NEW GUIDELINES FOR LAY MINISTRIES

After review by the priests and principals of the diocese, Guidelines on Lay Organizations, Apostolates and Committees was added to the Diocesan Manual of Policies and Guidelines on May 1. The guidelines address the issues of liability, authority and finances as they relate to local lay ministries. The full text appears below.

Guidelines on Lay Organizations, Apostolates and Committees Established: Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1, 2006

2901. Diocesan, parish and school ministries are supported by lay organizations, apostolates and committees that carry out particular missions and works of mercy. These groups are sometimes chapters of international or national organizations, while some are diocesan, parish or school-based. For the purposes of this guideline, international, national, diocesan, parish and school-based organizations, apostolates and committees will be referred to as "lay organizations."

2902. A local chapter of an international or national lay organization is defined as one that follows the charter of its parent organization and enjoys legal existence beyond the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Examples of such lay organizations include the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Knights of Columbus. As such, these lay organizations do not depend upon the diocese, parishes, schools or agencies in order to conduct their activities. Nevertheless, such groups must receive the approval of the bishop for their establishment and continuing activity in the diocese.

2903. All other lay organizations, including but not restricted to, the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, Children of Mary, Legion of Mary, Magnificat, Movimiento Cursillo, St. Joseph Workers, and St. Vincent de Paul Society, various alumni organizations, parent-teacher associations, school boards, men's fellowships, prayer groups and youth groups, do not have this legal existence beyond the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Lay organizations in this category do depend upon the diocese, parishes, schools or agencies in order to establish and continue activity in the diocese.

2904. In order to be recognized by the diocese, leaders of international, national, diocesan, parish and school­ based lay organizations must read, sign and act in accord with the Diocesan Code of Contact.

2905. Members of international, national, diocesan, parish or school-based organizations that have regular and proximate contact with children must be familiar with the document Policy and Procedures Concerning Child Abuse by Diocesan Personnel and participate in ongoing child protection seminars.

2906. All lay organizations must be accountable to the bishop, pastor or principal in all matters, including financial. The following guidelines will clarify the manner in which these groups are accountable.

CHAPTERS OF INTERNATIONAL OR NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

2907. The president or chairperson of the local chapter of international or national lay organizations must inform the bishop in writing of his or her appointment and term of office.

2908. The president or chairperson of the local chapter must provide the bishop with a current copy of the organization's by-laws.

DIOCESAN, PARISH OR SCHOOL-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

2909. The president, chairperson or leader of diocesan, parish or school-based lay organizations is elected or selected by its members and then must be approved by the bishop, pastor or principal. The bishop, pastor or principal may determine term limits for these leaders.

2910. The bishop, pastor or principal retains the right to suspend or discontinue the activities of any lay organization for a just cause.

FINANCES

2911. Local chapters of international and national lay organizations may maintain their own bank account, provided that the international or national organization assumes all legal liability. Liability will not be transferred to or absorbed by the diocese, parish or school.

2912. Diocesan, parish and school-based lay organizations may not have their own bank accounts. All collected revenues must be submitted immediately to the appropriate diocesan official, pastor or principal, who will hold the funds in a restricted account. The diocesan official, pastor or principal will be a signatory on all checks.

2913. Funds generated or collected by lay organizations must be submitted to the appropriate diocesan official, pastor or principal immediately. At no time may any member of any organization, apostolate or committee take to their home, office or vehicle the proceeds of any collection or fundraising event.

THE CATHOLIC ISLANDER * JUNE 2006 * 12