- Who: Anyone who is 14 years old or older (cf: Canon 1478§3) and has in interest in the spiritual or temporal affairs of the Diocese of Fort Worth can sign a mandate. This includes all Catholics, even those who do not attend Mass (cf: Canon 383§1); non-Catholics who are married to a Catholic or who are related to a Catholic in the Diocese of Fort Worth; anyone who lives outside the Diocese of Fort Worth but supports the Diocese of Fort Worth or one of its affiliates (eg: school, parish, prolife outreach, etc.) by working for that entity (eg: school teacher, etc.), volunteering for that entity, or supporting that entity financially. And, those who live or work or volunteer outside the Diocese of Fort Worth but are directly harmed by the actions of Bishop Michael Olson or his staff may sign a mandate.
NB: In cases of those living outside the Diocese of Fort Worth, it is necessary to establish the cause for signing the mandate. This is done by providing a note, attached to the mandate, that explains your purpose in signing a mandate (eg: donor to a school, staff or volunteer in the diocese, or identify the harm suffered). It is sufficient to hand write this explanation on the back of the mandate.
- Signature: Sign the mandate on the top line provided at the bottom of the first page. Place the date of signature on the line provided, to the right of the signature line. Immediately below the signature line, print your name and address.
- Verification: On the back of the form is a place for two witness verifications. Please sign your mandate in the presence of two witnesses. Those witnesses are to verify your identity and signature by providing their signatures and printed names and addresses as shown.
NB: You are encouraged to have others who sign a mandate witness yours. In groups of three or more, each person can sign a mandate and witness the signatures of the others.
- Return the mandates either to the person who shared it with you (a core group leader in the Diocese of Fort Worth), or mail it directly to:
Philip C. L. Gray, JCL
85882 Water Works Rd.
Hopedale, OH 43976
Philip Gray must get the original physical signed copy.