Diocesan policies are broad and comprehensive norms and directives which affect the entire diocese—its pastorates, schools, offices and ministries. The policies of the diocese will flow from and are consistent with the mission of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.
As new policies are written and existing policies are revised, there will be a formal review process. The stages of review of new and existing policies and procedures will include consultation with the Bishop’s Operations Team, the Chancellor, the Presbyteral Council and other consultative bodies as needed for their comments and recommendations. The College of Consultors approves the final draft before it’s presented to the Bishop for his approval and promulgation.
Internal operating procedures, practices, rules and guidelines of individual schools, parishes, pastorates and diocesan institutions shall not contradict Diocesan Policy.
There will be five volumes of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana’s Policies and Procedures, following the structure of the first five books of the Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law.
Book One – General Norms, Accountability, and Ecclesiastical Processes: This book addresses the formation of Diocesan policies and the administration of parishes, schools, agencies and programs of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.
Book Two- The People of God (Personnel Policies): This book addresses personnel policies for all Diocesan employees. Specific sections address school personnel, Catechesis personnel, pastoral associates and coordinators, priests and deacons.
Book Three- The Teaching Office of the Church (Catholic Schools, Catechesis and Communications): This book addresses the administration of all elementary and high schools within the Diocese, as well as Catechetical instruction and communication policies.
Book Four- The Sanctifying Office of the Church (Sacramental and Liturgical Life): This book addresses the preparation for and celebration of the sacraments, faculties and permissions for performing the sacraments and policies for sacramental record keeping.
Book Five- The Temporal Goods of the Church (Administrative, Financial and Legal): This book addresses the properties and possessions of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana. Specific attention is paid to parish banking, contracts, exemptions and charitable gifts.
All policies and procedures will live on the diocesan webpage. As new policies are approved or revised, it will be documented on a Recent Policy Revisions page.
Read articles about the diocesan policy manual from The Catholic Moment: