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Diocese of Pittsburgh News
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January 20
For all pro-life advocates, this is an important day as thousands and thousands gather in Washington D.C. to stand up for life. While there are significant differences of opinions in our world on right to life and many others, we should never let those differences lead us to disrespect each other.Read More -
January 19
“This is a time to show our commitment to protecting unborn children, to supporting women with crisis pregnancies and families who struggle to raise children in difficult circumstances,” Bishop Zubik said.Read More
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January 3
As a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and the University of Pittsburgh, Damar is part of our family. We, as a Catholic community offer prayers for his recovery, and for God’s comfort to fill the hearts of all of those who are praying for him, and awaiting updates on his condition.Read More -
January 3
In this very young new year, violence has already had a sobering impact on our hopes for greater peace in 2023. The tragic death of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntyre and the wounding of his fellow officer remind us of the dedication of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to provide for our safety.Read More -
December 31
Pope Benedict taught us much during his papacy, but the most enduring lessons may be of humility and fraternity. His historic decision to resign when he could no longer fulfill his duties to the best of his ability demonstrates his love for our Lord and our Church. The way that he has lived quietly, in a brotherly friendship with his successor, Pope Francis, is a model for all Catholics to follow as we continue to journey together in service to Jesus and His Church.Read More -
December 21
Franco Harris brought more than football championships to the Pittsburgh region. While winning games, he brought our city together across all ethnic and racial lines, as people of every heritage waved green, white and red flags for “Franco’s Italian Army.”Read More -
December 1
Bishop David Zubik announced today that two parishes will merge on January 2, 2023 to create one new parish: Saint Augustine Parish, which brings together the parishes of Saint Blaise (Midland) and Saint Monica (Beaver Falls/Chippewa/Darlington).Read More -
November 22
Bishop David Zubik will join hundreds of other volunteers to pack food for hungry people in Southwestern Pennsylvania on the morning after Thanksgiving at North Catholic High School in Cranberry.Read More -
November 22
Oakland Catholic High School President Mary Claire Kasunic has announced her decision to step down from her position on June 30, 2023. She has served Oakland Catholic High School for over 30 years, with the last nine years as the school’s President.Read More -
November 14
The not guilty verdict reached in criminal court for Father Robert Cedolia represents the conclusion of a nearly four-year period since an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was filed against him.Read More
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Guidelines for parishes and schools
While some partisan organizations on both the left and the right use “Catholic” in their name, they are not affiliated with or supported by the Catholic Church. Only non-partisan voter guides that have been approved by the Diocese of Pittsburgh may be distributed on parish property – including the parking lot – or at church-sponsored events.
To help you through this election cycle, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has again published its political action guidelines brochure for parishes and schools below. Please study it carefully and contact Anna Torrance, Secretary for Catholic Education and Evangelization, if you have questions: [email protected].
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Report AbuseThe Reporting Process
- Everyone is a permissive reporter and is encouraged to make a report of suspected child abuse. Reporters of suspected child abuse fall into two categories.
- Mandated reporters are those adults who come into direct contact with children in the course of their employment or volunteer of a regularly scheduled program or activity, who accepts responsibility for a child.
- The trigger to report is a reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused. Permissive reporters may report anonymously; mandated reporters may not.
Making a Report of Child Abuse- Reports of suspected child abuse are to be made immediately.
- If the child is in imminent danger, call 911
- Reports may be made orally by phone or electronically
- Oral reports are made to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 which is available 24/7
- Electronic reports are made via CWIS Self-Service portal at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
- Inform the supervisor or person in charge of your program that a report was made
To report church-related abuse to the Diocese of Pittsburgh call:
1-888-808-1235
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Parish Employees
All parish employees must complete the following steps.
- Virtus ®Online Safe Environment database: (Unsure whether you have an existing account? Call the Office for Compliance at 412-456-3093. If your record exists, we will provide you with login information)
a. New users only, click here
b. Existing accounts, click here -
Child Abuse History Clearance
a. Complete Paper Application and Release Form
OR
b. Complete online Application -
FBI Clearance
Parish Employee - Use code 1KG756
Preschool/Child Care Services Employee - Use code 1KG738 -
Protecting God’s Children: On-line Class, Live Class, or Trauma Sensitive Alternative*
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Mandated Reporter Training
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Are you listed on Appendix D? If Yes, see the next step.
If No, you are not required to complete the next step. -
On-line Class or Live Class
* For persons with a history of sexual abuse, watching the videos may cause a resurgence of memories and strong emotions that some find detrimental to their personal healing. With that in mind, you can request a written trauma sensitive version by calling or emailing: Laetitia Bridges, Director of Victim Assistance at 412-456-3093 ext. 3712 or [email protected]. (When requesting this training, you will not be asked about your personal history.)
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- Virtus ®Online Safe Environment database: (Unsure whether you have an existing account? Call the Office for Compliance at 412-456-3093. If your record exists, we will provide you with login information)
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