2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt
Previous Audit Conducted August
18 – 21, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of October 4 – 8, 2004.
The diocese has a policy on the
prevention of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. The 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 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 two victim assistance coordinators referred to as The
Pastoral Care Team. This team is made up of Father Raymond E. Riffle and
Dr. Paul Niemiec. Father Riffle is the Executive Director of Catholic
Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg and holds a Masters of Social Work
degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Paul Niemiec is Director of
Counseling for Catholic Charities, has a doctorate in counseling from
Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a licensed
professional counselor. The diocese established in 1994 a Review Board
which consists of six members. The members include an attorney, a
principal, a pastor, the executive director of a center for victims of
domestic and sexual violence, a caseworker for abused and neglected
children and a psychologist. The Board serves as a confidential
consultative body to the bishop.
The procedures for making a complaint of abuse are not readily
available in printed form, and are not the subject of periodic public
announcements. A Required Action was issued. The diocese has entered into
one confidentiality agreement during the audit period at the request of
the victim/survivor.
The diocese would have reported all allegations of
sexual abuse of a minor to public authorities however, there were none
since the last compliance audit. The diocese has complied 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. Currently, there is no educational program
for children, but the diocese is in the process of reviewing the Virtus
program for children. A Required Action was issued. The educational
program for, ministers, educators and others is Virtus, “Protecting God’s
Children.” 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 residence 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 with the exception of Articles 2 and 12. The following Required
Actions were issued:
REQUIRED ACTION #1 Article #2 Response and Reporting
The diocese will make readily available in printed form the procedures
for making a complaint. These procedures are to be subject to periodic
public announcements.
REQUIRED ACTION #2 Article #12 Safe Environment Programs
The diocese will confirm selection of safe environment training for
children and establish a training schedule.
Compliance with the Charter as of December 31, 2004
As of December 31, 2004, the Diocese of Greensburg had satisfactorily
completed the required actions. The Diocese is found to be compliant with
all articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young
People.