Empowering God’s Children: A Superpowered Mission to Keep Kids Safe
In a vibrant new initiative that blends faith, creativity, and safety education, the Archdiocese of Newark has launched a bold reimagining of its Virtus® Empowering God’s Children™ program. This longstanding child protection program—implemented through parishes and schools and overseen by the Department for the Protection of the Faithful—is being revitalized with a dynamic, superhero-themed campaign aimed at educating children while re-engaging parents, pastors, and educators across the Archdiocese.
For years, the Empowering God’s Children program has equipped young people with the tools to recognize boundaries, identify trusted adults, and respond to unsafe situations—all within a context rooted in Catholic values and age-appropriate teaching. However, participation has declined in recent years due to parental concerns and misunderstandings about the program’s content. In response, the Archdiocesan Office of Communications developed the “God’s Superheroes: Empowering and Protecting” campaign to help emphasize the program’s true purpose, engage children with adults, and generate enthusiasm.
“The safety and well-being of our children are a priority,” said Maria Margiotta, Executive Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Newark. “We knew we needed a creative and relatable way to re-engage families with this program. By using superhero imagery and language that resonates with children and parents, we’re reinforcing essential safety lessons and reminding every child that they’re strong, capable, and deeply valued in God’s eyes.”
Five young superheroes
The campaign introduces five original superheroes representing the diverse youth of the Archdiocese. These characters help children see themselves as protectors who can be confident, courageous, and vigilant.
The campaign’s guiding message, “Safe Kids Start with Strong Minds,” reflects its mission to nurture resilience and awareness in children, especially when they may be outside of direct adult supervision. Materials include colorful posters, flyers, social media graphics, and kid-friendly resources like superhero-themed coloring pages—all available in English and Spanish.
A scannable QR code featured on printed materials directs families to a dedicated campaign webpage where they can access resources, downloadable content, program details, and visuals. Editable versions of campaign elements allow parishes and schools to customize messaging for their local communities.
Vital safety training
In a heartfelt video message emphasizing the importance of the Church’s dedication to preserving safe environments, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, states, “These lessons are integral to our Catholic schools and faith formation programs to create a secure and nurturing environment where children can thrive, growing safely in the knowledge and love of Our Lord.”
Karen Clark, Executive Director for the Protection of the Faithful, further clarifies the program’s intent in her video address:
“This is not sex education but essential safety training. We’ve implemented these programs in our Catholic schools for over 20 years and, more recently, in our faith formation programs.
Through fun activities and role-playing, children learn to recognize healthy relationships, understand boundaries, and identify unsafe situations. These lessons help children feel empowered to report inappropriate behavior, fostering their safety and well-being.”
Empowering your children
Since 2002, the Archdiocese has trained over 100,000 clergy, staff, and volunteers in abuse prevention through the VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children program. Through the Empowering God’s Children initiative, the focus extends to children and youth, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and courage to protect themselves and others.
Parents are encouraged to participate by asking their local parish or Catholic school about the Empowering God’s Children program. With the strength of community, the clarity of Church teaching, and the creativity of this new campaign, the Archdiocese of Newark continues its mission to protect children—empowering them in Christ’s love, one superhero at a time.
To learn more, visit the Empowering God’s Children program website or view the campaign videos featuring Cardinal Tobin and Karen Clark.
Every April, Catholic parishes and schools across the United States participate in
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Catholic Church is committed to the safety of children. Click here for a video from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops highlighting its efforts against child abuse.
Featured image: God’s Superheroes: Empowering and Protecting (Image by Archdiocese of Newark)
