Two seats available on Review Board

The Archdiocese of Omaha is looking to fill two vacancies on its 11-member volunteer board that advises Archbishop George J. Lucas on the protection of young people.

The Archdiocesan Review Board was established in 2003 in response to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ approval of two documents, “The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” (June 2002) and “The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing With Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons” (December 2002).

The board is made up of childcare experts, law enforcement officials, attorneys, clergy and health professionals. It meets four times a year to consult with Archbishop Lucas to assess the validity of allegations of sexual abuse of minors and on an accused offender’s suitability for ministry; to ensure the archdiocese is compliant with the bishop conference’s statements; and to review with the archbishop all programs, policies and procedures in the archdiocese that relate to the charter.

Board members serve five-year terms with no term limits. Dr. Amanda Cervantes and Dr. Steve Lazoritz are the outgoing members. They’ve served on the board since its founding in 2003.

Anyone interested in serving on the board can contact Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor for the archdiocese, by Jan. 4 at tfmcneil@archomaha.org. Please include a resume or curriculum vitae and name of your parish with the email.

Anyone with concerns about abuse or allegations of abuse by a church official should contact Mary Beth Hanus, manager of victim outreach and prevention for the archdiocese, at 402-827-3798 or mbhanus@archomaha.org.