We're here for you.

You are probably visiting this page because you are affected by the news of sexual abuse of minors in the Church and some Church leaders' total abandonment of their role to protect, the vulnerable, especially children.

Perhaps,  these past few days have caused you some distress from conflicted emotions or painful memories. Perhaps you find it difficult to cope with how you feel.

Perhaps you are a sexual abuse survivor, a relative or a friend of someone who was abused.  

Perhaps you know about an abuse committed against someone and you never felt able to do anything about it.  

Perhaps you have sexually abused someone and the burden of this secret is unbearable.

Whatever your situation, you can choose to talk about it! 

Talk to someone you trust or call our toll-free number to help you take the first step to break the cycle of silence. Call 1-833-547-8360.  

"We all have a sacred trust to protect those who are vulnerable,
particularly children, and to stand up and speak
when we witness that trust betrayed."

~ CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF ALBERTA & NWT

Protecting Children and the Vulnerable

We renew our commitment to ensure that any clergy, employee, or lay volunteer who commits an offence against children, minors, or vulnerable persons is promptly removed from ministry in the Church, i.e., diocese and parishes, that any offenses committed against minors which are first communicated to the Diocese are then reported immediately to civil authorities, and that victims receive an apology, compassion and assistance in recovering from any harm they have suffered, including compensation where appropriate. 

The Diocese has several measures to protect children and we will continue to review and improve all our efforts to create a safe environment. 
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1. Screening
   All clergy, employees and volunteers serving minors and vulnerable adults must provide Vulnerable Sector Police Information checks. Intervention Record checks must be provided for those serving minors and vulnerable adults overnight. Finally, a defined process of interviews and reference checks help affirm a candidate for ministries considered high risk.
   
   
2. Training
   All clergy, employees and volunteers are required to participate in orientation and Safe Environment training. 
   
   
3. Model Code of Conduct
   This code of conduct creates the structure to develop and implement uniform guidelines for appropriate behaviour of all religious and lay persons involved in ministries and other activities.
   
   
4. Committee on Sexual Misconduct and Abuse
   ​The Diocese has had a committee in place for several years. The committee comprises representatives from the community who have professional and clinical experience.
   
   Fr. Tim Boyle, the Bishop's Delegate, is a member of the committee. A Bishop's Delegate is the bishop's representative who follows through all allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct dealing with clergy. He demonstrates the Bishop's obligation and concern for truth, justice and healing in these cases.  ​

​PASTORAL LETTERS

• Letter from the Pope
• Letter from CCCB
• Letter from the Bishops of Alberta and NWT​

POLICY & PROCEDURES

• Letter of the Bishop Mandating the Documents (May 6, 2021)
• Policy and Procedures for the Prevention and Management of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse (April 3, 2023)
• Mandate of the Advisory Committee for the Prevention and Management of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse (May 6, 2021)
• Code of Conduct and Accountability for Clergy and Religious 
• Code of Conduct and Accountability for Lay Diocesan Employees 
• Code of Conduct and Accountability for Volunteers 
• Code of Conduct and Accountability for Youth Working with Younger Children ​
• ​Code of Conduct and Accountability for Children 

RESOURCES

• Online Self-Help 
• Victim Assistance Support Team & Call Centre 
• ​Connect Family & Sexual Abuse Network
• The Distress Centre 
• ​Kid's Help Phone
• ​Rethinking the New Prevention Strategy
  Highlights: 
  • Talk to the children in your life
  • Teach and practice a healthy relationship 
  • Hold accountable individuals who offend
  • Sexual assault prevention tips

STATEMENTS

1. Statement re: A Sexual Assault and Exploitation Charge against Fr. John Gannon, LC (Mar 2024). Download
2. Statement on the conviction of Rev. Denis Tassé, LC (Oct 2021). Download
3. ​Statement re: the withdrawn charges against Fr. Malcolm D'Souza (June 20, 2019). Download 
4. Safe Environment Release - Date: November 21, 2019. Download
5. ​Statement re: the withdrawn charges against Fr. Malcolm D'Souza (June 20, 2019). Download 
6. ​Statement on the charges laid against Fr. Malcolm D'Souza (Jan 15, 2019). Download​​
7. Statement re: Allegations of sexual misconduct by Fr. Malcolm D'Souza (Updated). Download
8. Statement re: Allegations of sexual misconduct by Fr. Peter Hung Cong Tran. Download ​

Putting our trust in the Lord, we pray...

For all victims of abuse, especially those abused at the hands of clergy, and for those who love them, that the Lord of justice and mercy will heal all of their wounds, relieve their anguish, and give them life in this world as well as the next. We pray to the Lord.  

For those who have abused others, especially servants of the Church, and for those with authority who have been indifferent to suffering and failed to protect the vulnerable, that they be delivered from denial, repent of their negligence, and find conversion of heart in Christ. We pray to the Lord.  

For all of us, especially those of us experiencing betrayal, anger, grief, and loss of faith, that in our distress we recognize Jesus as the source of life. We pray to the Lord. 
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Have mercy, O Lord, on the prayers of your Church.
Steady our shaken spirits with faith and
Show us the way to justice and wholeness.
Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

​St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.