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Concept
Through the Circle of Grace program, 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. Along with a strong parent component, the program teaches children that God is with them at all times, especially in difficult situations.
Below is a summary of key Circle of Grace concepts:
God gives each of us a Circle of Grace where He is always "Present"Raise your hands above your head, and then bring your outstretched arms slowly down Extend your arms in front of you and then behind you Embrace all of the space around you, knowing that God is in this space with you Slowly reach down to your feet. This is your Circle of Grace; you are in it.
God is "Present" because he desires a relationship with us•
God is with us when we are happy and sad. God does not cause bad things to happen to us. He loves us very much.
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He desires to help us when we are hurt, scared or confused (unsafe).
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Our faith's greatest promise is not that faith gives us a perfect life, but knowing God is always "present," especially during the difficult times.
God helps us know what belongs in our Circle of Grace•
Our feelings help us know about ourselves and the world around us.
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God helps us know what belongs in our Circle of Grace by experiencing peace, love or contentment when something or someone good comes into our Circle of Grace.
God helps us know what does not belong in our Circle of Grace•
God desires to help us when we are hurt, scared or confused (unsafe).
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The Holy Spirit prompts (alerts) us that something does not belong in our Circle of Grace by giving us “a funny or uncomfortable feeling” that something is not safe. This feeling is there because God wants us to be safe.
God helps us know when to ask for help from someone we trust•
God gives us people in our lives to help us.
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God wants us to talk to trusted grownups about our worries, concerns or “funny/ uncomfortable feelings” so they can help us be safe.
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Goals
PROGRAM GOAL
The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others.PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Children/young people will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.• God is "present" in everyone's Circle of Grace.
Children/young people will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us.
• God is “present” because He desires a relationship with us.
Children/young people will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries.
• God helps us know what belongs in our Circle of Grace.
Children/young people will be able to identify all types of boundary violations.
• God helps us know what does not belong in our Circle of Grace
Children/young people will demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated.
• God helps us know when to ask for help from someone who we trust.
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Overview and Samples
What is the Circle of Grace? It is the love and goodness of God that surrounds us and all others. It is the recognition that God is with us always and is there to help us in difficult situations. Through the Circle of Grace Program, adults assist children and youth to recognize God’s love by understanding that each of us lives and moves within a Circle of Grace. Your Circle of Grace holds who you are in your body and through your senses. It holds your very essence in mind, heart, soul, and sexuality.
The Circle of Grace Program goals and objectives are met in all grades. The program is self‐contained for each grade with everything needed to teach the material. Materials are made available to the parish through the catechetical leader. Click the following for Safe Environment Overview, Sample Lessons and Activities for Circle of Grace.