Catholic speakers who demonstrate fidelity to basic doctrinal norms and moral teachings, and deliver their messages in appropriate, ecumenical ways, play a significant role in the life of our Church, affirming the Faith and presenting opportunities to the Faithful to manifest God’s Kingdom more fully. Parishes, Catholic schools, and Archdiocesan offices and secretariats occasionally invite speakers to enhance events and gatherings. As a general rule, the invitation to any speaker or honoree should be an opportunity to evangelize, catechize, or better form the Faithful. Thus, anything which may cause confusion, scandal or incite disrespect or dissent from the Catholic Church’s faith, morals and/or discipline is to be avoided. 

An intentional vetting process provides safeguards that all invite speakers uphold the safe environment standards required by the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct Policy and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It further helps to ensure that the messages communicated are faithful to the Teachings of the Church and Archdiocesan policies and delivered in a manner that respects the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings. Pastors, Principals, Parish Directors of Religious Education, Administrators or heads of institutions are asked to make prudential judgement after preliminary research concerning the suitability of a speaker before submitting a request for ministry approval.