New Volunteers at the Church
Adult Volunteers at St. Patrick Parish who are over the age of 18 and who work with minors and/or vulnerable adults must successfully complete the Safe Environment process before volunteering in any capacity. This process is mandated and strictly enforced by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. All new volunteers must complete the following steps:
1. Contact the church office to schedule a personal interview with a staff member.
This takes approximately 15 minutes. During your interview, we will take your picture, as certain ministries require ID badges.
2. Log in to Virtus and complete the required online training.
The Diocese requires an ONLINE ONLY training by Virtus.org called “Sexual Abuse Awareness Training” for ALL employees and volunteers.
- Type in your name and address to pull up your personal information.
- Once you are logged in, update any changes to your personal information by clicking on the box in the bottom left-hand box.
- Please make sure that your location is listed as “St. Patrick” if we are your primary location. If you belong at another parish or school, please have them as your primary location.
- After you have completed the training and quiz, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and certificate. Keep a copy of your certificate for your own records.
If you have any questions about the procedures for new volunteers, please contact the Church Office.
Current Volunteers
Current volunteers are required to complete annual update training. Reminder emails will be sent during the month that your clearance is scheduled to expire. Once you receive the email, log in to your SE profile and click on the training assigned in the top left-hand box.
- Type in your name and address to pull up your personal information.
- Once you are logged in, you will need to update your personal information and click “Update Information and Continue” at the bottom of the screen. On the next page, you will need to choose the “Standard Sexual Abuse Awareness Training (MinistrySafe).” If you do not see the training listed, then click “My Obligations” and/or “View All Online Courses.” Complete the training & quiz.
- After you have completed the training and quiz, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and certificate. Keep a copy of your certificate for your own records.
Background re-checks will be done every two years for all active volunteers. If you have transferred to another parish, please make that the primary location on your profile and that parish will now have the authority to order the updated background checks.
Persons whose clearance has expired and who have been made “inactive” should contact the Church Office for guidance on how to renew their clearance.
If you have any questions about the procedures for current volunteers, please contact the Church Office.
If you have any questions regarding Safe Environment, please contact the Church Office at 214-348-7380.
Report Abuse
See Something, Say Something.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual or other physical abuse, please:
- First, notify local law enforcement.
- Second, notify the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through the Texas Abuse Hotline (1-800-252-5400 or www.texasabusehotline.org).
- Finally, if the allegation involves a member of the clergy or an employee of a parish or the Diocese, please notify the Diocese of Dallas Victims Assistance Coordinator, Brenda Martinez, at 214-379-2812.