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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) requires all dioceses to have in place Safe Environment Policy for the Protection of Children and Vulunerable Adults.
In accordance with these requirements, the Diocese of Youngstown's Safe Environment Program consists of the following components for persons seeking employment or to volunteer directly or indirectly with minors and vulnerable adults: background check (includes fingerprinting every five years), VIRTUS in-service training (the word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth), signed verification of diocesan policy relating to child protection. For more information please go to https://doy.org/safe-environment/.A Letter from Bishop Murry
On August 14, 2018, a grand jury gave its findings on clergy abuse in six Pennsylvania Roman Catholic dioceses. The grand jury identified more than 1,000 child victims and more than 300 clergy members across the state. Read the full grand jury report.
The Most Reverend George V. Murry, S.J., Bishop of the Youngstown Diocese has issued a letter for all church-goers in light of recent allegations of abuse and sexual harassment in the Erie Catholic Diocese. All priests were asked to read the letter at their weekend masses, August 25/26, 2018."Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
I write to you today in light of the revelations concerning Archbishop Theodore McCarrick and the Attorney General’s Report from Pennsylvania. Before writing, I wanted to gather as much information as possible about the events and carefully read the Grand Jury report in its entirety.As a Catholic who loves the Church, as a priest and a bishop, I am thoroughly appalled, disgusted and angry about both revelations. We went through this in the early 2000s and should not have to go through this again." . . .
Click here to read Bishop Murry's letter in its entirety
The Diocese of Youngstown is committed to addressing this sin and crime, supporting survivors and encouraging survivors to come forward. The Diocese of Youngstown’s Child Protection Policy may be found on their website.
A PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH
Heavenly Father,
In every age, you have been our refuge.
Yet again and still, we stand before you
asking for your protection on your holy Church.
For the victims of abuse and their families,
pour out your healing and your peace.
For the Bishops of this country,
continue to inspire their decisions,
and guide them with your Spirit.
For the thousands of good and faithful priests,
who have followed your call to serve you and your people in holiness,
sustain them by your grace.
For the faithful who are angry, confused, and searching for answers,
embrace them with your love,
restore their trust,
console them with your clear Gospel message,
and renew them with your sacraments.
We place our Church in your hands,
for without you we can do nothing.
May Jesus, our High Priest and true compass,
continue to lead her in every thought and action –
to be an instrument of justice,
a source of consolation,
a sacrament of unity,
and a manifestation of your faithful covenant.
Grant this through that same Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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How To Report Suspected Casesof Sexual Abuseof Minors
To Civil Authorities: Report any incidences of suspected child abuse or neglect to Children Services in your county or to local law enforcement.
To the Diocese of Youngstown: To report suspected cases of sexual abuse of minors by personnel of the Diocese of Youngstown to the diocse please contact:- Victim's Assistance Coordinator - Delphine Baldwin Casey, 330-718-1388
- Safe Environment Coordinator - Msgr. John Zuraw, 330-744-8451
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