Diocesan Review Board
The Bishop has appointed a review board composed primarily of lay persons not in the employ of the Diocese. This Board functions as a confidential consultative body to the Bishop in discharging his responsibilities. The functions of this board include:
- To assess allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests, deacons and other Church personnel in order to advise the Bishop on whether or not the allegations appear to be credible.
- To make recommendations to the Bishop concerning an individual’s fitness to continue in ministry. Options might include complete removal from ministry, limited ministry, or continuing in ministry.
- To review diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse and to recommend modifications as necessary.
- When necessary, the Board also may assist the Bishop in reviewing cases of sexual misconduct involving adults.
See below for a description of the Board, its responsibilities, its operational guidelines and a listing of Board members.
Guidelines
The Diocese of Winona Sexual Abuse Review Board has been established in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the subsequent Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons, as approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in November, 2002 and given recognition by the Apostolic See on December 8, 2002.
Membership
The membership of this Board will consist of at least 5 persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church. The majority of the Board will be lay persons not in the employ of the Diocese, but at least one member should be a priest who is an experienced and respected pastor of the Diocese. The Board should include experts in medicine, therapy, law, canon law, and victim advocacy, as well as parents and victims/survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The members will be appointed for a term of five years, which can be renewed.
Responsibilities
- To assess allegations of sexual abuse of vulnerable persons by priests, deacons, and other Church personnel in order to advise the Bishop on whether or not the allegations appear to be credible.
- To make recommendations to the Bishop concerning an individual’s fitness to continue in ministry or employment. Options might include complete removal from ministry or employment, limited ministry or employment, or continuing in ministry or employment.
- To review diocesan policies and procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse and to recommend modifications as necessary.
- When necessary, the Board also may be asked to assist the Bishop in reviewing cases of sexual misconduct involving adults.
Current Board Members
Very Rev. Paul R. Heiting
IHM Seminary
700 Terrace Heights – Box 43
Winona, MN 55987
Very Rev. Richard Colletti
Chancellor
PO Box 588
Winona, MN 55987
Very Rev. Thomas P. Melvin
Vicar for Clergy
PO Box 588
Winona, MN 55987
Mr. Jeff Henrich
Guest House
4800 48th Street NE
Rochester, MN 55903
Ms. Nelle Moriarty - Chairperson
5425 E. Collegeview Road
Rochester, MN 55904
Ms. Jean O’Malley-Laursen
515 Agnes Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
Mr. Kenneth (KC) Reed
1418 Woodview Lane SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Mr. Brian Rotty
1917 Northern Viola Lane NE
Rochester, MN 55906
Mr. Don Carlson
508 33rd Street SW
Rochester MN 55902
Mr Peter Martin
Safe Environment Coordinator
PO Box 588
Winona, MN 55987
Ms. Betsy Singer
407 6th Street Ct NE
Kasson, MN 55944
Mr. Robert Tereba
Catholic Charities Director
111 Market Street
Winona, MN 55987