Sacramental Preparation

Creating a Safe Environment

In order to provide the best possible environment for people to grow in their faith and to establish a safe environment for all people to worship and learn in, all volunteers (adults and youth) are required to participate in a specific training and screening process. It is necessary that we safeguard all who are entrusted to our care, both children and adults. The primary tool we use for training is a video produced by the Diocese of Rochester. This video provides the viewer with information and assistance on not only recognizing abusive behavior in children and adults, but also instructs viewers on characteristics of abusers. This video, in conjunction with screening through a criminal background check (for volunteers over the age of 18), is part of a “Creating a Safe Environment” workshop, which is given several times throughout the year and at various sites within Blessed Trinity and St. Patrick Parishes. At this workshop you will also sign a Code of Conduct. (The Criminal Record Check includes Social Security number verification, Department of Corrections check and Sex Offender registry check for each state in which the volunteer has resided in the last seven years.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who needs to take “Creating a Safe Environment”?

A. Any volunteer working in our church who will be working alone with children or vulnerable adults. This includes catechists, youth group volunteers, extraordinary ministers of communion who take communion to non-family members in the community,

altar server trainers, and chaperones for youth events. This is not a complete list. Please call the church office if you think you might need to take this class.

Q. How often do I need to take this class?

A. Just once. However, if you are a volunteer driver we will have your driver’s license checked through the DMV each year.

Q. Is the information done in the background check kept confidential?

A. Yes. We are required to keep all paperwork in a secure locked file. All information will be kept private.

For more information and for dates for upcoming training sessions, please contact the church office.

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you can contact the appropriate civil authorities. To contact the Diocese of Rochester for assistance, please call:

Barbara Pedeville, victims’ advocate.

(585) 328-3210 ext. 1215 or

1-800-388-7177 ext. 1215

pedeville@dor.org