Safe Environment

In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Omaha, St. Stephen the Martyr Church & School is committed to ensuring that all children can learn with smiles and open hearts from caring leaders. All volunteers (19 years and older), teachers, staff and clergy complete Safe Environment raining/certification and to learn how to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others. Through the training, adults are empowered to be an ambassador of our Church and an advocate for our families and youth.

The Safe Environment training/certification has three steps: 1) Complete a criminal background check; 2) Read and acknowledge the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct; 3) Attend a 2-hour training. Certification is valid for five years and re-certification can be achieved through online training and a new background check.

Questions? Contact Melissa in our Parish Office at m.kane@stephen.org or 402-896-9675; or Laura Bogue, Youth Ministry Director, at l.bogue@stephen or (402) 861-4509.

Circle of Grace

Circle of Grace is the children’s education component of the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Safe Environment training. It serves the dual purpose of educating and informing children and youth about the value of positive relationships with God and others.

Through Circle of Grace, adults assist children and youth to recognize that each of us lives within a Circle of Grace that holds our very essence in body, mind, heart, soul, and sexuality. Children and youth are taught to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries; recognize when boundary violations are about to occur; and demonstrate how to take action when boundaries are threatened or violated. Circle of Grace is clinically sound and grounded in the Catholic tradition. Its strong parent component means parents can actively participate in their children’s education and formation.

The Circle of Grace curriculum is taught at St. Stephen the Martyr.