Safe Environment

We are committed to protecting children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

A Statement

from the Provincial Superior

As Claretians, we are entrusted with the Gospel mission to proclaim God’s love and to serve God’s people with compassion and integrity.

When misconduct and sexual abuse occurs within our Church, it causes devastating harm, inflicting wounds that can last a lifetime. When a representative of the Church perpetrates this abuse, the damage can extend even further—shaking people’s trust in the Church and, tragically, even their faith in God. The pain is compounded when leaders fail to supervise adequately or respond appropriately.

As the Provincial Superior, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fully embrace and implement all policies and procedures designed to prevent abuse from ever occurring. We pledge our vigilance in safeguarding all those entrusted to our care. We commit to acting swiftly in response to any and all allegations.

We also grieve with those who have suffered this betrayal, including those who were harmed by Claretian Missionaries in the past. Those men no longer serve in public ministry. We know that words cannot undo the harm, but we want to acknowledge the deep pain, anger, and loss that survivors and their loved ones carry. And we commit ourselves to listen with humility, respond with compassion, and walk with survivors in their healing.

We pledge to be responsible and accountable in our ministry.

In Christ,

Rev. Paul Keller, CMF
Provincial Superior
Claretian Missionaries USA-Canada Province

Accredited by Praesidium, Inc. Since 2008

Praesidium is a national organization whose mission is to prevent the sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults and to preserve trust in respected organizations.

Our work with Praesidium provides training and support for:

● Effective implementation of safeguarding protocols
● Assessment, screening, and selection processes
● Best practices for monitoring and supervision
● Thoughtful responsiveness and crisis management
● Prevention-focused systems and leadership

The Province maintains its accreditation through periodic audits by Praesidium’s independent auditors and a complete review of Province policies and procedures every five years.

If you need help:

If you believe that you, or someone you know, has been abused by a Claretian Missionary or an employee of the Claretians—no matter when it happened—you are urged to contact the appropriate local law enforcement or child-protection agency where the incident took place.

You may also speak with the Province’s Survivor Assistance Coordinator, the Provincial Superior, or a Claretian, all of whom will ensure that the allegation is appropriately addressed.

The Province’s Survivor Assistance Coordinator is Dr. Michael J. Bland, PsyD, DMin. He can be reached at 773-404-8161 or by email at Michael@BlandTherapy.com.

Our Commitment in Action

We prioritize the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults. You can review our policies below.

What happens when an allegation of abuse is received?

When an allegation is made against a Claretian Missionary, the Province will address it promptly and pastorally. The Province has a Review Board of experienced lay professionals that reviews all allegations and advises the provincial superior.

If there is any possibility that the abuse occurred, the Claretian will be removed from public ministry while a thorough independent investigation is conducted. We report allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate legal authorities, and we fully cooperate with criminal investigations into allegations of abuse.

When a single act of abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult is established, the offending Claretian Missionary will not serve in public ministry or hold a position working in proximity to minors or vulnerable adults.

Have any Claretian Missionaries committed abuse?

With deep sorrow and shame, we acknowledge that in the past some members of our congregation have gravely betrayed your trust through the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. As stated above, no Claretian Missionary who has committed the sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult is allowed to serve in any capacity in public ministry.

There are no Claretian Missionaries serving in public ministry in the USA-Canada Province who have established allegations against them. In addition, no one who has sexually abused a minor or vulnerable adult as a Claretian Missionary is ever allowed to serve in public ministry.

Are there standards for how the Claretian Missionaries respond to sexual abuse?

Yes, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved and issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. You can read it here. In addition, as part of our accreditation with Praesidium, Inc., Claretians adhere to Praesidium’s 20 standards for Catholic religious institutes, including standards for prevention, responding to survivors, responding to allegations, and supervision. You can read the standards here. Our policies are consistent and compliant with these standards.

How do I report abuse?

If you believe that you, or someone you know, has been abused by a Claretian Missionary, you are urged to contact the appropriate local law enforcement or child-protection agency where the incident took place.

You may also contact the Province’s Survivor Assistance Coordinator: Michael J. Bland, PsyD, DMin. He can be reached at 773-404-8161 or Michael@BlandTherapy.com.

All allegations are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality and reported to the appropriate civil authorities in accordance with the law.

A Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse

From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

God of endless love,
ever caring, ever strong,
always present, always just:
You gave your only Son
to save us by the blood of his cross.

Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace,
join to your own suffering
the pain of all who have been hurt
in body, mind, and spirit
by those who betrayed the trust placed in them.

Hear the cries of our brothers and sisters
who have been gravely harmed,
and the cries of those who love them.
Soothe their restless hearts with hope,
steady their shaken spirits with faith.
Grant them justice for their cause,
enlightened by your truth.

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.