Safe Environment

USCCB: Children Safety Information

December 8, 2022
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dear Friends in Christ,

“Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ ” Luke 18:16

June 2022 marked 20 years since the passage of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Catholic Church has listened to survivors of abuse and worked to support their healing while at the same time requiring policies and procedures that implement the Charter pledge to protect children and young people. Millions of children and adults have participated in education and training to raise awareness of the signs of abusive behavior and procedures for reporting abuse both to the Church and civil authorities. Background screening of adults has become a standard requirement for those who work in ministry with minors.

The Church remains steadfast with Pope Francis’ commitment, “that everything possible must be done to rid the Church of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors and to open pathways of reconciliation and healing for those who were abused.” As priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, we continue the active protection of our children, youth and at-risk adults within our parishes, parochial communities, and schools. Creating a Safe Environment for our children is an absolute priority for all of us.

Ordinariate Safe Environment Policy was last promulgated on December 12, 2019, following revisions to our program and the Charter for the Protection for Children and Young People. The Policy is reviewed annually and has been revised to incorporate current guidance from the Holy See, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and best practices. I am grateful to all those who work to ensure ongoing vigilance and continuity in the protection children.

The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter will comply fully with the requirements as promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops under the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms derived from the Charter. The Essential Norms, having received the recognition of the Holy See, are particular law in all the dioceses of the United States.

The Ordinariate’s pledge, in our particular context of the Ordinariate with both celibate and married clergy, that there is no room in the priesthood for a man who commits an act of violence—physical, psychological, or sexual—against his own wife or children remains. And there is no room among those who call themselves Shepherds and Pastors for a man who would cover-up an instance of abuse.

The policies are designed to direct the administration and implementation of our Safe Environment Program in all parishes, parochial communities, communities in formation, schools, agencies and programs of the Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter.  More specifically, the Ordinariate Safe Environment Program consists of the following components:

1.    A criminal background check/screening program for clergy, candidates for ministry, religious, lay employees, educators and adult volunteers who have contact with children as part of their work and ministry. I emphasize that, when required, background checks and screening must be completed before the person assumes his or her position or begins volunteer service. There can be no compromises or exceptions to this requirement of our Safe Environment program.
2.    Providing appropriate Safe Environment training in preventing and recognizing child physical or sexual abuse. The Safe Environment training program approved for all priests, deacons, candidates, religious, employees, educators and adult volunteers is Safe Haven—It’s Up to You.
3.    Access via the Ordinariate website to online tools to enable all who are required to register for a criminal background check and complete Safe Haven—It’s Up to You training from their personal laptop or computer.
4.    Help children and youth to cooperate in maintaining their own personal safety through provision of resources for their education and training in this regard. It is important that every child in our schools, parish religious education and youth programs be given the opportunity to take part in this critical component of our Safe Environment program.
5.    Holding all those who work with minors to a Christ-centered and professional Code of Conduct.
6.    Reporting physically or sexually inappropriate and/or criminal conduct to appropriate child protection, law enforcement and Church authorities immediately.

Finally, we will continue to evaluate and improve all aspects of our Safe Environment Program. Thank you for your conscientious cooperation in this important area of our life in common. The safety of our children is never a distraction from our mission but foundational to bearing witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 +Steven J. Lopes
 Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter