Priest Assistance

Each of the following criteria must be met:

• A validly-ordained Catholic Priest

• No substantiated (as determined by CFCP) history or current allegations of a delict (a Canon Law violation that is gravely immutable by reason of malice or negligence) at any point since ordination. This does not pertain to a situation in which due process has not been afforded.

• No substantiated (as determined by CFCP) history or current allegations of relevant criminal wrongdoing at any point since ordination. This does not pertain to minor matters such as a traffic violation, nor disobeying an unjust law (as per the Catechism), nor situations in which due process has not been afforded.

• If requesting financial or other assistance, there must be a clear and critical need to avert serious adversity.

• Long-standing and consistent fidelity to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church in public ministry and private life.

Depending on the availability of CFCP resources and proportionate to the demonstrated need of the candidate, any or all may be offered:

• Spiritual Support:
  • Prayers – Mass intentions; Rosary intentions; fasting intentions; public prayer rallies at a requested location (e.g. Chancery, Parish).
  • Guidance – Discernment with a spiritual advisor.

• Temporal Support for needs which cannot be met through existing means:

  • Housing – temporary living quarters; rental assistance; essential repairs (including medically-necessitated alterations) to current housing.
  • Transportation – moving to a new location, transit to critical meetings (e.g. for a hearing, a CFCP event to share their story), temporary regular transportation, essential repairs to vehicle.
  • Medical – assistance paying physical or mental health bills.
  • Legal – assistance paying for legal advisement by a Canon and/or civil lawyer.
  • Outreach – opportunities to raise awareness through CFCP-facilitated speaking engagements, letter writing campaigns, website postings, social media, etc.
  • Other – additional requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Legal Disclaimer: CFCP’s provision of support based on current circumstances and available information which can be reasonably considered by the organization. It does not confer endorsement of all actions by the priest nor is it an indicator of continued support into the future, particularly if relevant context was not disclosed to CFCP during the application process.

• The Priest completes an application (available on the CFCP website) which is routed to CFCP’s Due Diligence Team.

• A phone interview or additional written correspondence may be conducted if supplemental information is needed by CFCP during the due diligence evaluation.

• If the initial request is denied, a brief explanation will be provided by CFCP to the applicant. An appeal may be requested one-time by the applicant by submitting in writing to the CFCP Due Diligence Team further context that seeks to address all issues identified in CFCP’s explanation of its original decision. The determination of the appeal request will be provided back to the applicant as soon as practicable. If in the negative, the case is closed and no further action is taken. If positive, the case continues as follows.

• Four reference checks are conducted (those listed by the priest).

• Negotiations of the support to be provided are undertaken with the Due Diligence Team and then subsequently voted upon by the CFCP Board. If this final approval is granted, support is administered as soon as practicable.

• If final approval is not granted, more information may be requested and/or adjustments to the proposed support may be made in attempt to rectify concerns. If the application is denied following further negotiations, a written explanation will be provided, and no further recourse or appeal is available.

• Legal Disclaimer: Information submitted to CFCP will be treated confidentially and only disclosed to personnel who have a need to know such information for the purpose of evaluating an application. Any information to be shared publicly will be done following written consent by a CFCP Board member and the Priest. CFCP’s support is voluntary and subject to change at the Board’s discretion.

• The due diligence evaluation by CFCP following submission is anticipated to require at least two weeks to be completed (or faster in emergency situations).

• Once the CFCP Board grants approval for requested assistance, a canceled priest may be assisted as soon as circumstances permit, as a one-time or recurring grant, as appropriate to each case.

• The duration of assistance is generally anticipated to be concluded within one year in most cases, though it may extend longer depending on the circumstances and availability of resources.  In no case will CFCP provide permanent assistance.

• While there is no set minimum value for assistance, in general, if recipients have a sufficiently critical need, financial or other material support is anticipated to be of a value of $500 or more.

• The maximum available value of financial or other material assistance is $30,000.

• All support is subject to the availability of funds and/or other requested resources.

• Priority will be given to fulfilling existing commitments for the needs of canceled priests who have been approved by CFCP before expanding the pool of recipients to include new canceled priests’ requests.

Dear Family in Christ,

It was a big job, but many hands made light work.

I shared with you the tragedy of Father J’s car burning. Your sympathy, prayers, and many generous donations helped resolve the issue. Father has a replacement car with all necessary registrations and full insurance coverage so this car can be replaced if another unfortunate accident occurs.

Your donations have made this possible as well as to create a new program designed to assist canceled priests with full coverage/comprehensive auto insurance.  It is money-wise to assist with paying an insurance premium rather than paying for a replacement car.

Thank you for your continued support and for your assistance during this emergency.

Solid work, all, solid work!!!
 

Father Scott DuVall

Priestly Assistance Coordinator