2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota
Most Reverend Blasé J. Cupich
Previous Audit Conducted
June 30 – July 3, 2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of July 26-30, 2004.
The diocese has a policy on 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 has met with or offered to meet with all victims/survivors who
have reported allegations of abuse since the last compliance audit. One
victim is in another state and the bishop has requested assistance from
the diocese where he is located. 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 a victim assistance coordinator, Maryann Tully,
who is a registered nurse with 41 years of experience who has studied
social work. The diocese established on July 30, 2002 a Review Board which
consists of five members. The members include a registered nurse and
mother of four, the Prioress of St. Martin Monastery who has been a nun
for 50 years, an attorney who has represented children in various
abuse/neglect cases and father of three, the Vicar General of the diocese
and a Deacon who was a victim of sexual abuse and served as the Clinical
Director of Children’s Home Society. There are also two designated
alternates. The Board serves as a confidential consultative body to the
bishop.
The procedures for reporting a complaint of abuse are
available in printed form, and are the subject of periodic public
announcements. The diocese has not entered into a confidentiality
agreement during the audit period.
The diocese did not receive any allegations
of sexual abuse of a minor to report to public authorities which occurred
since the last compliance audit. The only allegation received, accused a
priest who has been deceased for 40 years, and the dioces is not required
by civil authorities to report this case. The diocese has a policy calling
for compliance with all applicable civil laws with respect to the
reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities.
The diocese has established liaison with civil authorities. Their diocesan
policy calls for open dialogue regarding sexual abuse allegations if they
occur. The diocese has a policy calling for cooperation with public
authorities about reporting in cases when the person is no longer a minor.
The diocese has a policy that calls for notice to 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, the diocese has a policy to conduct a
preliminary investigation, in harmony with canon law. 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 has a policy that 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 has a policy to offer professional
assistance to offending priests or deacons.
In every case
involving canonical penalties, the processes provided for in canon law are
observed. Diocesan policy encourages accused clergy to retain the
assistance of civil and canonical counsel. When necessary, the diocese
supplies canonical counsel to a priest or deacon.
The diocese has
a policy that states 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 selected and scheduled a
"safe environment" education program. The educational program for children
utilizes a multifaceted approach from several sources including the
Committee for Children, Seattle, WA, and Boy Scouts of America; the
educational program for parents, ministers, educators and others is
described as a program from a variety of sources including a video
entitled, “What Do I Say Now?” by the Committee for 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 a policy to
not transfer any priest or deacon who has had a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence, without
providing the proper notification to the new diocese of residence.
The bishop 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.