St. Rita is a Safe Environment

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
-Matthew 18:10

Our diocesan policies, ethics and integrity in ministry, are rooted in the Catholic understanding that each individual must be respected and honored. Jesus had a deep, abiding respect for each human being and would not harm or mislead anyone in his or her personal or spiritual life. We, the church, must do likewise. Our policies cover four areas of possible harm: immoral conduct, exploitation, harassment, and abuse. Volunteers at St. Rita Parish who
work with minors and vulnerable adults, and St. Rita School, must successfully complete the Safe Environment
approval process before he or she may do so. As Saint Rita values safety, we have a gradual process for all
parish volunteers so that starting at the age of 15, one is introduced to the safety training process and its values.
This process is mandated and strictly enforced by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas; it consists of the following steps:

          1. Complete a Diocese of Dallas SEP screening form, in which you will be asked to provide:
                     A. Three personal references who will be contacted.
                     B. Consent to a criminal background check (must be re-checked every two years).

          2. Attend the initial Safe Environment training session, "Family of Faith."

          3. Contact the Pastoral Center to arrange for a personal interview (approximately 15 minutes), at
              which time a photo I.D. will be taken for your Volunteer Badge. This may scheduled at the time
              of your Safe Environment class if you areattending the class at St. Rita. If, however, you attend
              a class in another parish, you still will need to arrange for a personal interview and to have your
              photo taken at St. Rita.
 

It takes approximately three weeks to complete the process after your training class. If you have children that
attend St. Rita School and you wish to participate in their activities as a volunteer, you must have already
completed this process beforehand.

With the implementation of the Diocesan Safe Environment Program, Saint Rita Catholic Community
demonstrates the standard to which we, as Christians living in a faith community, will hold all those who are
privileged to work with our children, elderly, vulnerable adults, and indeed all of our church family.
 

If you have questions
Please e-mail
Deacon Denis Corbin
Safe Environment Director