Prohibition of the Possession of Firearms or Weapons: While acting as a participant, attendee, chaperone, Youth Minister, or volunteer, adults may not have in their possession any weapon, whether or not said adult holds a legal permit to do so. The above prohibition applies, but is not limited to, the following: Guns, knives, “Mace” (or any variety of impairment spray), “Taser” (or any variety of “stun” weapon), or any weapon used for personal protection purposes. Active law enforcement officers who are required by law to carry a weapon may be exempt from this provision provided they have notified the Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to attending the event.
Prohibition Against the Allowance of Illegal Activity of Minors: While acting as a participant, attendee, chaperone, Youth Minister, or volunteer, adults may not allow any minor to use any alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Neither will adults provide anything prohibited by law to anyone in their care. Medications of any kind may be administered to minors only with written parental/guardian permission, and these medications must be disclosed on the Diocesan Waiver/Permission Form prior to the event. Adults may not administer any drug to minors, including over-the-counter medicines (e.g.,pain killers, allergy medicines, etc.).
Prohibition of Sexually Explicit or Morally Inappropriate Materials: While acting as a participant, attendee, chaperone, Youth Minister, or volunteer, adults may not possess any sexually-explicit or morally objectionable material. Such materials include, but are not limited to: Magazines, videos, recordings (audio or video), computer software, computer games, or printed material. Further, adults will not engage with minors in topics of conversation, vocabulary, or any other form of personal interaction that could not reasonably be used in the presence other responsible adults. Sexually oriented conversations with anyone, except in the context of sharing the Church’s teaching on human sexuality, are prohibited.
Gifts: Adults known to minors only through a ministerial relationship will not accept expensive gifts from minors or their parent/guardian without prior written approval from the pastor, youth minister, diocesan director, or authorized diocesan representative. Neither will adults give expensive gifts to minors without prior written approval from the parent/guardian and the pastor or administrator. Small gifts or privileges are not to be given to minors without the presumed knowledge and permission of a parent/guardian.
Deprecatory Language: While acting as a participant, attendee, chaperone, Youth Minister, or volunteer, adults may not speak to minors in a way that is, or could be construed by an observer, as derogatory, demeaning, vulgar, profane, or humiliating.
Discipline: While acting as a participant, attendee, chaperone, Youth Minister, or volunteer, adults may not use physical discipline for the behavior management of minors. No form of physical discipline is acceptable, including physical force as retaliation or correction for inappropriate behavior except as may be needed to restrain a minor from inflicting harm on themselves or others.