Why are background clearances so important? Clearances are required by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for anyone 18 years or older volunteering at events within a Parish. This includes all fundraisers such as Lenten Fish Fry, Dinner Dances, Summerfest, etc.; most ministry-sponsored events; and ministries such as lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Hearts with Hammers and outreach. Obtaining clearances involves creating a Diocesan Virtus database account and completing the necessary clearances:
· PA Child Abuse History clearance (renewed every five years) online
· Fingerprints for anyone who has not lived in PA for 10 consecutive years or fingerprint waiver if you have (renewed every five years)
· Protecting God’s Children – PGC - (renewed every three years) a one-hour online course
· Mandated Reporter Training – MRT - (one and done) a three-hour online course. This is for anyone who has direct contact with children, ie, teacher, chaperone, youth ministry volunteer. A complete list of those volunteers required to take the MRT online course is in the Safe Environment Office.
From start to finish, obtaining clearances takes approximately two hours, excluding MRT.
There are a few more Safe Environment Workshops listed in today’s bulletin. We invite you to attend one in order to get guidance and materials to help you get your clearances in order. If you already have clearances but are uncertain as to your status or have any questions, please contact Susie Levitt, Safe Environment Coordinator, or Sarah Wildenhain, Assistant Safe Environment Coordinator, in the Parish Office at 412.833.0031. Marlene Kish, Parish volunteer, also is available to help you with the process of applying for the PA Child Abuse History clearance online. She can be reached at 412.600.2120.
Thank you for your volunteer service to Resurrection Parish and for all that you do to keep His children safe.