Healing
We Oblates deeply regret that some of our members have committed the sin of abuse of young people and vulnerable adults. While we have worked to heal, to apologize, and to take responsibility for these sins, our work continues. We invite you to read this section of our website to learn more about our efforts to provide safe environments for all people, especially young people.
ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS
The names of former Oblates who have credible or confirmed allegations of sexual abuse have been published and can be obtained through the Provincial Offices (contact information below) or through our Oblate Survivor Assistance Coordinator, Ms. Nina Kuziel can be reached directly at (202) 643-4594 or oblatesurvivorassistance@gmail.com
HOW THE OBLATES RESPOND TO COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
An allegation of sexual misconduct is a very serious matter and is treated as such. Our goal is to respond to each allegation promptly, thoroughly, and compassionately. We have retained Ms. Nina Kuziel as our Oblate Survivor Assistance Coordinator. She can be reached directly at (202) 643-4594 or oblatesurvivorassistance@gmail.com. Nina is there to take information, to listen, to understand, and offer help, including sources for appropriate psychological counseling. She can also arrange for a meeting with the appropriate Provincial, V. Rev. Joseph Newman, OSFS, or V. Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, who can be reached via the contact information below.
The Province, upon receiving Nina’s report, and with the assistance of an independent professional investigator, will respond swiftly to evaluate an initial complaint and investigate any accusation of sexual misconduct. The investigation will be thorough.
Consistent with the directives of the Catholic Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and the policies of the Oblates as developed and monitored by Praesidium, Inc., a Review Board will review and further investigate the complaint. This interdisciplinary board of lay professionals advises the Oblates on all matters related to sexual misconduct. When the evidence is clear that a religious has engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor he will, from that time forward, be removed from all public ministry. Depending on the seriousness of the case he will also be subject to expulsion from the religious order and from priesthood. If the judgment is that expulsion is not called for, he will be removed from public ministry and placed in a rigorous relapse prevention program which provides appropriate psychological treatment specific for offenders, and entails ongoing monitoring and supervision for the rest of his life in the Oblates.
PREVENTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
In addition to establishing procedures for responding to sexual misconduct, the congregation has undertaken a series of measures to prevent future incidents of abuse. These include extensive mandatory psychological evaluation of candidates and novices before they enter formation and the provision of continuing education programs for members about issues of sexuality and personal conduct.
CONCLUSION
It is our firm belief that a religious must maintain appropriate boundaries with all those to whom he ministers in order to preserve the integrity of the ministerial relationship. Moreover, we call upon those with knowledge of an Oblate’s inappropriate behavior to come forward with this information so that it may be evaluated and innocent victims may be spared from further harm.
CONTACTS
Provincial of Toledo-Detroit Province
V. Rev. Fr. Joseph Newman, OSFS
(419) 724-9851
Provincial of Wilmington-Philadelphia Province
V. Rev. Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS,
(302) 656-8529
Oblate Survivor Assistance Coordinator
Nina Kuziel
(202) 643-4594
oblatesurvivorassistance@gmail.com
Praesidium Accreditation
Our Praesidium Accreditation publicly demonstrates that the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province and the Toledo-Detroit Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales have achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention and response. Visit website.praesidiuminc.com for more information.
