The Diocese of Columbus has updated its standards of conduct for clergy, employees and volunteers when dealing with minors and others in vulnerable positions. Additionally, it has updated its policies for processing allegations of sexual abuse and other inappropriate conduct.

The standards and policies, which promote an atmosphere of openness and transparency, originally were issued in 2002, with slight modifications being made in 2016 and this year in accord with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002. They may be found in the Diocese of Columbus Safe Environment Manual on the diocesan website, www.columbuscatholic.org.

They establish norms of appropriate clerical and lay conduct toward minors and the vulnerable and apply to all priests, deacons and members of religious orders in the diocese, as well as teachers in diocesan schools, parish and school employees, persons in positions of lay ministry and anyone else in a person of trust who is involved with minors and the vulnerable, such as school and parish volunteers.

“Many hours of discussion and work have been poured into the updated manual,” said Regina Quinn, director of the diocesan Office of Safe Environment. “It is encouraged that anyone in a position of ministerial authority, including volunteers, familiarize themselves with the manual.”

Questions concerning the standards and policies should be directed to the Office of Safe Environment.

 

Columbus architect to speak to men’s luncheon club

Columbus architect William Heyer, who has designed several Catholic churches in the Diocese of Columbus and elsewhere, will speak about sacred architecture at the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club meeting on Friday, April 5 at Columbus St. Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Ave., after the 11:45 a.m. Mass. 

No reservations are necessary. A $12 donation to cover the cost of the lunch is requested. 

The club’s next meeting will be on Friday, May 3 and will feature a presentation about the Pontifical College Josephinum by its president-rector, Father Steven Beseau.

The April luncheon is being sponsored by George Arnold. If you are interested in sponsoring a luncheon, contact Pat Foley at [email protected].


Sts. Augustine & Gabriel to host Family Day

Columbus Sts. Augustine & Gabriel Church, 1550 E. Hudson St., will host a Friends and Family Day Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 21, followed by a potluck lunch.

Former parishioners and alumni of the former St. Augustine and St. Gabriel schools are especially encouraged to attend.