2004 Audit Executive Summary:
Diocese of Tyler
Bishop Alvaro Corrada
Previous Audit Conducted 7/28 -
8/1/2003
The information found herein represents conditions as they were found
to exist during the week of August 23 to 27, 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 not
directed outreach to the faith communities because none of the allegations
received were founded nor affected the faith communities. 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, Father Gavin Vaverek, who has
been a priest for 12 years, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and is a
Canon Lawyer. The Diocese established in 2002, a Review Board which
consists of five members. The members include a retired President of the
University of Texas-Tyler, who is a Doctor of Psychology; a professional
counselor; an attorney with children in the Catholic school system; a
former teacher; and a member of the clergy. 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
the subject of periodic public announcements. The Diocese has not entered
into any confidentiality agreements during the audit period.
The
Diocese reported all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor 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 Diocesan policy
requires cooperation with public authorities about reporting in cases when
the person is no longer a minor, however there have been no such incidents
since the last audit. 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 Diocesan policy is to notify the
Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith and apply 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 assists and supports all parish communities
directly affected by ministerial misconduct involving minors.
The Diocese has fully
implemented a "safe environment" education program. An educational program
for children has been implemented, but only within the parochial schools.
The diocese plans to implement a diocesan wide program during the school
year. The educational program for parents, ministers, educators, and
others is "Ethics and Integrity for Church Personnel” specifically
developed by the Diocese of Tyler. 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. 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 a credible allegation of
sexual abuse made against him to another diocese for residence since the
last audit.
The Bishop has not coordinated with major superiors of
men, since none are present in the diocese, on 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.