Protocol for Sexual Abuse Cases Involving Minors
As decreed by Bishop Richard W. Smith. Preamble The sexual abuse of a child is a terrible crime that causes deep hurt for many people. It is rightly called “scandalous”, both in the biblical sense of potential harm to faith and in the secular understanding as something shocking and disgraceful.
Continue readingDecree for the Protection and Confidentiality of Parish Registers
As decreed by Bishop Richard W. Smith. In addition to the parish priest, only the following persons are to have access to the parish registers, and only to fulfill their tasks or functions: persons holding a pastoral mandate in the parish; persons holding a mandate from the Chancery Office for
Continue readingGuidelines for the Celebration of Funerals in the Diocese of Pembroke
As decreed by Bishop Richard W. Smith, effective June 11, 2006, Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. I. Introduction Death: Its Significance The death of one who is close to us is a difficult moment in the life of a family and perhaps also the community. It involves a sense of
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