Code of Conduct

For parish employees

The mission of the Church is to teach Christ’s truth and extend his love and care to all.  Further, those working with children and young people must demonstrate concern for and recognize the importance of legal, professional and responsible conduct. This behavior must be reflected in the conduct of all Parish and Diocesan employees and employees of affiliated Diocesan agencies.

The following Code of Conduct applies to all Parish and Diocesan employees who interact with or who have any access to children and young people. This includes but is not limited to: administrators, teachers, support, clerical, and maintenance and building staff.    

As an employee, I recognize, support and will promote the following values:

1.1. To realize that my conduct affects others whom I serve and therefore should help fulfill the Church’s mission as outlined immediately above.

1.2. To work collaboratively with my supervisor, colleagues and, if applicable, those whom I supervise to foster an atmosphere of respect in the places where I work or serve.

1.3. To work within the limits of my position, professional competence and, if applicable, licenses, certifications, etc., to abide by the accepted standards of these positions and professions; to seek appropriate referrals and consultations when issues arise that need the assistance of other professionals; and readily seek the advice of supervisors when appropriate.

1.4. To recognize the great influence I have in working with children, young people and adults and therefore engage in positive behavior and maintain appropriate boundaries in my relationship with all parishioners.  Certain specific behaviors are to be sought; others are to be avoided.  They include the following:

1.4.1. To be attentive to warning signs that might indicate the potential violation of sexual boundaries.
1.4.2. To advise my supervisor of any initiation of sexual talk or behavior by those children, young people or adults under my supervision directed toward myself or another adult employee.
1.4.3. To attempt to be with another adult or be in the proximity of another adult when working with children or young people in unsupervised settings; not to engage in any covert or overt sexual behaviors with any person with whom I work; to avoid any sexual innuendo; to avoid sexual comments or jokes or the display of such material.
1.4.4. To enforce appropriate boundaries and guidelines so that no sexual abuse or sexual behavior with minors or vulnerable adults can take place.

1.5. To adhere to civil law and Diocesan policy about reporting any suspected cases of abuse or neglect of children or young people.

1.6. To advise my supervisor of any violations of this Code and in particular any information that should be shared to avoid a child or young person being harmed.

1.7. To participate in training sessions required by the diocese, parish or agency to foster a safe environment and to prevent the sexual abuse of children and young people.

1.8. To submit to the appropriate background check according to Diocesan policy.

As an employee:

2.1. I WILL NOT interact with children or young people through e-mail except for delivering information for the program I am providing.

2.2. I WILL NOT assist children or young people to access pornography or other sexual material online or influence their exploration of pornography through any media outlet.

2.3. I WILL NOT use parish, school or any agency computers to participate in chat rooms.

2.4. I WILL NOT photograph children or young people without the explicit permission of their parents or legal guardian.

2.5. I WiLL NOT use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when working with children or young people.

2.6. I WILL NOT use profanity or any other inappropriate language when working with children and young people. 

I understand that any action that I take that is a violation of this Code may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from my position.  Such disciplinary action will be taken in accord with established personnel policies of the Diocese, and the parish or agency where I work or serve, and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.