Lots of Questions about this lately.....

Compliance with Juvenile Sexual Abuse Policy

All who minister with anyone that is not yet 18 years old for any reason whatsoever on any Catholic Church property or under the auspices of the Catholic Church in any way must have:

1) A background check on file in the local parish, mission, school, agency. Clergy and Religious must have a background check on file in the Diocesan Pastoral Center as well. Background checks obtained in the last seven years for other institutions are acceptable if a copy of it can be obtained for the individual’s personnel file.

2) The sign-off sheet verifying familiarity with the Diocesan Pastoral Code of Ethics must be on file in the local parish mission, agency and school. The only exception is for clergy and religious, their sign-off sheet must be on file in the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

3) Documentation on file that each person has participated in the VIRTUS Safe Environment training program. Training provided by the former juvenile sexual abuse program video tape is obsolete. No more tapes are available and all must migrate to the Diocesan VIRTUS program. VIRTUS training sessions are coordinated by Sister Mary Thurlough, D.C. who may be contacted at 505-722-0999 or mthurlough@yahoo.com

4) Visiting priests and deacons must have a documented statement of suitability on file in the Bishop’s office PRIOR to their visit. That is any priest or deacon who is not incardinated in the Diocese of Gallup or a member of a religious order and is assigned in the Diocese of Gallup.

Anyone with any questions regarding these issues should call Deacon Lujan at the Diocesan Pastoral Center for any clarification. 505-863-4406 x24 or officeofbishop@cnetco.com