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 is a sexual abuse education and prevention program that gives our young people practical tools, in language and a medium they can understand, to realize this fundamental teaching of our faith.
Called to Protect for Youth is a comprehensive program specifically designed to teach middle school and high school aged youth how to protect themselves from child molesters. Research shows that child molesters use the same methods time after time, and the more youth know about how molesters operate, the safer they become. CTPY workshops are facilitated by diocesan trained volunteers and the format includes a three-part DVD series, activities (e.g. making posters or creating a skit) and discussion to reinforce the information presented in the DVD.
NOTE: DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS THIS PROGRAM IS VIRTUAL. THE LINKS TO THE PROGRAM ARE BELOW.
Each parish and Catholic school in the Diocese of Austin is required to present Called to Protect for Youth to their sixth and 9th grade students, and those new to the parish/school since the last program offering, every school year (all middle and high school grades may attend). We offer CTPY at two different grades/ages due to the maturation that occurs over those years; students should plan to attend twice, in both their middle school and high school years.
Students are not “required” to attend, but they and their parents should understand the importance of this program as part of their education about boundaries, appropriate interactions between adults and minors and related personal safety issues. This should not be considered an optional program; students that cannot attend should have a valid reason for their absence. Parents may choose to complete a waiver to excuse their child from the program; this can be obtained from the parish/school representative organizing the session. Students that do not attend are not required to “make up” the session and are not prohibited from participating in ministry, but parents may be asked to provide supervision for their child during the session. Parents of students that do not attend the CTPY program may use the links below to review this important information with their child.
Below you will find an overview of the program, how parents can reinforce the information in the program and where parents can find additional resources. If you have questions about CTPY, please contact a member of your school or parish staff or the diocesan Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Office at (512) 949-2447.
The number one question we get every year is; "What are the requirements for youth Confirmation?" Listed below are the minimum requirements.
In this section we will be adding the documentation that you will need for Confirmation, study guides, reflection materials and much more. Stop by often to seee what has been added.
Parents, we believe that you are the first and primary teacher of your children. We that in mind we are working to provide you with information and resources to help you share our rich Catholic faith with your children. In this section we will be providing weekly parent letters and resources to start the conversartions.
Thank you in advance for saying "yes" to be a sponsor for Confirmation. Your role is to spiritually walk with the candidate during the preparation for the sacrament. You will be assisting the young person in being a true witness and disciple of Jesus, and representing the community when you present your candidate to the bishop.
During this preparation process we ask that you spend time sharing our beautiful Catholic faith with your candidate.
In addition to religious education we offer our weekly youth group. This is a time where we get together and build community, share our faith, build on what is discussed in class, and have a lot of laughs. All high school youth are invited to attend if they are in class or not, so invite your friends.
We meet in SPARK from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Come to 5 pm Mass and stay for Youth group!