June 7, 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of Responsible Pastoral Ministry within the Catholic Church of Montreal. On that day, Archbishop Christian L\u00e9pine signed the decree establishing a policy designed to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all and to help prevent every form of abuse within the Church of Montreal.<\/p>\n\n
Over the past decade, many parishes have committed to this vital work. Among the first communities to implement the protocol were Saint-Joachim, Saint-Fran\u00e7ois-de-Montmorency-Laval, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sainte-Rose-de-Lima, Purification-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie, Notre-Dame-des-Champs, Notre-Dame-de-la-Trinit\u00e9, Saint-Donat, Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Saint-Th\u00e9ophile, Sainte-Doroth\u00e9e and St. Luke.<\/p>\n\n
The pandemic slowed the programme’s rollout across a number of communities, but momentum returned from 2023 onward, with a renewed process and closer accompaniment of parishes. Since January 2026 alone, 40 parishes have begun or resumed their Responsible Pastoral Ministry journey through information sessions, coordinator training and protocol implementation.<\/p>\n\n
The results today reflect a decade of steady progress: 136 parishes now have a designated Responsible Pastoral Ministry coordinator, while 51 have yet to begin.<\/p>\n\n
This milestone is an opportunity to warmly thank all those who work to make our communities places of welcome, trust and safety. Their dedication is fostering a culture of vigilance, respect and protection for all.<\/p>\n\n
Parishes that have not yet begun, or those wishing to move forward, are invited to reach out to the Responsible Pastoral Ministry team for guidance and support.<\/p>\n\n