Policies & Procedures
Policy and Procedures Regarding Complaints of Sexual Abuse
This edition reflects the recent changes and developments in church and civil law, particularly the 2023 revisions to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2021 statute The Adult Protection Act. This edition also contains previous revisions reflecting the 2018 Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops publication Protecting Minors from Sexual Abuse and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2018 statute The Children, Youth and Families Act.
Note: The Archbishop’s Delegate can be contacted via a dedicated diocesan telephone line: 709-726-6519 and /or a dedicated diocesan email address: abusereport@rcsj.org.
Screening Policy
The Purpose of Screening Employees and Volunteers
The members of the Roman Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of St. John’s care deeply for the well being of one another and for those to whom they minister.
We have become more aware of the possibility of harm being done to those who are most in need of our care and compassion. It is possible that a small number of persons may take advantage of organizations that have no, or lax, screening procedures.
To protect as far as possible those whom we serve, as well as those who serve in our parishes and on behalf of the Archdiocese as a whole, we have adopted thorough, appropriate, consistent and ongoing screening measures for our volunteers and employees. The protection and safety of all, including our volunteers and employees, will guide our intentions and actions in applying these measures.
View Screening Policy (.pdf)
Reporting Sexual Abuse Committed or Covered up by a Bishop
On May 6th 2021, the Bishops of Canada launched a national bilingual service for reporting situations of sexual abuse either committed or covered up by a bishop who is presently active or retired from ministry in a diocese in Canada. This reporting system can be accessed online at: https://bishopreportingsystem.ca or via a toll-free telephone number at: 1-866-892-3737.
Administration Services
Business Administration Office
Pastoral Centre
Suite 402, 33 Pippy Place,
St. John's, NL
A1B 3X2
T: 709 726 3660
Financial Administrator
Ms. Colleen Menchions
E: cmenchions@rcsj.org
Director of Operations
Mr. Frank Stevens
E: fstevens@rcsj.org