Screening and Training

Screening helps determine whether a person is suited for a ministry or employment role. Training helps clergy, employees, and volunteers recognize abuse, understand appropriate behaviour, and know when and how to report concerns to Church and civil authorities.

These requirements are not based on suspicion of a person. They are based on the nature of the ministry, the people being served, the level of supervision, and the responsibilities connected to the role.

• Protect children, youth, seniors, and vulnerable adults
• Support volunteers and employees in their roles
• Clarify expectations and boundaries
• Protect parish communities and Church resources
• Help ministry leaders respond properly to concerns

Safe Environment Training is required for:

• Priests, deacons, sub-deacons, lectors, religious, and monastics
• Parish and eparchial employees
• Keyholders
• Volunteers in high-risk ministry involving children, youth, seniors, or vulnerable adults
• Volunteers in pastoral care ministries to hospitals, care centres, nursing homes, private homes, and similar settings
• Parish and eparchial leadership roles, including Pastoral Council and Finance Council members
• Volunteer Screening Coordinators and screening committee members
• Leaders of parish or eparchial organizations and committees

Training records are held at the Pastoral Centre. Those who complete Safe Environment Training receive a certificate of completion, and a copy should be kept in the appropriate personnel or volunteer file.

The nature of the ministry determines the level of screening required. Screening is based on the risk connected to the role, not on the personal character of the volunteer or employee.

Every parish must implement the Eparchy's Safe Environment policies within the parish and its ministries.

• Appointing a Volunteer Screening Coordinator
• Identifying employee and volunteer ministry positions in writing
• Determining whether each ministry is general-risk or high-risk
• Recruiting volunteers and employees openly
• Conducting interviews and obtaining references when required
• Ensuring Police Information Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks are completed where required
• Ensuring Annual Attestations are completed when required
• Keeping screening and training records securely
• Ensuring volunteers and employees receive orientation and training
• Protecting private human resources information

Human resources and screening records must be stored securely. Access should be limited to the pastor and parish volunteer screening coordinator.

Police Information Checks and Vulnerable Sector Checks may be required for high-risk ministry. The current policy states that checks are renewed every four years, with Annual Attestations completed where applicable between renewals.

If a Police Information Check identifies a criminal conviction, the pastor should speak with the Eparchial Safe Environment Coordinator to determine whether the conviction affects the person's ability to serve in the ministry.

The following documents support Safe Environment screening, training, and ministry accountability.

If you are unsure whether a role requires screening or training, contact your pastor, parish Volunteer Screening Coordinator, ministry leader, or the Pastoral Centre for guidance.