Parishes across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will take part this weekend in Stand Up Sunday, a new initiative honoring parishioners, clergy, and volunteers who have completed the Church’s abuse-prevention training and safety requirements.
The observance, taking place Nov. 15-16, coincides with the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. Organized by the archdiocese’s Office of Victims Assistance Ministry, the effort is intended to highlight the archdiocese’s continuing commitment to creating safe environments in parishes, schools, and ministries.
“For the first time, we are recognizing Stand Up Sunday in solidarity with those who have been harmed, and as a visible demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the prevention of child sexual abuse,” Dr. Heather Banis, coordinator of the Victims Assistance Ministry, said in the archdiocese’s press release.
At Masses throughout the weekend, parishes will include special prayers and blessings for those who have completed the archdiocese’s requirements of background checks, fingerprinting, and the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training. The VIRTUS program, introduced in 2002, teaches adults how to recognize warning signs of abuse and maintain appropriate boundaries in ministry and education settings.
Archdiocesan officials said Stand Up Sunday is meant to express gratitude for the thousands of people who help ensure that parish and school communities remain safe for children and young people.
According to the archdiocese, more than 470,000 adults have completed the Protecting God’s Children program, and about 165,000 youths take part each year in a related education effort called Empowering God’s Children and Young People. Both are part of the archdiocese’s Safeguard the Children initiative.
“These programs depend on the dedication of volunteers, parents, educators, and clergy who take the training seriously and live it out every day,” Banis said. “Stand Up Sunday allows parishes to thank them publicly and remind everyone that protecting children is a shared responsibility.”
The Office of Victims Assistance Ministry, founded in 2002, offers outreach and support for victim-survivors of abuse and their families. The office also works with parish leaders to foster healing and strengthen prevention programs.
The new observance underscores the archdiocese’s long-term commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Since the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002, dioceses across the country have implemented similar training and screening programs.
The archdiocese, whose 4 million Catholics make it the largest in the nation, continues to update its policies and education materials to meet national standards. Officials said they hope Stand Up Sunday will keep awareness strong and ensure that safe-environment practices remain an active part of parish life.
“Prevention is ongoing,” Banis said. “Our goal is that every person who serves in the Church understands their role in keeping our communities safe.”
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