Rental/Lease/Use of any Church Facility

Rental/Lease/Use of any Church Facility in the Diocese of Paterson
Administrative Policy – effective June 23, 2015

Facilities of the Diocese of Paterson (parishes, schools, agencies, etc.) may be made available to individuals and groups whose principles and practices are not in conflict with the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church and the policies of the Diocese of Paterson.

In addition to customary rentals, Church facilities may be used, where appropriate, for: social gatherings of families of parishioners; other religious and educational groups that do not violate the above principles; public schools and other appropriate public entities.

Church facilities may not be rented/leased/used for any purpose or to advocate any activity or opinion that is contrary or offensive to, or incompatible with, the activities, doctrines, ethics, goals, morals, opinions, principles, teachings or tenets of the Roman Catholic Church/Diocese of Paterson, or the spirit of such activities, doctrines, ethics, goals, morals, opinions, principles, teachings or tenets.

In addition, Church facilities may not be rented/leased/used for: any activities not supportive of the official teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly with respect to the dignity of human life, the sacrament of marriage, and social justice; political meetings, political purposes or political activities (this does not include voter education programs where all candidates have been invited); or for any purpose not permitted by law.

Any rental/lease/use of any Church facility, regardless of whether or not a fee for use or event insurance is paid, must satisfy all Diocesan insurance requirements, including the submission of a Certificate of Insurance approved by the Diocesan Risk Manager.

Effective immediately, the above paragraphs are to be included in all leases and rental agreements, even if it applies to a one-time use, for Church facilities. Any proposed rental/lease/use will be rendered null and void if this wording is not included.

Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the Office of the Chancellor.