Safe Haven Sunday slated for March 19
February 22, 2023
From bicycle helmets to child safety locks, families take all sorts of steps to protect their children. This Lent parishes across the Diocese will help families address the challenging, and at times uncomfortable, issue of internet safety.
The Diocese of Des Moines has designated March 19 Safe Haven Sunday, a time when parents can consider how they can talk with their spouses and children about preventing pornography from coming into the home, and how they can take precautions to make their home a safe place.
Safe Haven Sunday focuses on education, prevention and healing related to pornography and internet safety.
“Pornography is a silent scourge that wounds individuals, marriages and families,” said Adam Storey, diocesan director of the Marriage and Family Life Office. “It’s our hope that, by participating in Safe Haven Sunday, we’re giving couples and families an opportunity and resources to address pornography and the struggles it creates so they can live in the freedom, joy and integrity that Jesus wills for us.”
The U.S. bishops addressed pornography with a statement in 2015 called “Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.” The document reminds readers that “The Church as a field hospital is called to proclaim the truth of the human person in love, to protect people — especially children — from pornography, and to provide the Lord’s mercy and healing for those wounded by pornography.”
There is help for prevention and healing.
The Des Moines Diocese created a web page with a list of resources.
Covenant Eyes provides online filtering and accountability by monitoring computer and mobile devices and screen usage. This independent company provides resources for individuals, families, clergy, churches and communities including articles, courses, videos and e-books.
Integrity Restored is a Catholic ministry that offers help to with those struggling with pornography as well as conferences and other events to help educate and break free.
Resources for women and families include Be Broken Ministries, which offers podcasts, videocasts, webinars and online courses to offer healing for men, women and families. Another is called Educate and Empower Kids, which helps parents and educators with meaningful family communication and intentional parenting.
The Des Moines Diocese has posted links to resources in Spanish as well. Go to dmdio cese.org, click on Ministries & Faith Formation and then click on Freedom From Pornography.
The Des Moines Diocese is establishing local support groups to help individuals seeking freedom from pornography. To learn more, email Storey .