Home // Promise To Protect // Glossary of Terms Glossary Of Terms Audit: The archdiocese submits to a yearly third-party assessment of our implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In addition, every parish, school and agency under the sponsorship of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is audited annually by the Office of Child and Youth Protection to ensure compliance with both Charter and archdiocese safe environment requirements. Boundary Violation: A non-sexual complaint that violates the Code of Ethical Conduct. Charter: Refers to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that was approved in Dallas in 2002 and by the Holy See. It is a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy as well as guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. Civil Authorities: Refers to the local law enforcement agency, whether it be the city police department, the sheriff's department, the state police or an area child protection agency. It is distinguished from religious authority. Dismissal from the Clerical State: A permanent penalty imposed in response to the commission of an ecclesiastical crime. A priest or deacon can also lose the clerical state voluntarily by requesting it of his own accord from the Holy See, often called “laicization,” but which more properly should be referred to as a dispensation from the obligations of the clerical state. In either case, the priest or deacon is no longer counted as a cleric and now has the status of a lay person. Among the consequences of his new status is the fact that he is not able to function as a priest or deacon or to present himself as one publically. Laicization: See “Dismissal from the Clerical State.” Minor: A person under the age of 18. Prayer and Penance: The Charter recognizes that there might be cases where a priest or deacon has either admitted to a past act of abuse or has been found guilty of one, but dismissal from the clerical state does not occur. This could happen, for instance, when a priest is seriously ill or of advanced age. Under these circumstances a life of prayer and penance is imposed on the priest instead. In these cases, just as in laicization, he is forbidden from all public ministry and from otherwise presenting himself as a priest. He is expected to dedicate his life to praying for victims and repenting of his past offenses. In this way, the Church seeks to prevent any future abuse and to repair the injustice that has already taken place. Removed from Ministry: See “Dismissal from the Clerical State” or “Suspension.” Safe Environment: Term used to refer to a wide assortment of practices that contribute to preventing child abuse of any kind. Suspension: The priest or deacon is not permitted to function in public ministry. However, suspension does not remove the cleric from the clerical state. He remains a member of the clergy even if he is not exercising any functions associated with it. Additionally, suspension is not a permanent penalty--it is imposed so long as the reasons for its imposition remain. USCCB: Acronym for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Victim/Survivor: A person who has abuse of any kind in their background and has or is working to overcome the negative effects of that abuse. Vulnerable Adult: An adult over the age of 18 who is significantly impaired in the ability to, or otherwise unable to, protect his/her own rights and vital interests or to report abuse or neglect without assistance because of physical, mental or emotional impairment. PROMISE TO PROTECT STATEMENTS RESOURCES FAQ GLOSSARY OF TERMS INVESTIGATORY PROCESS Comments If you have further comments you would like to share, feel free to fill out the comment box below. You comment will be submitted to a staff member of the Office of Child and Youth Protection. Full Name First Name Last Name Email Questions/Comments Captcha SACRAMENTS SERVICES AND RESOURCES STEWARDSHIP ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL OPEN WIDE OUR HEARTS CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CEMETERIES MEDIA RESOURCES PRESS RELEASES PARISH DIRECTORY PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDRENTM PASTORAL COUNCIL ABOUT US OFFICES PARISH BULLETIN GATEWAY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT INFORMATION Request A Prayer Find Mass Times Find My Parish Support The Mission Check Out Our Publications .CLS-1{FILL:#C70F2E;}.CLS-2{FILL:#FFF;}STL-REVIEW_BANNER .CLS-1{FILL:#C70F2E;}.CLS-2{FILL:#FFF;}CATHOLIC-MAG_BANNER REPORT SUSPECTED FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE REPORT SUSPECTED BISHOP ABUSE 20 Archbishop May Drive St. Louis, MO 63119 314.792.7005 Copyright ©2021 Archdiocese of St. Louis. All rights reserved. Site Map // Privacy Policy // Login