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I have already talked to you in this column about the successful audit of this Archdiocese’s efforts to comply with the Charter for the Protection of children and Young People. You know full well that I am pleased that we did meet the expectations of the Office of Child and Youth Protection, and that I am most thankful that you all so willingly helped us achieve this goal. In this edition of The Advocate, we have reported some of the words that the auditors used to discuss our compliance, because we wanted you to know what they thought about our procedures and the steps we have taken so far to meet the challenge of assuring a safe environment, and eliminating child sexual abuse from this Archdiocese. The key words here are “the steps we have taken so far.” This audit is not the end of the journey. There still is much work for us to do to build on this successful start. Today, as you read this, our lay review board continues its work reviewing some few allegations remaining, and we are working with local and state authorities on all information that has come to our attention. I again urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse, or who knows of a case of abuse by someone associated with this Archdiocese, to call our Chancellor, Sheri Rickert, at 973-497-4009 so that we can begin to take action and start the healing. Today, we are training more facilitators to conduct Protecting God’s Children in parishes and schools for the future, so that everyone who deals with children and young people will know the warning signs of sexual abuse. Today, we continue to conduct background checks on clergy, religious, staff and volunteers so that we can both assure parents, and deter potential predators. Every new habit takes time to become part of a regular regimen, and implementing the terms of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is no different. It will take more time before all of the steps now underway are fully implemented. Even then, as we learn more about how to combat this societal program more effectively, I can assure you that we will take all steps necessary. Yet I know that we have made a good, faithful, and just start. Let us begin this New Year by dedicating this great Archdiocese to a special Year of Safety for Children. In doing so, we ask our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph to guide us in our efforts to protect all children.
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