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ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL
The Archdiocese expresses a sincere thank you to more than 38,700 generous donors with pledges amounting ti $9,900,000. As the year is coming to a close, this may be your last chance to help the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal achieve the goal of $10,000,000 in this tax year. If you have not yet made a gift, please prayerfully consider making one today. Every gift makes a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families throughout our Diocese. Please vist the Appeal website and follow the link Our Faith, Our Future, to learn more and to make your gift today. www.archdioceseofhartford.org.
THE POPE’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Pope Francis held a summit of judges and prosecutors from around the world at the Vatican on June 3 to draw attention to the problem of human trafficking and rally resources to fight it. The Pope is asking for us to pray for riddance of this crime against humanity. St. Michael the Archangel is the patron saint of law enforcement. Catholics also have at their disposal the immense power of the holy mass and the rosary. We should also understand that human trafficking is coming closer and closer to us and our loved ones. It is pervasive in the United States, claiming victims of all social status in rural as well as urban areas. Prayer and awareness are critical. Please report to law enforcement anything you see that seems strange. The suffering of the victims is immense and their life expectancy is short. ‘St. Michael the Archangel, patron of law enforcement, please send out your angels to rescue trafficked people.’
THE OFFICE FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
Announces that National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11. In CT in 2017 there were 212 referrals to DCF for suspected cases of domestic minor sex trafficking. Human trafficking is modern slavery which involves exploiting a person through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor, commercial sex or both. Victims can be men, women, young and old often lured by the promise of a better life. We can help by knowing the signs and calling the hotline number (888-3737-888) if we see something.
HOW TO REPORT AN INCIDENT OF SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE DIOCESE
The Archdiocese of Hartford has a process in place if you have knowledge or suspect that a minor or vulnerable adult (an adult with an intellectual disability) has been sexually abused in any manner by personnel of the Archdiocese of Hartford. This does include volunteers who have contact with children in the parish setting. Please contact the Archdiocese of Hartford by calling 1-860-541-6491 and speaking with Victim Assistance Coordinator. Kathleen D. Nowosadko at (kathleen.nowosadko@aohct.org.) You will be asked to provide a written detail of the facts involved and you can find specifics of the written report in the Policies and Procedures of the Archdiocese of Hartford, on their website, relating to allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors and vulnerable adults. The Archdiocese will report any and all incidents to the proper civil authorities.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
If you have knowledge or suspect that a minor or vulnerable adult (an adult with intellectual disability) has been sexually abused, in any manner, by personnel of the Archdiocese of Hartford, you are urged to report this information to: Kathleen Nowosadko, Victim Assistance Coordinator of the Archdiocese, at 860-541-6475 or Kathleen.nowosadko@aohct.org. In addition you will be asked to follow up in writing with a detailed description of the facts involved in the incident. This document is also available online at www.archdioceseofhartford.org.
The Archdiocese of Hartford will report any and all incidents to the proper authorities.
You may also report abuse incidents yourself:
Regarding persons under age 18 – State Dept. of Children and Families 1-800-842-2288.
Regarding vulnerable adults age 18-59 –
Division of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with
Disabilities 1-800-842-7303.
Regarding vulnerable adults aged 60 and over – Dept. of Social Services for the Elderly 1-800-385-4225.
Once a written report has been received, an investigation will be undertaken by, or on behalf of the Archdiocese
of Hartford.
VIRTUS – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN
The Archdiocese of Hartford and St. Michael Parish are committed to ensuring the safety of all children and vulnerable adults. All priests, staff members, CCD and Polish Saturday School teachers and other volunteers who have any contact whatsoever with children and other vulnerable adults in the parish are required to be trained through Virtus (the Safe Environment Program) to recognize any signs of abuse. If you suspect an incident of abuse please contact SKathleen D. Nowosadko at (kathleen.nowosadko@aohct.org.) , at 860-541-6491.
