THE DIOCESE OF GALLUP
TO PROTECT AND HEAL

How to report a case of sexual misconduct/abuse against a minor:
 
Call the Police!
 
Call or write:
Sister Mary Thurlough, D.C.
Victims Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Gallup
P.O. Box 3146
Gallup, NM 87305-3146
(505)722-4407
or
Deacon Timoteo Lujan
Chancellor - Diocese of Gallup
P.O. Box 1338
Gallup, NM 87305-1338
(505)863-4406, 4407, 5068
or
e-mail
or
Gallup Diocesan Review Board for
Juvenile Sexual Abuse
P.O. Box 3932
Gallup, NM 87305
 
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Office of Child & Youth Protection -- United States Catholic Conference
 
LOCAL RESOURCES
 
February 27, 2002

 My Sisters and Brothers in Christ;

     In response to the recent publicity regarding the sexual abuse of minors by priests, the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory, has prepared a statement on behalf of all the Bishops in the United States.  I have asked your Pastors, and/or those responsible for leadership in all of our parishes, missions and institutions to make this statement available to everyone by  reading it at all Masses and making printed copies available.

      For many years the Diocese of Gallup has had a policy for dealing with and detecting abuse of minors. We have recently expanded this policy to include comprehensive personnel investigations.  All who minister on behalf of the diocese, including myself and my staff at the Pastoral Center in Gallup will be required to participate in this screening process.  I have often stated that I will be diligent in every way possible to protect the children of our diocese from sexual abuse by clergy or anyone else engaged in ministry on behalf of the diocese.  I have recently reminded all the diocesan councils that in 1993 we established and published a policy on sexual misconduct and/or abuse. Every effort should be made to protect our children from this tragedy.  In this regard, we have released a revision to our employment/volunteer screening policy which is available at each parish.

     I ask for your prayers and support for our priests, deacons, sisters, brothers and lay people who have so generously dedicated so much of themselves to the mission of our local Church here in New Mexico and Arizona.  I also ask the Lord’s blessing upon all of you, and especially our children.

                         Fraternally in Christ,
                         
                         
                         Most Rev. Donald E. Pelotte, SSS
                         Bishop of Gallup

 

Employee / Volunteer
Screening Process


     In today’s climate of accusations and lawsuits, the Church must be a leader in responsible personnel management.  The Church has an obligation to the faithful to provide a safe environment for its members and their families.  For many years the Diocese of Gallup has had a policy for dealing with and detecting abuse of minors.  With the help of our insurance carrier, Catholic Mutual, we have recently been able to expand this policy with a resource for comprehensive personnel investigation.  This process is not intended to be intrusive, nor is it meant to demean those who so generously dedicate part of their lives to helping in their parish.   However, we must be cognizant of the times we live in, and respond appropriately to those situations in which the Church finds itself.  It is in the spirit of prudent responsibility and respect for individual human dignity that we approach this process.

    All members of the clergy and members of religious orders must agree to the screening process.  All employees must agree to the screening process.  Any volunteers that participate in official parish activities that bring them into one-on-one contact with parishioners, or have the ability of coming into one-on-one contact with parishioners, must agree to the screening process.  Any volunteers that have contact with minors must agree to the screening process.  Any volunteers that have access to parish finances must agree to the screening process.   

     Because of the variance in what is perceived to be an appropriate check for a given responsibility, the standard investigation will include residence history, driving record, criminal history, and financial history.  If employees are being hired based on their previous employment or education, an employer investigation and education verification can also be done.  The standard Authorization and Release form must be signed as well as Residence History form for the past 7 years.  

     All new employees or volunteers must be aware that their work with the Church will be conditional until an acceptable result is received from these investigations.  All results are confidential and employees or volunteers, may receive a copy of the results upon request.  

     In addition to the above mentioned investigation, all employees and volunteers are required to receive and read the Policy on Sexual Misconduct and / Or Abuse booklet for the Diocese of Gallup.  An acknowledgment for must be signed stating that the employee or volunteer has received a copy and understands the policy.   


 Diocese of Gallup

 

Pastoral Code of Ethics for the Diocese of Gallup (Memorandum on promulgation of code)

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Letter from Bishop Pelotte Introduction to Code of Ethics

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Letter from Bishop Pelotte to parishes in Diocese of Gallup

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Code of Ethics

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Position Description: Victims Assistance Coordinator/Safe Environment Coordinator

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