Introduction

This policy has been developed to assist in determining under what circumstances to permit the use of St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church facilities which includes, San Felipe de Jesus Chapel and St. Edward the Confessor School, either by a parishioner or non-parishioner for non-parish or non-school group, or by any individual(s) for a non-Church function. 

 

Philosopy

St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church facilities are sacred religious places and are the product of God’s benevolence and the sacrifice of parishioners.  These facilities have a sacred and religious purpose; namely, to worship God according to the rites and intentions of the Catholic faith, to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ, to teach and explain the Catholic Faith, and in general to serve the needs of our Catholic community. Our Church facilities, are therefore sacred and religious locations.  At all times, we are obliged to respect the principles of our faith in the manner in which we use our facilities.

 

The St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Chuch community, and Diocesan groups have priority in the use of our facilities.  However, in the spirit of community service, and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, permission may be given to other persons and groups so long as the use is consistent with this policy and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

Policy

Granting the use of our facilities to a group, organization, or individual that is not affiliated with or sponsored by our Church, School or Diocese, does not constitute an endorsement of the principles or philosophy of the group, being granted use of the facility. All facilities must only be used in accord with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

The Pastor of the parish will have the final say on the use of the parish facilities, consistent with this Philosophy of Use and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

When the Pastor has decided to make a parish or school facility available to individuals or groups not affiliated with or sponsored by the parish or school, or for a non-Church  

function, such facility may be leased to an individual or group.  The St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church Facilities Use Agreement form must be completed for any arrangement.

 

The use of a Church facility shall not be granted to any individual, group, or organization, whether parishioners or non-parishioners:

-Whose purpose, tenets, acts or omissions, or objective(s) contradict the faith and morals of the Catholic Church or the policies of the Diocese of Orange; or if the purpose, tenets, acts or omissions, or objective(s) of the individual, group or organization are inherently inseparable from the proposed use of the facility, as determined by the Pastor. 

-When the activity for which the facility is to be used contradicts the faith and morals of the Catholic Church or the policies of the Diocese of Orange as determined by the Bishop of the Diocese of Orange.

-When doing so would involve the Church in partisan politics;

1. This prohibition on the use of Church facilities shall include use of facilities for political events;

2. The use of a parish facility as a general election voting site is not excluded.

-When unlawful, unsafe, or hazardous activity may occur as a result;

-Whenever the Pastor or Administrator or the Diocese determines that the granting of such use will not be in the best interest of the Church, its parishioners, the faithful, or the Diocese; or that the denial of such use is necessary to avoid scandal.

 

Individuals, groups or organizations desiring to use a St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church facility shall obtain a certificate of liability insurance coverage with acceptable coverage limits, and naming the Diocese of Orange, as co-insureds.  Special event coverage may be available for purchase from the insurance carrier for the Diocese.

 

Fees received for the use of Church facilities by non-church and non-school individuals, groups and organizations shall be clearly recorded in the parish’s or schools financial records.