Integrity in Ministry – Principles

A communion of love

1.1  In their lives and ministries Religious witness God’s love for every human person by sensitivity, reverence and respect in their relationships.

1.2  Religious witness to the inclusive embrace of god’s love.

1.3  Religious witness and minister God’s nurturing love for every person.

1.4  Pastoral love requires that Religious respect the physical and emotional boundaries appropriate to relationships with adults and minors.

1.5  Religious witness to God’s care for the most vulnerable by their concern for the dignity and safety of children and youth.

At the service of communion

2.1 Religious are called to witness to a spirit of service.  Because of the trust they are given and the visibility of their witness and leadership, they are conscious of the unique power and responsibility they have in pastoral relationships.

2.2 In addition to their own professional development and formation, Religious Superiors and others in positions of responsibility are called to a service of support to those for whom they exercise pastoral care.

2.3 Religious serve the community of the Church by service in a number of ministries, including presiding at prayer, sacraments and the Eucharist.  In all these moments, they are at the service of a community of active and equal persons, seeking to enable the best and fullest expression of the community’s prayer, praise and communion with the life of God.

Ministers of Communion: A Life of Commitment

3.1 Led by the Spirit, Religious continually open themselves in response to a vocation that comes from God and is lived in the midst of the Church and the human community.

3.2 As part of their vocational commitment Religious also continue to develop the pastoral and professional skills their ministries follow.

3.3 It is healthy for Religious to develop relationships beyond those of their pastoral relationships wherever that is possible, so that pastoral relationships do not bear the burden of providing affirmation and affective support to the minister.

3.4 Commitment to one’s vocation as a minister of communion means that Religious will act with integrity in all their human relationships.

3.5 By virtue of their commitment, Religious give witness to a way of life that respects the dignity and worth of everyone they meet in the exercise of their ministry.  Consequently, they act with integrity in all their relationships and interactions with others.

3.6 As ministers committed to the proclamation of the Gospel, Religious will act with integrity in their use of the newer forms of Social Media.

Ministers of Communion: Developing and Maintaining Competence

4.1 In response to their vocation, Religious are committed to develop and maintain the pastoral skills that their particular ministry or way of life requires.

4.2 Religious develop and maintain the professional skills their particular ministry or way of life requires.

4.3 Out of desire for the well-being of those who come to them, Religious recognise the limits of their own skills.  While often called upon to give advice, they should offer counselling only when professionally qualified to do so.

4.4 The vocation to serve as ministers of healing means that Religious will be sensitive to the risks in accompanying relationships in which professional and personal lines are blurred.  In such relationships, the well-being of the other, the avoidance of any risk of exploitation, and the maintenance of professional judgement will determine the minister’s decisions.

4.5 Pastoral care requires that a pastoral relationship be terminated when it becomes reasonably clear that the person seeking support is not benefiting.  In such a case the person will be offered to find another source of assistance.

4.6 Keeping appropriate records is an aspect of pastoral care.

Ministers of Communion: Commitment to Justice

5.1 Religious serve as witness and agents of God’s justice by living and ministering justly in all things.

5.2 Religious, who exercise authority in the Church or who have responsibility to supervise the work of others, witness to justice by ensuring just working conditions.

5.3 Religious, act with integrity and fairness when they deal appropriately and promptly with complaints of sexual, physical or psychological abuse.

Ministers of Communion: Responsibility for Personal Well-Being

7.1 For the sake of their own well-being, and for the service of the Gospel and people of God, Religious strive to maintain their spiritual health.

7.2 Religious exercise a stewardship over their own physical and emotional health.

7.3 Out of reverence for the gift of life and well-being, Religious seek to live healthy lives.

When Communion is Broken

8.2 When the complaint involves an allegation of abuse of a child or vulnerable adult then the statutory authorities, the Church’s Safeguarding Office, and  the Congregation’s Safeguarding Officer must be informed immediately and their advice strictly followed. All sections of the Catholic Church, whether in paid employment or in a voluntary capacity, must follow the Church’s safeguarding procedures in all situations.

Legal Compliance  – It is essential that Religious abide by the requirements of mandatory reporting and other relevant civil legislation.  They also take care to ensure that   the proper processes of law are neither interfered with, nor hindered.  Notwithstanding the civil law requirements, Religious are required to alert Church authorities in cases where referral to statutory authorities has been made.

8.3 In other serious situations when the matter is of a criminal nature, the statutory authorities must be informed immediately.  The Religious Superior must also be informed.

8.4 Relationships between a minister and a person may be damaged in other ways in any of the vast variety of settings where the Church’s ministry is carried out.  This can often occur when people are tired or busy with important liturgical or celebratory events, or when false expectations have begun to develop about friendship or relationship with a minister.

8.5 When one is dealing with more serious damage to persons or relationships, and in situations of injustice, exploration or other serious inappropriate behaviour, recourse needs to be made to the Congregational leader or to the person with overall responsibility for the particular ministry.