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Responsible Ministry Policy
Diocesan Policy on the Prevention of Abuse of Vulnerable Persons
Read the full policy
Responsible Ministry Policy
PDF · 50 pages · Decree of February 2, 2025
Why this policy
To fulfill its duty to promote social justice and respect for human rights, the Church must be an exemplary agency for the protection of every vulnerable person, whether child, adolescent or adult.
The staff and volunteers of the Archdiocese of Moncton have worked diligently for many years to create and maintain a safe environment for all. Adopted in 2011, the policy is revised on an ongoing basis to keep pace with advances in abuse prevention.
Archbishop Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Moncton, promulgated this version on February 2, 2025, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Who it applies to
Clergy, diocesan and parish staff, whether salaried or not, and all leaders and volunteers.
Anyone applying for employment, or to become a leader or volunteer, completes the “New Employees and Volunteers” form and agrees in writing to abide by the policy.
Protecting vulnerable persons
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Moncton is committed to protecting and preventing the abuse of all persons in its care, especially vulnerable persons. Abuse of another person is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church and is always reprehensible.
The policy brings together the measures that protect all vulnerable persons (children, young adults and adults) in parish and church settings, the training and support of staff and volunteers, and reporting procedures. Any incident of abuse, neglect or harm is reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.
It takes into account civil law, the Code of Canon Law and the recommendations of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB).
The Archdiocese's commitment
- A Diocesan Responsible Ministries Committee ensures that all parishes know the policy and apply it with integrity and consistency.
- The policy and its protocols are evaluated every year by this committee.
- Personal information remains confidential, is stored securely and may only be consulted by authorized persons.
- New employees, leaders and volunteers complete the “New Employees and Volunteers” form.
- Orientation and training are offered at the parish level to everyone, new and experienced members alike.
What the policy contains
- Responsible pastoral management: risk assessment and levels of risk, position descriptions, risk reduction measures, social media
- Security and prevention: strategies to promote safety, facilities and equipment
- Information: code of conduct, understanding violence and abuse, dealing with reports of abuse
- Appendices: forms (new employees and volunteers, commitment, risk assessment, pastoral visit or home communion, incident report) and criminal background checks
Report abuse
If you are a victim of or a witness to abuse, or if you have a concern, report it. The Diocesan Policy on the Management of Sexual Abuse describes how the Archdiocese handles every report.