Diocese discusses Child Protection Policy and Procedure

Child abuse can happen anywhere, even in a Church setting, according to visiting Deacon Richard Shewman.

Shewman conducted a weeklong workshop for CCD teachers and catechists last Saturday to discuss Child Protection Policy and Procedure.

In an interview, Shewman said that all states, including the Commonwealth, have laws that require that certain professionals report possible child abuse to the police or other public safety authorities.

“In order to keep people informed of their responsibility under the law it is the normal practices for hospitals, schools, and other organizations where there are large numbers of mandated reporters to have workshops at least once annually to remind and update them abut their responsibility and how to go about fulfilling that responsibility,” he added.

Shewman told the Saipan Tribune that the workshop was an attempt to provide such training to the clergy, teachers, and religious education volunteers.

He noted that protection and safety of children is an on-going concern. Although Shewman said that he is unsure that the urgency to create awareness today is greater than in the past, he explained it is always an important concern and must be a priority.

“If anything has changed it is the realization that abuse can happen anywhere, even in a Church setting, which people once thought of as a safe place,” he said. “Church leaders and the faithful need to be extra vigilant to guard against abuse in every setting.”

Sr. Marita organized the workshop for the CCD teachers. She was not available as of press time for comment.

Fr. Jason Granado expressed his gratitude to Shewman. “The insights he shared with us are deeply appreciated and helpful,” he said.

During his time on Saipan, Shewman said he enjoyed “every minute of my visit.”

“While my life circumstances brought me to Erie, Pennsylvania, my heart is very much in the CNMI. Being on Saipan, I was back home. It seemed as if I never left, being in places I knew well and with friends that I had known for many years but had not seen in a while,” he added.

Shewman will be flying back to assume his roles in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he resides, but said that he hopes to be back on the island very soon.

He currently serves as a canon lawyer and judge on the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Erie. Additionally, he also serves as associate director for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Erie, where his primary responsibility is with administering the deacon formation program.

Shewman is assigned for parish ministry at St. Luke Parish in Erie and also teaches several courses each term as an adjunct instructor at Mercyhurst University and occasionally at Gannon University.

He was ordained to the diaconate on September 24th 1984 at Mt. Carmel Church Saipan by Bishop Anthony S. Apuron.

Shewman will be celebrating 30 years of service to the church since his ordination this month.