Safe Environment

Thank you for showing an interest in volunteering at Academy of Our Lady or St. Catharine Church.
The Archdiocese of Newark’s Safe Environment Policy has 3 requirements for all volunteers and employees (18 years and older) who work with children in any programs sponsored by St. Catharine Church or Academy of Our Lady. This includes:  classroom, lunch & library volunteers, class parents, HSA members, coaches, Scout leaders, CCD teachers & aides, CYO chaperones, etc.

1. Attending a Protecting God’s Children Workshop (this requirement must be re-certified every 5 years by attending either another PGC Workshop or the new condensed class, Keeping the Promise Alive Recertification Training.) 
2. Completing a Volunteer Application and Archdiocesan Code of Conduct
3. Completing a Criminal Background Check 

• Volunteers that are NEW to PGC should register online for a workshop. Go to www.virtusonline.org, select ‘First Time Registrant’ and follow the instructions. Choose a convenient location and session.  Once you have completed the class, please submit a copy of your PGC certificate to the rectory.
• Volunteers who have PREVIOUSLY TAKEN PGC need to re-certify every 5 years. 

These volunteers need to contact Maryann King (201-445-3703 or parishoffice@stcatharinechurch.org) for their original VIRTUS ‘User ID’, which is needed to register for another workshop. DO NOT sign up for a new ‘User ID’; this creates a duplicate account and complicates re-certification.You may attend PGC again or you may choose the condensed re-certification class, “Keeping the Promise Alive Recertification Training”.

Complete a Volunteer Application and Archdiocesan Code of Conduct
The 2 required forms are available at the rectory.  Please fill out the Volunteer Application in its entirety – especially pages 5&6 with appropriate initials and signatures. 
 
Complete a Criminal Background Check
Please provide your email address to Maryann King at the rectory. She will then instruct Sterling Volunteers (our background check company) to email you a link to perform your background check.  You will do this on your own and then will receive an email notification once it is complete - there is no cost to you for this.  Background checks are valid for 5 years.  After 5 years, you must run another background check.
 

Please contact our Local Safe Environment Coordinator, Maryann King at the rectory with any questions (201-445-3703 or parishoffice@stcatharinechurch.org). 
Thank you for your continued cooperation in ensuring that we always provide a safe environment for all children in our church and school.