Regnum Christi and Legionaries of Christ

Parish News/October 26, 2002

Because these organizations are, or could be, involved in soliciting donations via mailed letters, brochures, etc., to our parishioners, Father G. Michael Gribble felt that this Diocesan Policy may be of interest to you. Effective October 15, 2002, a revised policy has been placed into effect regarding the Regnum Christi organization and the Legionaries of Christ priests.

This is a diocesan wide policy, applicable to all parishes and diocesan facilities and organizations. Regnum Christi is a legitimate association of the faithful in the Catholic Church. While members have a canonical right to join legitimate associations of the faithful, not all associations are approved or supported by the Diocese of Columbus.

As a result of concerns regarding some of its operating methods, and stresses that have been experienced from some of its activities here, the Diocese of Columbus does not endorse or support Regnum Christi. In order to prevent any confusion whatsoever, the activities of Regnum Christi must be completely separate from all activities of the parishes and the Diocese.

Effective as of October 15, 2002, Regnum Christi meetings are not to be held on any parish or diocesan property. There is already an agreement with the Provincial of the Legionaries of Christ that their priests are not to be active in any way in the Diocese of Columbus. Furthermore, the Legionaries of Christ priests are not to be used as advisors to any school or parish.

They are not to be involved in any school or in any school activities. Neither any school nor any parish is to be used as a recruitment tool for any program sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ or Regnum Christi.

Programs for young people or adults sponsored by Regnum Christi are not to be operated through any parish or promoted through any parish channels, including parish newsletters or bulletins. Likewise, programs for young people or adults sponsored by Regnum Christi are not to be operated through any diocesan organization, office or facilities, or promoted through any diocesan channels.

No one employed by any parish or the Diocese may use their position to promote the activities of Regnum Christi.