Marquette County – In 2011, the Catholic Diocese of Marquette was again found to be in compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which was adopted by the U.S. Catholic bishops in 2002 to address the problem of child and youth sexual abuse by clergy.
After participating in a full on-site audit in 2010, the diocese underwent a data collection audit last year. The full on-site visits are required every three years.
During the audit period of July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, 2,562 children and youth received training in safe environment awareness in Diocese of Marquette Catholic schools and parishes. In addition, 222 diocesan, parish and Catholic school employees and volunteers from throughout the U.P. were trained in the prevention of child and youth sexual abuse, bringing the total number of adults trained since 2002 to 3,186.
In 2010 the Diocese of Marquette began a new effort to ensure the safety of youth. Since a crime can be committed at any time, it is necessary to recheck the backgrounds of long-term employees and volunteers periodically. Background checks for many people were conducted in 2003. To date, the background of 720 priests, religious, employees and volunteers encompassing 42 parishes, has been rechecked. The diocese plans to continue to conduct these rechecks.
The Diocese of Marquette has a Review Board for the Protection of Children and Young People that reviews diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with sexual abuse of minors, assists the bishop in assessing allegations of sexual misconduct against church workers and volunteers, and advises the bishop regarding the clergy’s fitness for ministry. The review board is composed of one diocesan priest and seven lay persons who are not employed by the diocese. Also, in attendance at the review board meetings are a priest and lay person trained in Church and civil law to provide counsel to the board if needed.
Bishop Sample was pleased that the diocese was found to be compliant with the charter, but noted, “We must remain vigilant and continue to focus on providing a safe environment for children and young people in the Church.”
He also encourages anyone who has been sexually abused by a clergy member, religious, church employee or volunteer to make a complaint to the diocese. “Our first concern is always for the victim/survivor. We want to help the person who has been harmed begin the journey to healing and peace,” Bishop Sample explained.
To bring a complaint to the attention of the diocese, please call the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator, Sister Colleen Sweeting, at 866-857-6459 (toll-free). If Sister Colleen is unavailable, please call Bishop Sample at 906-227-9115 / 800-562-9745, ext. 115.
Those who wish to put their complaint in writing can direct their correspondence to Father Ronald Browne, Director of Ministry Personnel, Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855. The letter should be marked “Personal and Confidential” and indicate whether a response is desired by phone, by letter or in a meeting.
The diocese will also help anyone bring their concerns to church officials outside the diocese if the sexual misconduct occurred elsewhere and the person now resides in the Diocese of Marquette. If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact Sr. Colleen at the phone number above or e-mail: rbrowne@dioceseofmarquette.org with “Victim’s Assistance Coordinator” in the subject line.
Information regarding the Diocese of Marquette’s safe environment program can be found on the diocese’s website: www.dioceseofmarquette.org by selecting Protecting Children on the snowshoe menu.
The 2011 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in all U.S. dioceses has been posted on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ web site at: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/child-and-youth-protection/upload/2011-annual-report.pdf.
Click To Submit Press Releases, News, Calendar Items, and Community Events to mediaBrew radio stations WFXD, WKQS, WRUP, GTO, Fox Sport Marquette, and 106.1 The Sound
Marquette, Michigan Calendar; Ishpeming Calendar; Negaunee Calendar; Gwinn Calendar; Negaunee Calendar and Events; Upper Peninsula Calendar of Events; Escanaba Events and Calendar