Volunteer Requirements
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.
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.
Requirements include:
1. Attending a Protecting God’s Children for Adults Training.
This requirement must be re-certified every 5 years by completing the assigned, online Training Module in your Virtus account.
2. Completing a Volunteer Application and 2019 Archdiocesan Code of Conduct
3. Completing a Criminal Background Check
Details of requirements:
Attend a Protecting God’s Children for Adults Training
Volunteers that are NEW to PGC should create a Virtus account and register online for a PGC session. 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 office.
Volunteers who have PREVIOUSLY TAKEN PGC and need to re-certify (every 5 years). Log into your Virtus account and complete the assigned, online Training Module in your Virtus account.
***Please contact the rectory if you do not have your original VIRTUS ‘User ID’ log-in information - DO NOT sign up for a new ‘User ID’ as this creates a duplicate account and complicates re-certification.
Rectory: [email protected] OR 201-445-3703.
Complete a Volunteer Application and the 2019 Archdiocesan Code of Conduct
The 2 required forms are available at the rectory and online. Please fill out the Volunteer Application in its entirety – especially pages 5&6 with appropriate initials and signatures. E-signatures are NOT acceptable.
Complete a Criminal Background Check
You also need to complete a background check that is run by Selection.com/Fastrax. You will be directed through Virtus to this website to complete your background check. There is no cost to you for this. Volunteers should carefully read the payment option and choose the option that doesn't require them to submit their credit card information. (The "I DO NOT AGREE" option). Background checks are valid for 5 years.
Please contact our Local Safe Environment Coordinator, Maryann King at the rectory with any questions:
[email protected] OR 201-445-3703
Thank you for your continued cooperation in ensuring that we always provide a safe environment for all children in our church and school.