Houma/Thibodaux Diocesan Outreach Line (985)873-0026
Victims' Assistance Coordinator (985)850-3172
La Dept of Children & Family Svs
1-855-452-5437 (24/7)
National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-422-4453 (24/7)
Lafourche Parish 985-446-2255
St. Mary Parish 337-828-1960
Terrebonne Parish 985-876-2500
Jefferson Parish 504-364-5300
Providing a Safe Environment and educating children, youth and adults about preventing child abuse are prime concerns of these Safe Environment Guidelines. Children are gifts from God, and as such we must treat them with respect and assist them in developing to the full potential that God sees in them. Along with their parents, who are the primary educators of their children in the ways of faith, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is committed to providing a healthy, loving and safe environment where children can be formed into the future adults of our Church and society. Our children deserve this, and to the very best of our ability we are dedicated to providing this to them.
+Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre
Any adult age 18 and older who volunteers and/or are involved in any of our Ministries are required to complete safe environment training. This training prepares you on how to handle and respond to situations that may arise. For more information please contact the Administration Office.
Out of concern for all God’s people and in response to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, we have a program for the safe environment education of children and young people. This program is called Circle of Grace.
Circle of Grace aims to equip our children and young people by arming them with essential knowledge and skills grounded in the richness of our faith. This program helps children and young people to understand their own (and other’s) dignity in mind, body, and spirit.
What is a Circle of Grace?
The Catholic Church teaches that God has created each of us as unique and special. Genesis 1:27 tells us that we are created “male and female in God’s image” and that God saw this as “very good.” In that goodness, we are meant to respect ourselves and everyone else as persons created and loved by God.
Adults assist children and young people to recognize God’s love by helping them to understand that each of us lives and moves in a circle of grace. You can imagine your own circle of grace by putting your arms above your head then circle down in front of your body including side to side. This circle, front to back, holds who you are in your body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality.