The following documents are provided as a resource to all who work with youth through the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the New Albany Deanery. They include formal policies, guidelines, and tip sheets that should be familiar to all parish leaders. Link to the documents in their full form are available in each description (+). Please review documents regularly as updated versions become available.

SACRAMENTAL / LITURGICAL

  • Adopted by the late Archbishop Daniel Buechlein, the Confirmation Guidelines provide clarity to those responsible for planning and preparation of youth receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

 

LEGAL

  • Although it is strongly recommended that medication be given in the home, the health of some youth may require that they take medication or receive other medical care while in the care of the parish staff during parish/deanery activities. For this reason, a medical policy has been implemented and a sample medical release is recommended.

    **Please note that Archdiocesan personnel are generally protected from liability for administering emergency first aid in good faith by the Indiana Good Samaritan Law (IC 34-30-12).

  • For some time, the Archdiocese has had a policy regarding the use of 15-passenger vans.

CHILD PROTECTION

  • The Archdiocese of Indianapolis utilizes Safe Parish as part of its ongoing commitment to the care and protection of children. All priests, deacons, employees of parishes, schools, and agencies of the archdiocese, and volunteers who have contact with children are required to complete the training prior to their first day of employment, service, or ministry, even if they have taken other child protection programs in the past. Training is valid for 5 years at which time you will be required to re-certify in order to continue your status in the Archdiocese.

  • The Archdiocese of Indianapolis provides practical guidelines for clergy, religious, lay employees (staff), and volunteers, working in and on behalf of its schools or parishes, and other archdiocesan programs or agencies which engage in ministry to minors, endangered adults, or vulnerable adults. It is important that good judgment be exercised by adult staff and volunteers who represent the archdiocese in these populations. The following set of guidelines for conduct must be observed by all staff and volunteers of the archdiocese.

 

ADMINISTRATION

  • WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Skype, and the like make it easy for leaders and minors to have one-on-one communication. To ensure all interactions are transparent and safety-minded, follow these tips provided by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.