June 7, 2026 marks the tenth anniversary of Responsible Pastoral Ministry within the Catholic Church of Montreal. On that day, Archbishop Christian Lépine 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.

Over the past decade, many parishes have committed to this vital work. Among the first communities to implement the protocol were Saint-Joachim, Saint-François-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-Trinité, Saint-Donat, Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Saint-Théophile, Sainte-Dorothée and St. Luke.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For information or assistance: pastoraleresponsable@diocesemontreal.org

Joanne Bazinet, Co-ordinator: 514 925-4300, ext. 353
Stephanie Woo, Assistant Co-ordinator: 514 925-4300, ext. 252

Together, let us continue working to make our faith communities ever more safe, welcoming and rooted in dignity for all.