesalem.org
Salem, OR 97302

Feb 2 6:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
MUST RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Apr 6 4:00 PM Parents and Ministries St. Agatha School Sarah Lutz 503-234-5500
Must RSVP 7960 SE 15th Ave. sarah.lutz@stagatha.us
School Library Portland, OR 97202

Archdpdx "Safe Touch" Opt-Out Documentation: Why Not Implement it? Great options part one.

“It would appear that parents are able to seek an exemption from the Safe Touch programs offered in Catholic Schools within the Archdiocese of Portland on their own behalf and on behalf of their children, and that this is the policy of the Archdiocese.”
Mauro Piacenza – Titular Archbishop of Vittoriana, Secretary for Congregation of the Clergy
+++++++++
Dear Advocates for Life,

Permission has been granted for any parents who want to opt out their children from the Archdiocese of Portland's "Safe Environments" programs. To be sent a complete copy of the original letter from Rome please email me.

These programs have caused much distress among many families throughout the United States. The great question is who is choosing these programs and why are they all NOT in compliance with the Catechism of the Catholic church's message and common sense of protecting the innocence of children. No matter what the culture of the day is.

Most (85%) of the sexual abuse cases levied at some priests and bishops of the Church are homosexual in nature and yet we see a homosexual connection in these programs that could be considered its promotion.

The USCCB website http://www.usccb.org/nrb/johnjaystudy/ describes what is expected of all dioceses. The website for USCCB Office of Child and Youth Protection http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/websafe.shtml has many questions with answers, one is :


"Who evaluates the results of the background investigation and determines if the individual is suitable for work with children?"
Below are some of the programs used in the Archdiocese of Portland. Each has a problem recognized as inappropriate for the true safety of the innocence of children. Go to the Link above for more information on the pro-homosexual propaganda and suspect beginnings. These are just a sampling of what should have been sending up red flags to the USCCB. Are THEY doing any background investigation?

Praesedium/Armatus  http://www.praesidiuminc.com/

Jane Hickerson, PhD, Executive VP of Praesidium - co-authored a book on Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered persons, for graduate and undergraduate college students. Here are some links regarding her field of expertise.Homosexual Connections for kids?
More "gay" connections.tive-authors.html

"Armatus covers sensitive material, including sexual and physical abuse. If you find the content disturbing, please discuss your concerns with your supervisor. Thank you for your commitment to protecting those in your care."

Talk About Touching - Committee for Children

THE COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN
The genesis of the "Talking about Touching" curriculum provides a fascinating case study in how secular forces - and highly questionable forces at that come into play within a Catholic-school curriculum.

The curriculum was funded by the State of Washington and produced by the Seattle-based Committee for Children. This committee is a non-profit organization that grew out of 1970s group called Judicial Advocates for Women, which itself originally grew out of Seattle COYOTE, and whose initial mission was to "educate the public about the realities of prostitution."

In fact, COYOTE is an acronym for "Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics;" the group was founded in 1973 "to work for the repeal of the prostitution laws and an end to the stigma associated with sexual work." As of 1997, Seattle COYOTE's executive director was Catherine LaCroix, who billed herself as a "Dianic Wiccan priestess" and a "Shameless Sacred Whore."

In one scene, a kindergartener asks his mother, "Mommy, what is sex?," to which the celluloid mom responds, "Sex is when two people get undressed and rub their private parts together." One woman who attended the screening later voiced her disgust with chancery officials: "What is Catholic about this program?

See the links above - "Safe Touch - Talk about Touching"
Catholic Medical Association - "Talk about Touching "
Boy Scout Videos
Show scenarios of abuse which have caused distress in some children and were considered inappropriate by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women in PDX in a letter to Archbishop Vlazny after a three month study.

VIRTUS - Protecting God's Children

The Abusing God's Children..Abusisng God's Children
++++++++++
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2006 responded to the primacy of parents to educate their children and help them as the parents feel is the correct way with this response:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a little-noticed, single paragraph released May 15 on its web site, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reversed the policy adopted by numerous dioceses across America that had subjected Catholic schoolchildren to mandatory “sex-abuse-education” classes.

“New regulations issued May 15 by the U.S. bishops allow parents to remove their children from diocesan-sponsored training programs in child sex-abuse prevention,” said the announcement from the U.S. bishops’ Catholic News Service (CNS).

And the announcement appeared on the very day that the Vatican announced the acceptance by Pope Benedict XVI of the resignation of Washington’s Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, an outspoken supporter of those education programs.

In fact, Cardinal McCarrick had ordered all archdiocesan Catholic schools to expel any children whose parents refused to allow their children into the secular “Child Lures” program that was mandatory until the May 15 announcement apparently reversed it.
www.wandererpress.com 5-25-06
++++++++++

Cat Willett gone from Justice and Peace Office: A Chance for LIFE?

Dear Advocates for Life,

Catherine "Cat" Willett has left as director of the Office of Justice and Peace for the Archdpdx. By Monday, July 12th, it is said that a new person will take her place. This has not happened yet and I pray that Archbishop Vlazny and Mary Jo Tully will think about the need for a Respect Life Office and one for Marriage and Family Life.

For decades the "Justice and Peace" Office has been the depository of our Catholic collection plate monies with NO financial help, NO budget when Father Cihak was "Respect Life Director", no staff, no real "respect" for unborn life. Our families have not had a director since Jay Wonacott left many years ago.

Out of the Office of Justice and Peace has flowed the river of lopsided "justice", none for the weakest, the unborn. Through it we still link arms with Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and other ultra liberal anti-Catholic groups that saps us of funds and strength. Regarding the "Catholic" Campaign for Human Development, this office still hasn't answered who's on the committee to choose groups that receive Catholic money. Over 90% of them aren't Catholic and we've given tens of thousands of dollars to ACORN and Saul Alinsky type groups over and over again. Is there a conflict, why the secrecy?

There is pending legislation on the Federal level regarding abortion, and last session in Oregon we had a man who was pro-abortion as the lobbyist for us. In this age of confusion regarding Life Issues and thus the loss of immortal Souls, the vast responsibility for this is falling on the priests, please pray for their continued holiness and conversion, as well as ours. May Christ's Light shine on those making decisions. There is so much at stake.

We pray for Cat Willett, that her life will be blessed and directed by the Holy Spirit.

"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith."
-St. Peter Canisius (1521-1597)

"When there is an imminent danger for the Faith, Prelates must be questioned,
even publicly, by their subjects."
-St. Thomas Aquinas

Jesus promised He would never leave us.

Is "John Stephen" considered a real boy to the 2009 Legislature?

Dear Advocates for Life, As the end of the 2009 Session ends it doesn't look like the bill to acknowledge a crime in which an unborn child is a victim of violence is going to make it off of the desk of Senator Devlin. John Stephen was cut from his mothers womb and both died by this action. His mother's death deemed murder, however, his life seems to be a vapor...The Majority of legislators in Salem don't see him as a real boy and feel any need to protect him. It is frightening to realize that these men and women are in charge of our lives, common sense is lost on them..they have hardened their.hearts. We can never lose hope so...please keep praying and let your those in power know how you feel. Like a drop of water that wears away a stone, may our prayers change their hearts to those of flesh. sen.petercourtney@state.or.us sen.richarddevlin@state.or.us You can always go to http://www.leg.state.or.us/index.html and contact all the legislators. Their contact info is all there. I'll have a wrap up of the 2009 Session next week when SINE DIE should take place. (Lat. The final adjournment of a legislative session, without adjourning to a specific time or date;) Prayer request..Please pray for the 41st Battalion of the Oregon National Guard. They are going to deploy for Iraq from Ft. Stewart in Georgia. We don't have a priest for them, so they need our prayers for spiritual direction and protection. Our son is among the soldiers and I thank you for any prayers for them, especially for those who have no faith. God Bless you and yours, Carolyn Perseverance... keeps honor bright: to have done, is to hang quite out of fashion, like a rusty nail in monumental mockery. ~William Shakespeare

Immediate Action Requested - "John Stephen" Cut Out of Womb Needs Our Voice

Dear Advocates for Life, The murder of 21 year old Heather Snively and her unborn child highlights a grave injustice in Oregon’s law. Korena Elaine Roberts is accused of killing Heather and cutting her unborn child from her womb. Both Heather and her unborn baby died from the attack but under Oregon law the District Attorney can not charge Roberts with the murder of the baby unless it is proven that the baby took a breath of air before dying. According to Oregonian report, the deputy state medical examiner, Dr. Christopher Young said, “both the mom and child appeared healthy, there was no other reason for them to die.” Senator Bruce Starr (R–Hillsboro) has requested a bill that will allow separate murder charges for the killing of an unborn child during a criminal act. “There is no doubt that there are two victims, two crimes and two instances where justice must be served,” said Starr. “The family of Heather Snively and her son John Stephens will always grieve for two, and the law should recognize that two lives were ended on Friday, not just one.” In 2005 the Oregon Legislature considered a similar bill. The bill passed in the House with bi-partisan support but was refused a vote in the Senate. HB 2020 Was the Laci/Connor Peterson Bill to expand criminal homicide to include causing death of unborn child. VOCAL at the time http://vocalblog.blogspot.com/2005/02/connor-petersons-grandfather-to-speak_19.html ....At that time the Oregon Catholic Conference did NO lobbying either with Bob Castagna at the helm...He is now at Kentucky Oregon Catholic Conference....some things never change...Catholics give good benefits and there is job security. 36 other states have similar unborn victims of violence laws. ACTION: Call the following Senators and ask them to support Sen. Starr’s bill. -Senate President Peter Courtney 503.986.1600 -Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin 503.986.1700 The Oregon Legislature is scheduled to adjourn in a matter of days. Oregonians must act now, if the bill has any chance of becoming law. For More Information http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=124433748160657800 Roger Martin, the lobbyist for the Catholic Church, although he's not pro-life needs to get on this. It is frustrating for us who pay his wage and are for protecting innocent life to have him in such a position, but the Archdpdx hired him. (as a legistor he voted to legalize abortion in 1969 and it passed. he also sponsored a bill to eliminate parental/spousal notification before an abortion) Roger Martin and Associates (Martin & Associates) 525 1st St Ste 112, Lake Oswego, OR 97034-3100 Contact Phone:(503) 636-8188 God Bless you and yours, Carolyn “We shall be called to account not only for every idle word, but also for every idle silence.” St. Ambrose