Safe Haven Sunday
On March 13, 2022 we celebrated our 1st "Safe Haven Sunday' with the theme "Equipping the Family, Safeguarding Children." This awareness effort is meant to draw our attention as a community to the seriousness of the issues of pornography and to recommit ourselves to take steps to ensure our homes are safe havens for all.
As you work hard to create safe havens for your children and spouse, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and I wish to bring one particular issue to your attention. It’s not easy to discuss, but it’s important. That issue is pornography.
In November of 2016, the USCCB released a pastoral response to pornography, called Create in Me a Clean Heart. The intention of writing this document was to:
- offer healing and hope to those who have been wounded by pornography;
- articulate the Catholic Church’s response to the pastoral crisis brought about by the production and use of pornography; and
- raise awareness of its pervasiveness and harms.
- Why? Because pornography is hurting many people, including marriages and families, singles, priests and religious, and even children. It hurts the healthy process of vocational discernment for our young people. Pornography use impacts the relationships of children with their parents, husbands with their wives (and vice versa), the pastor with his community, and most importantly, our relationship with our Lord.
In the formal statement, the USCCB speak directly to parents about being proactive about the issue of pornography in the life of the home with their children and together as a married couple ensure the home keeps its status as a safe haven for all. The Bishops state, “The use of pornography by anyone in the home deprives the home of its role as a safe haven and has negative effects throughout a family’s life and across generation.”
The Safe Digital Family Challenge: A Digital Crash Course by texting SECURE TO 66866 to receive seven days of emailed digital tips!
online Resources
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Protecting Young Eyes Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Connected (ebook)List Item 2
Connected is a proactive resource that explores how a strong family connection can protect children and teens from the dangers of hidden pornography use. It contains real-life stories and practical tips for maintaining or re-establishing connection in your family. Connected will strengthen your relationship with God, your spouse, and your children, so your family can live free of pornography.
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Confident (ebook)List Item 3
When a parent discovers her child or teenager has been looking at pornography, it can be alarming, hurtful, even frightening. In the confusion of the moment, it is important for parents to understand that these are not unchartered waters. This ebook provides a full step-by-step guide for Christian parents.
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Equipped (Ebook) Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Common Sense Media
Since 2003, Common Sense has been the leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. Every day, millions of parents and educators trust Common Sense reviews and advice to help them navigate the digital world with their kids. Together with policymakers, industry leaders, and global media partners, we're building a digital world that works better for all kids, their families, and their communities.