Called To Protect™ For Youth
As Catholics, we believe that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Each of us is sacred and our lives – body, mind and soul – should be treated with respect. Called to Protect™ for Youth gives our young people practical tools, in language and medium they can understand, to realize this fundamental teaching of our faith.
This program is available to sixth through 12 graders in parishes and schools in the Austin Diocese.
Download the Program Overview for pastors, directors of religious education, principals and youth ministers (PDF) for more information.
To schedule a program, click the button below.
Instructions for a successful Called to Protect™ for Youth session
- The trainer for this program has been trained by the diocese. It will be important that the catechists or teachers who work with your youth on a regular basis meet with the trainer before the beginning of the first training, so that they can receive instructions regarding their role during the trainings.
- A DVD or VHS player and large screen are needed to present the three videos. A sound system may be needed to hear the trainer. It is also helpful to have a sound system to facilitate the young people’s activities and for them to share with one another.
- For Part One: materials needed for the young people will be poster board and markers for the first session. One poster board and a set of markers should be available for each group of three to four students. (Also for Option 1, Part Three.)
- For Part Two: the discussion questions should be copied so that each small group of three to four students can have one question. You may also want to provide props for the skits for Part Two and Part Three, at your discretion.
- Following the final session, please forward a list of names of all students who participated in the sessions, as well as any waiver forms, to Communications Office, Diocese of Austin, PO Box 13327, Austin, TX 78711, ATTN: Called to Protect for Youth.
- The student surveys are not mandatory, but provide valuable evaluation material. Please ask your students to complete them a week to one month after the sessions, then collect them and return them to the Communications Office, at the address above.
- The program is mandatory. If the program is offered outside of “regular” class time, ample advance notification must be given to parents to ensure attendance by their children. If parents do not want their child to attend, they must complete the waiver form before the first session. Please contact the Communication Office regarding students who have missed sessions regarding make-up opportunities.
- Only trained personnel provided by the diocese can present the program.
- A parents’ presentation can be made before the students receive their training. Parents need to be aware that they are welcome to observe the program, but the program is not intended for younger children and they should not be present at the time of the sessions (childcare should be found for them). Trainers suggested that parish staff greet the students and parents at the door and direct them to appropriate areas, so that parents do not sit with their students, but in the back of the room.
- We also have provided information for parents. You may reference parents to this URL.
- If the retreat format is used, it is recommended that snacks not be provided until right before the skits (half way through the second session).
- It is recommended that presentations be limited to a ratio of approximately 50 students to one trainer. If your group is larger than 60 students, please request two trainers.