Last Updated: 4/5/2022
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to Parishes, Schools and other Catholic entities, promote safe environments in which a Sex Offender (SO) is present, and enable healthy faith relationships of all. It is recognized that achieving this goal, while respecting the fundamental dignity, rights, and needs of those involved, is a delicate task. Those entrusted with the implementation of this policy are exhorted to
consider thoughtfully the specific details of each situation, and then design a solution with the below guidelines in mind. In this way, we can care for the community while fulfilling the demands of justice tempered by mercy, that is, by working for the preservation of right relationship and good order while being properly attentive to the personal and spiritual needs of those affected by the policies we create. Undue emphasis on justice at the expense of mercy, or vice versa, may result in the creation of a safe environment plan that is either unnecessarily restrictive or not attentive enough to appropriate measures of caution and accountability.
II. Definitions
“Archdiocese” means that certain corporate entity formed, maintained and existing under Minnesota Section 315.16 with Minnesota Business Name: “The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis”.
“Canonical Administrator” means the individual appointed or elected by appropriate authority to fulfill that office in accordance with bylaws of the corporation.
“Parish” means a Parish within the Archdiocese Territory that is Archdiocese-recognized as Catholic.
“Archdiocesan, Parish, or School Event” means an event hosted or organized by the Archdiocese or a Parish or School.
“Pastor” means a Parish Pastor or a parochial administrator, as the case may be.
“Sex Offender” means a person, including both minors and adults, who has committed an act that constitutes a sex crime in either civil or canon law.
“School” means a primary school or a secondary school within the Archdiocese Territory that is Archdiocese-recognized as Catholic.
“Trustees” means the two lay members of the parish appointed to serve as members and officers of the parish corporation by the Archbishop, the Vicar General and the pastor or a majority of them.
III. Policy
A. As a general rule, SOs are not restricted from attending Mass or other public events. However, the Pastor, in collaboration with Parish leadership, the SO and others as appropriate, should be attentive to and prepare for any situations or events at which a SO will be present. It may be fitting to establish an individualized safe environment plan so as to minimize risk and promote the well-being of all. Appropriate conditions and precautions commensurate with the SO’s situation and the attendant risks
should be put in place. Some factors to consider when formulating such a plan include:
- Meeting initially with the SO to discuss the situation, concerns and options;
- Meeting periodically with the SO to make adjustments as needed;
- Gaining an understanding of the nature of the SO’s misconduct;
- Contacting and coordinating with the SO’s probation officer, counselor or other involved professionals for their input and assistance;
- Considering the impact on victim/survivors of the SO, as well as any victim/survivors in the community;
- Determining the degree of disclosure among staff or others;
- Deciding which Masses or other regularly scheduled events are best suited for the SO to attend;
- Establishing clear rules for the SO’s participation in, or attendance at, specific types of events (for example: parent-teacher conferences, religious education classes, social events held on Parish or School property or hosted by a Parish or School);
- Considering the presence of minors, vulnerable adults or others susceptible to harm based on the SO’s prior behavior;
- Monitoring or supervising the SO when the SO is present at archdiocesan, Parish, or School events;
- Memorializing in writing any conditions or restrictions that apply to the SO, communicate those to the SO and obtain the SO’s signature on a written agreement to document the SO’s understanding and pledge of compliance.
B. If the SO is a minor, the SO’s parent or guardian must be consulted and given the opportunity participate in deciding upon and implementing an individualized safe environment plan.
C. The Pastor or Canonical Administrator may consult, as appropriate, with others who have relevant expertise for advice.
D. The Pastor or Canonical Administrator should consult, as appropriate, with Parish or School leadership, such as Trustees, Parish council members, board members, principals or teachers, directors of religious education, and senior staff, and also provide periodic updates to those consulted.
E. The Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment (OMSSE) and the Office of Mission for Catholic Education are available as resources to provide assistance to the Pastor or Canonical Administrator in complying with this policy.
