Catholic Diocese of Austin
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Called to Protect for Youth

As Catholics, we believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Each of us is sacred and our lives – body, mind and soul – should be treated with respect. Called to Protect for Youth gives our young people practical tools, in language and medium they can understand, to realize this fundamental teaching of our faith.

Parishes and schools in the Diocese of Austin are required to provide the Called to Protect for Youth program annually for their 6th and 9th graders; students in other middle and high school grades new to the parish/school should also be invited. Students unable to attend are not required to “make up” the session, but information should be made available to the parent to share with the student upon request. The importance of attending this program should be stressed to the students and parents – this shouldn’t be presented as an optional program. Minors wishing to volunteer in “helper roles” are encouraged to attend a CTPY workshop.


To schedule a program, click the button below.

 

Instructions for a successful Called to Protect for Youth session

  1. The parish DRE or youth minister, or school administrator, should review the EIM 101 procedures manual regarding the CTPY program prior to scheduling a session for their site.
  2. Only CTPY facilitators trained by the diocese may present the CTPY program. Those catechists/teachers who regularly work with the students are expected to be present at all times during the CTPY program to supervise and facilitate student activities, and provide support to any student that might need it during the session.
  3. The Called to Protect for Youth program is not part of the human sexuality or religion curriculum in Catholic schools and is not to replace the catechetical curriculum in parish religious education programs.
  4. Each parish and Catholic school in the diocese is required to present Called to Protect for Youth to their 6th and 9th grade students, and those new to the parish/school, every year (all middle and high school grades may attend). We offer CTPY at 2 different grades/ages due to the maturation that occurs over those years; students should plan to attend twice, in both their middle school and high school years.
  5. Although the “requirement” is on the parish/school to provide the program rather than on the student to receive the program, the importance of attending CTPY should be clearly explained and stressed to both students and parents – this shouldn’t be advertised as an optional program.
  6. Please provide this CTPY information letter (English/Spanish) to all RE/youth ministry and Catholic school families at the beginning of the school year informing them that CTPY will be presented during the school year. This letter includes a link to the website for additional program information. If you have parents that may not have access to the internet, you may print and make paper copies of this information available to parents. Two-three weeks prior to the actual workshop, this CTPY reminder note (English/Spanish) should be sent to parents. To provide a consistent message to families at all diocesan parishes and schools, please only use the letter and note referenced in this section to communicate with your families about CTPY.
  7. If, after being informed and educated about the CTPY program, parents still do not want their child to attend, they should complete the CTPY waiver form (English/Spanish) indicating that they understand that they are assuming the responsibility for educating their child about the information covered (basic program information will be made available to them). However, the waiver option does not have to be included with the initial parent information; parents who have a legitimate concern and want a waiver will ask for one.
  8. Each parish/school will have to determine the best “format” to present Called to Protect for Youth. The primary options are: three, one-hour class sessions integrated into the regular curriculum or a 3-4 hour “retreat format” at a time outside of the regular class schedule. Ideally the middle school and high school sessions would be held separately, but if the size of the parish makes combining age groups more feasible, catechists/teachers from all the grades must be present to help supervise their students with the various activities. If smaller, neighboring parishes choose to combine to organize a CTPY session, the activity portions would be supervised by the students own catechists/teachers.
  9. The DRE/youth minister, or school principal, will provide the CTPY preparation information (sent with the CTPY confirmation) to their catechists/teachers who will be attending/assisting with the CTPY program. If possible, it is best for parish/school staff to meet briefly with the facilitator before the beginning of the first session, so that they can review instructions regarding their role during each of the sessions.
  10. It is recommended that presentations be limited to a ratio of approximately 50 students to one facilitator. If your group is larger than 60 students, please request two facilitators.
  11. A DVD or VHS player and large screen are needed to present the program. A sound system may be needed for the facilitator. Poster board and markers will also be needed.
  12. If the program is offered outside of “regular” class time, ample (at least 2-3 weeks) advance notification must be given to parents to ensure attendance by their children. If the retreat format is used, any snacks provided should be saved for the break after the second part of the program.
  13.  Parents may observe the program, but the program is not intended for younger children and they should not be present at the time of the sessions. Parish staff will greet the students and parents at the door and direct them to appropriate areas. Parents may not sit with their students or interact in the program at any time.
  14. Upon completion of all three sessions, the DRE or school administrator responsible for CTPY implementation should complete the CTPY Program Report (parish/school) form. For parishes, if the youth minister has organized the CTPY for the ninth graders, they should complete that section of the form (2 forms are not required). Please provide a copy of this document to your EIM site administrator for the parish Self Audit, maintain a copy for your records and send the original to the EIM Office in one of 3 manners listed at the bottom of the form. Signed waiver forms and any attendance lists should be kept and filed with your copy of the CTPY Program Report form.