As all or nearly all parishioners know, before anyone becomes an employee or even a volunteer worker at St. Patrick's School, s/he must first meet the requirements of a diocesan program entitled "Protecting God's Children." It's not difficult to meet those requirements. The first involves attendance at a three- hour seminar focusing thoroughly and starkly upon abusers and the devastation experienced by their victims. Secondly, all new employees must be fingerprinted and are subject to a criminal background check. (Current employees are being updated with fingerprint based background checks as their prior background checks come up for renewal.)

"Protecting God's Children" is mandated by the Diocese of Joliet and requires respective parish schools to show proof of compliance. Some might question the need for such an approach, but those of us who really care are willing to incur whatever small inconvenience compliance may involve. Early this past week I received from the Sheriff's Office a listing of registered sex offenders in Will County. It's thick enough to be a phone book in many smaller communities. I believe we need the "Protecting God's Children" program.

In August I welcomed about 200 youngsters back to St. Patrick's school for the first day of attendance. It was a heart-warming sight. They were anxious to meet with their new teachers and very orderly in proceeding to their classrooms. It was definitely a Kodak moment for many parents who brought their cameras for the occasion. I couldn't help but reflect that in addition to providing these children with a quality education, we must also do our best to assure their safety. Again, I believe we need the "Protecting God's Children" program.

God bless, all of the children of St. Pat's and may they, their parents and their teachers have a wonderful 2010-11 school year.