Archdiocese of Omaha
Circle of Grace
Reviewed 08/01/07
The Archdiocese of Omaha has developed the Circle of Grace Program in
response to article 12 of the U.S. Bishops Dallas Charter. It is a comprehensive
program that is rich in faith and clinically sound. The program has a strong
parent component and teaches God’s unceasing presence in our lives.
This safe environment program is both educational and formational for
children and youth.
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 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.
Why is it important to help our children understand the Circle of
Grace?
God intends our relationships in life to be experiences of divine love. Respectful,
nurturing, loving relationships increase our understanding of our own value and help
us to love others. It is never too early to help children understand how very special they
are and how relationships in life are called to be sacred. Understanding this can help
them to protect the special person they are and to be respectful of others.
Adults, as they strive to provide a safe and protective environment, hold the
responsibility to help children understand and respect their own dignity and that of
others. A truly safe and protective environment is one where children recognize when
they are safe or unsafe and know how to bring their concerns, fears, and uncertainties to
the trusted adults in their lives.
How is the Circle of Grace Program different from other protection
programs?
According to research, one in four girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused by
age eighteen.1 Many protection programs focus on “stranger danger,” however, ninety
percent of the time the perpetrator of abuse is known to the child, such as a relative or
family friend. Circle of Grace goes beyond just protection by helping children
understand the sacredness of who they are and how to seek help through their
relationships with trusted adults.
Don't forget to stop by our faqs section of "Circle of Grace."
