We can expect more transparency from the Archdiocese of Agana, who today launched the first of a monthly series called Updating the Faithful. Today's update was on efforts to educate and prevent child sex abuse in the Catholic school system.

Faculty and staff at all 14 of Guam's Catholic schools know what to do should they suspect a child is a victim of abuse. The efforts were spearheaded by the Task Force for the Protection of Minors led by longtime social work professional Sarah Thomas-Nededog, who said, "The schools know much better what the mandatory reporting law was all about to understanding the issues of boundaries and the importance of setting those boundaries and respecting them and teaching and supporting children to be more empowered to protect themselves, as well."

The task force was created in September shortly after allegations of clergy sex abuse went public. To date, 39 plaintiffs have filed suit alleging members of the church knew of the ongoing abuse decades ago, but failed to do anything about it. The group's mission is now expanded to educate the parishes.

Today's press conference is the first of a monthly series. Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Byrnes chose this month's topic to highlight ongoing Child Abuse Prevention Month, as he announced, "My main role here is to say thanks to you all for really taking the lead and providing some really effective measures through the training."

Throughout the month, church goers can expect to see blue ribbons as well as an additional prayer in masses, a prayer for healing victims and survivors of abuse. "Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people's wounds and transform brokenness into wholeness," led the archbishop in prayer. "Grant us the courage and wisdom, humility and grace to act with justice."

In addition to faculty and staff trainings, catholic schools are also using curriculum provided through the Guam Coalition of Sexual Assault and Family Violence. The youngest of students are introduced to a module called "My Body is Special" and 3rd through 5th graders "My Body, My Boundaries."

Archbishop Byrnes did note there are issues with implementing other safeguards, such as background checks for all those working with children. "There's a financial issue with that," he noted. "I think we're still working that out but it's going to cost something about doing that: background checks."