Circle of Grace

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis adopted the Circle of Grace Program in 2012 to comply with the Article 12 in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People revised and published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in 2011.  Article 12 states:

Dioceses/eparchies are to maintain "safe environment" programs which the diocesan/eparchial bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles.  They are to be conducted cooperatively with parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others about ways to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people.

Principals, Parish Administrators of Religious Education, and Youth Ministers throughout the archdiocese are responsible for assuring that the lessons of the COG curriculum are integrated into their programs annually and for documenting on the official Documentation Form and training that they do.  Annually, dioceses/eparchies are responsible for submitting an audit report to the USCCB providing evidence that the schools, religious education, and youth ministry programs in their jurisdictions are fulfilling this mandate.