Safe Haven Sunday

Year 2 Having Critical Conversations

It has almost been a year since we celebrated our first annual Safe Haven Sunday in the Diocese of Toledo. This was just the beginning of our pursuit to do our part by directly addressing the harmfulness of pornography in marriages, families, and culture as a whole. Together we can address this issue by teaching those who have been entrusted to our care about pornography’s effects and to share helpful and effective resources with them. On March 7th & 8th, we will continue our efforts by celebrating our second annual Safe Haven Sunday.

The Diocese of Toledo will observe Safe Haven Sunday and continue annually at or near the third weekend of lent.

The diocese encourages parishes to participate in the Safe Haven Sunday initiative; however, participation is optional. Please explore the free digital resources.

Making All Homes a Safe Haven

In today’s digital age, the need for greater pastoral care and guidance on internet safety has never been more important. As part of our commitment to supporting individuals, marriages, and families, we are introducing Safe Haven Sunday—an initiative designed to provide education, awareness, and practical resources to help safeguard our homes from the harmful effects of pornography.

What is Safe Haven Sunday?
Safe Haven Sunday is inspired by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) pastoral statement, Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography. This special weekend, set aside within the liturgical calendar, allows dioceses and parishes to directly address the widespread societal harms of pornography while offering faith-based guidance and encouragement.

How Does It Work?
Through the celebration of Mass, Safe Haven Sunday creates an opportunity to teach the importance of digital responsibility and moral integrity. Families are provided with resources and tools to foster a safe and virtuous home environment, empowering them to make informed choices about internet use and media consumption.

By implementing this initiative, we seek to strengthen marriages, protect children, and uphold the dignity of every person. Together, we can work to make all homes a safe haven, grounded in faith and love. Join us in this important effort to promote purity, protect families, and foster a culture of virtue in our homes and communities.

For more information, contact:
Alice Jacobs: ajacobs@toledodiocese.org

Here are examples of videos of Safe Haven Sunday promotion across the country from other participating Dioceses. We are not alone and you are not alone in this fight.

Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Diocese of Kansas City

Diocese of Baton Rouge

Archdiocese of Atlanta