Diocese of Wichita

Safe Haven Sunday will be observed on February 25-26, 2023

Dear brothers and sisters,

In the two years prior to COVID, the Safe Haven Sunday initiative allowed us to pass on to the faithful information that can be used to protect their homes and have key conversations with young children. Because of the pandemic, we did not distribute booklets for the last two years, but I'm happy to announce that Safe Haven Sunday will be back in 2023. We are going to continue this initiative for the third year of Safe Haven Sunday during the weekend Masses for the First Sunday of Lent, February 25-26, 2023. The booklets will be available once again as well as new Restored Vows and STRIVE promotional cards. These cards offer information about two programs which focus on helping restore marriages that have been wounded by pornography and help men and women overcome online temptation.

The promotional cards and booklets are available both in English and Spanish. Contact the Office of Marriage and Family Life at 316-685-5240 for assistance on how to order booklets and the promotional cards or if you have questions.

We know that the use of pornography in the home deprives its role as a safe haven and has negative effects on families across generations. It is my hope that the resources provided to you on Safe Haven Sunday will both encourage and teach all individuals and families dealing with the effects of pornography that loving support is available. It’s worth battling pornography for wholeness and purity for your home and the future of everyone in our diocese.

Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend Carl A. Kemme
Bishop of Wichita, Kansas

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