2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Marquette
Bishop James H. Garland
Audit Conducted August 23 -27,
2004
Previous Audit Conducted September 8 -12, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 23 – 27, 2004.
The Diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. This Diocese provides
outreach designed to offer pastoral care to victims/survivors and their
families. The Bishop or his representative has met with, or offered to
meet with all victims/survivors who have reported allegations of abuse
since the last compliance audit. The Bishop or his delegate has directed
outreach as appropriate to all faith communities in which the sexual abuse
occurred. The Diocese has a mechanism in place to respond promptly to any
allegation where there is reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor
occurred.
The Diocese has a victim assistance coordinator, Rosalyn
Groves, who is well qualified and experienced in that position. The
Diocese in 2002 established a Review Board which consists of 8 members.
The members include a local attorney; the Director of a health camp for
disabled children; a psychotherapist specializing in sexual abuse trauma;
a retired psychiatrist; a retired social worker; the Chancellor of the
Diocese; a parish pastor; and the layman Director of Administration and
Finance for the diocese. The Board serves as a confidential consultative
body to the Bishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse
are readily available in printed form, and are subject of periodic public
announcements. The Diocese has not entered into any confidentiality
agreements during the audit period.
The Diocese has received
no allegations of sexual abuse of a minor that were reportable to public
authorities since the last compliance audit. The Diocese complies with all
applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of
sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities. The Diocese has established
effective liaison with civil authorities, ensuring that an open dialogue
regarding sexual abuse allegations will occur. The Diocese cooperates with
public authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a
minor. In all instances, the Diocese advises victims/survivors of their
right to report allegations of abuse by a member of the clergy to civil
authorities.
When an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by a
priest or deacon is received, a preliminary investigation, in harmony with
canon law, is initiated. If a preliminary investigation so indicates, the
Diocese notifies the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and applies
the precautionary measures mentioned in CIC, canon 1722, or CCEO, canon
1473. When accusations against a priest or a deacon are proven to be
unfounded, the Diocese takes steps to restore the good name of the priest
or deacon.
When sexual abuse of a minor by a priest or a deacon is
admitted or established after an appropriate process in accord with canon
law, the Diocesan policies provide that the offending priest or deacon be
permanently removed from ministry. The Diocese offers professional
assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case
involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are
observed. Accused clergy are encouraged to retain the assistance of civil
and canonical counsel. When necessary, the Diocese supplies canonical
counsel to a priest or deacon.
If the penalty of dismissal from
the clerical state has not been applied, the Diocese directs the offender
to lead a life of prayer and penance. The Diocese does not allow the
offender to celebrate Mass publicly, to administer the sacraments, or to
present himself publicly as a priest.
The Diocese has established
clear and well-publicized standards of ministerial behavior for priests
and deacons. A communications policy is in effect which reflects the
Bishop's pledge to be open and transparent on issues regarding the sexual
abuse of children. The Diocese does assist and support all parish
communities directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Diocese has not
fully implemented a "safe environment" education program; however, a
program is scheduled for implementation in January 2005 for Catholic
schools and the Fall 2005 in parish religious education programs. The
educational program for children is the Virtus Program (Protecting God’s
Children/Touching Safety Program; the educational program for parents is
the Virtus Program (Protecting God’s Children for Parents); the
educational program for ministers is the Virtus Program (Protecting God’s
Children for Adults); the educational program for educators is the Virtus
Program (Protecting God’s Children for Adults); and the educational
program for others is the Virtus Program (Protecting God’s Children for
Adults). The Diocese has clear and well publicized standards of conduct
for persons in positions of trust with regard to sexual abuse. The Diocese
conducts background evaluations for all Diocesan and parish personnel who
have regular contact with minors, using appropriate law enforcement
resources where permissible. The Diocese employs adequate screening and
evaluative techniques in deciding the fitness of candidates for
ordination.
The Diocese has not transferred any priest or deacon
who has had a credible allegation of sexual abuse made against him to
another ministerial assignment since the last audit. The Diocese has not
transferred any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residency since the
last audit.
The Bishop, or his designee, has coordinated with major
superiors of men with a presence in the Diocese concerning addressing the
issue of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The Diocese has
not had the opportunity to participate in research with other institutions
in the area of sexual abuse. The Diocese has developed a systematic
ongoing formation program in keeping with the Basic Plan for the
Ongoing Formation of Priests.
At the conclusion of this compliance audit,
the Diocese was found to be compliant with all articles of the Charter
for the Protection of Children and Young People.
At the time of the 2004 Audit of the Diocese of Marquette, the diocese
had not yet fully implemented a "safe environment" program for students in
the Catholic schools and parish religious education programs and for
parents. At the time of the audit, the Diocese of Marquette trained
approximately 2000 employees and volunteers using the VIRTUS program
"Protecting God's Children for Adults." This training is mandatory for all
employees and volunteers who have regular contact with children and who
are working or volunteering in the parishes, schools and other
institutions of the diocese. In the fall of 2004, an additional 386 new
employees and volunteers were trained.
The diocese is on schedule
for the implementation of a safe environment program for students in the
Catholic schools and parish religious education programs and for parents,
as outlined in the Executive summary.