Responsible Ministry

In 2010 the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) implemented Responsible Ministry in response to the sexual abuse scandal in the church. Through this program, anyone dealing with children in a church setting or vulnerable adults as well as persons in a position of trust must have a police record check every five years.

In response to this direction, in May 2010 Father Brian Hansen initiated the program in St. Augustine and St. Matthews parishes and a new role of Responsible Ministry Coordinator was created.    

The Responsible Ministry Coordinator works closely with the Religious Education Ministry to ensure that responsible ministry protocol is being followed to protect our children. When there is a new catechist, they are given the paperwork to take to their local police office.

 Responsible Ministry also includes vulnerable adults who are house-bound and require a Eucharist Minister to serve them communion in their homes.  Those serving at-home communion must have a police record check.  Anyone handling money on behalf of the church must have a police record check.

Note: If someone lives in Grand-Bay Westfield and beyond, they are serviced by the RCMP, there is no charge, and they provide this service on Thursdays. If someone’s lives in the City of Saint John, they are serviced by the SJ Police located at City Hall; there is a small fee which will be reimbursed by the church.

 Below are links to the Diocese of Saint John & Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) Websites regarding Responsible Ministry.

dioceseofsaintjohn.org/responsible-ministry

cccb.ca/about/responsible-ministry/standing-committee-for-responsible-ministry