St. Columba ParishParishes are full of trust. Parents hand their children to catechists, seniors open their doors to pastoral visitors, and young people confide in youth leaders. That trust is a gift, and protecting it is a duty. The Archdiocese of Toronto's Safe Environment policy, known as Strengthening the Caring Community, sets out what every parish must do to prevent abuse, to respond when concerns arise, and to build a culture in which everyone, especially the most vulnerable, is respected. St. Columba follows the policy in full. This page is a plain-language summary; the complete policy is published by the Archdiocese at archtoronto.org.
Our commitments
- We screen every volunteer and employee before they begin, in proportion to the trust their role involves.
- We train clergy, staff and volunteers to recognise abuse, maintain healthy boundaries and report concerns.
- We follow a written code of conduct, and we expect every adult in ministry to sign it.
- We report every allegation of abuse of a minor to the police and to the Archdiocese, without exception and without delay.
- We support anyone who has been harmed, and we do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
- We review our practices every year with the pastor, the Screening Committee and the Parish Pastoral Council.
Screening
All volunteers complete an application and an interview, and provide references. Those in "high-risk" ministries, meaning any role with unsupervised or regular access to children, youth, seniors or people with disabilities, also provide a police vulnerable-sector check and complete an orientation before they begin. Clergy and employees are screened by the Archdiocese as well as the parish. Screening is renewed on a set schedule, and the parish keeps confidential records of every step. For the full process see Volunteer Screening.
Training
Awareness training is required for every high-risk volunteer and for all staff and clergy, and is refreshed every three years. The session, about two hours, covers the kinds of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults), the signs to watch for, the duty to report under Ontario's Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and how to respond if a child or adult discloses something to you. St. Columba offers the session in the parish hall three times a year, and the Archdiocese offers it online. Parents of children in our programs are welcome to attend.
Code of conduct for volunteers
Every volunteer in a high-risk ministry signs the archdiocesan code of conduct. Its main points are practical and easy to remember:
| Always | Never |
|---|---|
| Work in pairs or in view of others; keep doors open or windowed | Be alone with a child or vulnerable adult out of sight of others |
| Communicate with youth through parents or on group channels the parish can see | Message a minor privately, or connect on personal social media |
| Respect physical boundaries: side hugs, high-fives, a hand on the shoulder if welcomed | Tickle, wrestle, or touch in a way the person has not invited |
| Use parish vehicles or drive with two adults for any transportation | Drive a minor alone, or take a minor to your home |
| Report concerns, even small ones, to the pastor or coordinator | Promise to keep a disclosure secret |
| Take photos only with consent, on parish devices, for parish use | Post photos of children on personal accounts |
Alcohol is never served at youth events, and adults do not drink when responsible for minors. Overnight events require written parental consent, a minimum adult-to-youth ratio, and separate sleeping areas for adults and youth.
How concerns are handled
Immediate danger: call 911
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Nothing in this policy delays that.
Report
Anyone who suspects a child is being abused has a legal duty in Ontario to report directly to a children's aid society. You do not need proof, and you do not need permission from the parish. Tell the pastor as well, unless the concern involves him, in which case contact the Archdiocese directly.
The Archdiocese is notified
The pastor reports every allegation involving clergy, staff or volunteers to the archdiocesan Safe Environment office the same day. The Archdiocese cooperates fully with police and children's aid.
The person is stepped aside
Anyone against whom an allegation is made is removed from ministry while the matter is investigated. This is a protective measure, not a judgment.
Support and follow-up
The person harmed and their family are offered pastoral and professional support. The parish community is informed in a way that protects privacy and prevents rumour.
Reporting misconduct
For the full list of ways to report abuse or misconduct, including the channels for reporting a bishop, see Report Misconduct. You may also contact the Archdiocese of Toronto's Safe Environment office directly at any time.
Who is responsible at St. Columba
- Pastor: Rev. Daniel Moreau, ext. 22, is accountable for the policy in the parish.
- Safe Environment Coordinator: Teresa Alvarez, Office Manager, ext. 21, keeps screening records and training rosters.
- Screening Committee: three parishioners appointed by the pastor who conduct volunteer interviews and reference checks. Chair: Robert Cheng, screening@stcolumbatoronto.ca.
Frequently asked
My child is in First Communion class. Who has been screened?
Every catechist, assistant and classroom volunteer has completed the full high-risk screening, including a police check and training. You are welcome to ask Sr. Agnes to confirm this for any individual.
I only want to help at the bake sale. Do I need a police check?
No. Low-risk roles need only the application and a short conversation. See the table on the Volunteer Screening page.
What if I am not sure whether what I saw was abuse?
Raise it anyway. Speak to the pastor, the coordinator, or a children's aid society; they will help you think it through. It is always better to ask than to stay silent.
Questions about our Safe Environment practices? Contact Teresa Alvarez at 416-555-0142 ext. 21 or office@stcolumbatoronto.ca.