... a strange man was hanging around the classrooms

... and approaching the children ...

Mr. Steve Martinez, Director

of the Office for Victim Assistance and Safe Environment

for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas:

"Do not wait till there is a strange person hanging around your parish,

"take the steps now to educate and prevent abuse..."


Snippet from his article in Today's Catholic. Friday March 25, 2011.


"I recently was given great news from St. Bonaventure Parish.

"A recent incident at the parish revealed the shortcomings and the bright spots of the abuse prevention program for the archdiocese.

"For several weeks during the religious education classes, a strange man was hanging around class rooms and approaching the children.

"Though no one knew who this man was, there was no major concern that he was a danger to others, especially to children.

"That quickly changed when one of the children told a catechist that he offered her money to go away with him.

"On an amazing display of unity, the community of St. Bonaventure took charge of the situation.

"Volunteer groups consisting of parents, teens, and members if the Knights of Columbus began patrolling the parish grounds during the religious education classes.

"A letter was sent to all the parents notifying them of the incident and warning them of this individual.

"The San Antonio Police Department was given reports of the incident and a description of the man.

"The catechists used this incident as an opportunity to remind the children and youth of abuse prevention.

"A week later the man returned to the parish.

"He was identified by the children and the authorities were notified,

"Father Raymond Shuster pastor, told the individual that he is not welcomed on parish property and the police apprehended him on a warrant for his arrest ..

"All these actions led to the removal of a possible child molester and to the decrease of victims in the area...

"Do not wait till there is a strange person hanging around your parish, take the steps now to educate and prevent abuse..."


Good points! :)