Catechists

Please review the Protecting God's Children page for the training schedule and measures we have in place.  It is our our role and responsibility to keep all of God's children safe.

Church volunteers must attend VIRTUS training called "Protecting God's Children" which incorporates proven best practice standards for the prevention of child sexual abuse by clergy, staff, volunteers, and others who interact with children within the church environment. 

The program is designed particularly for those adults who have custodial care of children as part of their duties. Training in the signs and symptoms that indicate a child is being abused in some way, and how to talk with children about these issues will also be included, as will training in the responsibilities of mandated reporting and the archdiocese's policies and procedures for preventing child abuse. An on-line component called "VIRTUS On-Line" will provide continued training through monthly bulletins and annual recertification. For more information about VIRTUS "Protecting God's Children" , see http://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/protecting_children.cfm 

CORI Form
The CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)form is submitted every year by all volunteers aged 18 and older, staff, and clergy.  (Fiscal year for the Archdiocese is July 1 - June 30).
The CORI is a background screening tool, required of the Archdiocese, to secure the safety of our children, youth, elderly and the disabled.
Carrying out background checks on those who minister to our most vulnerable populations enables us to live up to our commitment and responsibility to provide a safe environment for those we serve.  The Archdiocese works diligently to ensure that all Archdiocesan and Religious Order clergy, educators, volunteers, parish and school staff as well as men in preparation for the priesthood and deaconate are properly screened by evaluating each individual’s CORI.

Office for Background Screening (https://www.bostoncatholic.org/background-screening)