Code of Conduct

Responsibility for adherence to the Code of Pastoral Conduct rests with each individual.

Those who disregard this Code will be subject to disciplinary action by the Diocese of Paterson, up to removal from ministry and/or including termination. This policy is in accord with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the USCCB Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons and the Diocese of Paterson Employee Handbook1 up to and including termination.

For the purposes of this policy, the term “Church Personnel” is defined as follows:

• Bishops, priests and deacons
• All Seminarians for the Diocese of Paterson
• Those who are enrolled in the Diocesan Permanent Diaconate Formation Program
• Members of Religious Institutes or Societies of Apostolic Life who are working for and/or living in the Diocese of Paterson as well as Hermits and Consecrated Virgins residing within the diocese
• All paid personnel whether employed in areas of ministry or other kinds of services by diocese, its parishes, schools, or other agencies; also those who contract their services to Catholic Church agencies.
• All volunteers

Download the Code of Conducts

• Code of Conduct - 10-2023 (English)
• Code of Conduct 7-2019 (Spanish)
• Code of Conduct 7-2019 (Polish)