Guidelines for the
Use of Parish Facilities

1. Any proposed use of parish facilities should be in keeping with the mission of the parish or, at least, should not conflict with either the mission of the parish or the mission/teaching of the Catholic Church.

2. The proposed use should be open to the parish at large or at least to a significantly large segment of the parish.

3. The proposed use should not be a means of generating income for individuals, families or groups outside of the parish.

4. No parish facilities (meeting rooms, activity center, religious education rooms, etc.) are leased or rented for the use of individuals or groups.

5. Parish activities, worship events, religious education and youth ministry events always take priority in scheduling of space. Use of parish facilities by any other individual or group is contingent on availability of space and the larger needs of the parish (for parking, for example).

6. Individuals, groups and activities that are not immediately a part of Saint Joseph Parish meet and/or use parish facilities at the discretion of the parish staff (in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, as needed).

7. All events involving children require:

  • a. One adult chaperone for every 5-7 youth;
  • b. Monitors for halls, bathrooms and outdoor pick-up area;
  • c. Every adult who may have unsupervised access to children must have given authorization for a criminal history background check. Every adult who may have unsupervised access to children must participate in the Archdiocesan-sponsored Protecting God?s Children Workshop.
  • d. Completed and signed medical releases, as required by the Archdiocese of Detroit, will be on hand in case of an emergency; the person responsible for the activity is responsible for securing the signed releases.

8. Individuals and groups using Saint Joseph Parish facilities will be responsible for:

  • e. Using only the room(s)/area(s) agreed on and arranged for in advance.
  • f. Providing a certificate of liability insurance naming the archbishop of Detroit, the Archdiocese of Detroit and Saint Joseph Parish as additional insureds or purchasing Special Events Insurance from Michigan Catholic Conference ($100 per event per day).
  • g. Arranging in advance for tables, chairs, other equipment (white board, television, VCR, etc.).
  • h. If necessary, picking up key(s) the day of the event and returning them as soon as the event is over.
  • i. Setting-up room and restoring room to the set-up in which they found it.
  • j. Collecting and taking all trash to the dumpster; dry mopping or vacuuming the areas used.
  • k. Checking bathrooms, lights, etc.
  • l. Security: locking and unlocking doors and the general security of parish buildings and property.

9. In addition to the guidelines of Saint Joseph Parish, all norms and guidelines of the Archdiocese of Detroit and Michigan Catholic Conference will be complied with at all times.

Approved again by the Parish Pastoral Council, November 2008.