PALM BEACH GARDENS | Workshops on setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, discussing current issues and encouraging discussion were recently held for priests in the Diocese of Palm Beach. The Office of Safe Environments arranged the meetings from Feb. 3-6, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens, St. Bernadette in Port St. Lucie and St. Jude in Boca Raton.
Since the original “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” in 2002, it has been a priority for the diocese to maintain safe environments for all, especially minors and vulnerable adults, and to educate clergy, religious and laity. The foundation of those efforts is Article 12 of the charter, which says, “Dioceses are to maintain ‘safe environment’ programs which the diocesan bishop deems to be in accord with Catholic moral principles.”
Since diocesan policy calls for updating education every five years, in-person, clergy-only workshops were scheduled. Every priest serving in the diocese, including members of religious communities, whether active, temporary, retired or with faculties only, was required to attend one of the workshops. In total, 157 priests attended the workshops.
Facilitating the meetings was Dr. Paul Ashton, a part-time resident of the diocese who is generous with his time and talents to assist the Office of Safe Environments. He presents workshops, courses, retreats and training seminars in Catholic dioceses across the country and internationally, and serves as a consultant to bishops and religious community superiors.
Ashton’s work in child sexual abuse prevention and healing includes training facilitators, developing and implementing curricula and retreat programs, counseling and support group facilitation through the VIRTUS programs for more than 20 years. He works with victims/survivors of sexual abuse toward recovery and healing. In addition, Ashton works with priests/religious offenders whose ministry is restricted and who are living a life of prayer and penance.
Comments from priests in the diocese showed their gratitude for renewing their attentiveness and understanding of an unsettling subject:
“The topic of boundaries was well received. While this can be a challenging topic to discuss, one priest astutely stated, ‘While no one wants to spend time in this topic, it is important and relevant.’” Another priest said, “Dr. Ashton discussed many real-life scenarios, opening the floor for discussion. These practical examples allowed the priests to further appreciate the material in the videos and left them wanting more.”
Still another priest said, “Many left the trainings with a renewed appreciation of the importance of self-care in their lives and the need for continued spiritual direction.”
For more information on the diocese’s Office of Safe Environments, visit www.diocesepb.org/ministriesoffices/offices/safe-environments/. Contact the diocesan victim assistance coordinator at 561-775-9558 or the Florida abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
