Office > Risk Management

The following factors are applied in determining if an event is parish/diocesan sponsored and qualifies for Coverage;

1. The parish/diocese should have full control or final decision making authority over the function.
2. Any fees associated with the function must flow through parish/diocesan accounts.
3. If applicable, the function should be open to all parish members.
4. The purpose of the function should be to facilitate learning, raise funds for the parish/diocese, or provide a social service on behalf of the parish/diocese.
5. The organizer or leader of the function should be a parish/diocesan employee or volunteer.

Generally, unless all of the above apply a function cannot be classified as being sponsored by a parish or the diocese from the standpoint of insurance coverage.

It is critical that all such activities and events have liability insurance in place to insulate the diocese from liability exposures. If the facility user has their own liability insurance they should provide the location with a Certificate of Liability Insurance showing evidence of at least $1 Million of “per occurrence” general liability coverage. The certificate must name both the location and the Diocese of Richmond as an “Additional Insured”. In addition, the facility user should sign a Facility Usage & Indemnity Agreement for the location’s records.

If the facility user does not carry their own liability insurance coverage they should obtain Special Events Coverage through the Diocese of Richmond Office of Risk Management. The Office of Risk Management interfaces with Catholic Mutual Group and Great American Assurance Company to secure Special Events Coverage on a per event basis. The coverage is provided separate and apart from the diocesan self-insurance program.