A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Diocese of Trenton

We are told in our diocesan mission statement that: As members of one community of faith, the people of the Catholic Church of Trenton are called to worship God, celebrate the Sacraments and teach the Good News. As Christian disciples, we reach out in love and service to all, ever striving to advance the cause of peace and justice in the Name of our Lord Jesus.

Essential to this mission is the active and vibrant participation of the laity in all aspects of the local Church. This includes the need to uphold responsible, ethical and transparent use of financial and other resources made possible through the generosity of the faithful for the work of the parish, school or other Church entity.

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to be transparent and forthright in all communications and activities in order to preserve integrity on every level of diocesan life. Toward that end, the Diocese maintains a substantial system of policies and controls to ensure the proper use of resources and the responsible exercise of ministry in all of our Catholic communities throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

We look for these protective measures to be supported through the willingness of parishioners, school families, Church employees, volunteers and others to:

Ask for information when questions arise about financial and ethical conduct.
Share valid concerns with appropriate leaders.
Report to the Diocese or another authorized party any complaints that are not sufficiently addressed at the local level.

To facilitate this process, the Diocese has secured the services of EthicsPoint, a tool that will allow for employees and people of the Diocese and its parishes, schools and institutions to confidentially report suspicion of financial or ethical malfeasance that would then allow for an independent inquiry.

EthicsPoint is owned and operated by NAVEX, an independent third-party company providing administration for the financial misconduct hotline. Reports may be filed via the web by selecting an organization type and location on this web page or by calling one of EthicsPoint’s trained specialists toll free at: 844-796-1296.

PLEASE NOTE

EthicsPoint is NOT a site to report child sexual abuse.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that through the diocesan Abuse Hotline at 1-888-296-2965 or by emailing abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

Make a Report Follow-up on a Report Code of Conduct FAQs

To Make a Report

You may use either of the following two methods to submit a report:

Select the "Make a Report" link at the top of this web page.
OR
Dial toll-free, within the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and Canada:

Our Commitment

The Diocese of Trenton is a Christ-centered religious organization with strong values of responsibility and integrity in all aspects of our ministry, including the exercise of ethical business practices.

We are committed to an environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception. All members of this community should be made to feel comfortable in approaching persons in authority in instances where you believe violations of policies or standards have occurred.

In situations where you prefer to place an anonymous report in confidence, you are encouraged to use this hotline, hosted by a third-party hotline provider, EthicsPoint.

The information you provide will be sent to us by EthicsPoint on a totally confidential and anonymous basis if you should choose. You have our guarantee that your comments will be heard.

See the EthicsPoint FAQs for more information.

After you complete your report you will be assigned a unique code called a "report key." Write down your report key and password and keep them in a safe place. After 5-6 business days, use your report key and password to check your report for feedback or questions.