Archdiocese of Vancouver

Safe Haven Sunday will be observed on October 2-3, 2021 in the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Children are our most precious gifts. As a faith community, we have a sacred responsibility to protect them from harm and to help them flourish in every aspect of their lives. Dear parents: as their primary educators, you have tremendous influence over how your children understand their intrinsic goodness and dignity. It is in your homes that your children are nurtured “into thriving adults who love the Lord with all their hearts, souls and minds—including how they steward their sexuality” (Equipped, p.11).

To address the evil of pornography, we as a faith community are observing a Safe Haven Sunday. On this designated weekend we have the opportunity to tackle the harm caused by pornography.

- Excerpt from Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB Message to the Archdiocese of Vancouver

Ministry Leaders

“We must see our role in protecting children from pornography as our sacred duty, as well as an aspect of our work to create safe environments in accord with our ongoing implementation of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. May we educate ourselves on reliable resources for pastoral support of the faithful and for the healing of pornography use and addiction and make them available to families, parishioners, and others in our care.” – Create in Me a Clean Heart

Strugglers

“You are beloved sons and daughters of the Father. Be not afraid to approach the altar of mercy and ask for forgiveness. Many good people struggle with this sin. You are not alone; there is always hope! […] Knowing the truth of who you are in God and receiving spiritual help are critical, but those who use pornography often need further assistance. Freedom from pornography is a daily choice and calls for ongoing formation. The Church encourages you to seek ongoing support such as counseling, spiritual direction, coaching, accountability groups, couple to couple groups, conferences, and retreats for men and women. These are all means to employ as you seek freedom. Software is available for monitoring on-line activity and blocking pornographic material; these may be a necessary means of avoiding the near occasion of sin.” – Create in Me a Clean Heart

Parents

“Parents and guardians, protect your home! Be vigilant about the technology you allow into your home and be sensitive to the prevalence of sexual content in even mainstream television and film and the ease by which it comes through the Internet and mobile devices. Educate yourselves about filtering software that can assist in protecting your home. Foster openness and trust with your children, so they know that they can come to you if they see a sexual image; by talking about it with them calmly, you can give them a healthy framework in which to interpret it.” – Create in Me a Clean Heart

Educators

“…[T]eachers, religious educators, youth ministers, and safe environment coordinators: parents have given you a responsibility to protect their children not only from physical dangers but also psychological, moral, and spiritual dangers. You can have a great influence on the children and youth entrusted to your care, and you can help equip parents with the resources they need to protect and teach their children. Children are vulnerable to all influences, good or bad. Create an environment suitable for learning chastity by modeling and teaching the chaste life. Be vigilant over technological access, and monitor it in age-appropriate ways. Young people should be taught that certain types of websites or programs are inappropriate and sinful. Be sure to explain the reasons why they are unacceptable.” – Create in Me a Clean Heart

Parents

Faith-Based Email Challenges And Internet Safety Videos

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Ministry Leaders

Ministry Tools To Help All Move Beyond Pornography

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Men

Healing from Addiction, Brain Science, And Accountability

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Women

Healing from Personal and Spousal Addiction, Brain Science, And Accountability

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Archdiocese of Vancouver Highlighted Resources

Personal Counselling

Inclusion on the list does not imply that the RCAV has endorsed the efficacy of a treatment, therapy practiced, or any other service offered by the private professional counsellor.

We have verified that the counsellors on this list are registered professional counsellors. Each counsellor has informed us that they are Catholic or a practicing Christian from another tradition and will support clients that want to adhere to the Church’s teachings in the area of life, marriage and family.

Find a Local Counsellor

Your Diocesan Contact

Sister John Mary Sullivan, FSE

Associate Director, Ministries and Outreach Office

(604) 683-0281 ext. 50221

[email protected]