Diocese of Charlotte Forms and Policies for Volunteers:
The Diocese has new procedures for processing background checks. You are now able to submit your background checks online when you create a Virtus account. Virtus is also used to register for "Protecting God's Children" training. Detailed registration instructions can be found in the documents section on this page in the file "Diocese of Charlotte Registration Instructions."
In addition to completing the Background Check Release Form online, you will also be given the opportunity to read the "Code of Conduct for the Diocese of Charlotte" and sign it electronically online. *Please note - if you prefer to submit paper copies of the "Background Release and Authorization" form and the "Safe Environment Acknowledgment" form, they can be found in the documents on this page.
The Volunteer Profile Form cannot be completed online. Please print it from the documents section and return the completed form to the Parish office or drop it in the Office Mail Slot.
Some exceptions:
If you already have a valid background check and only need to register for Protecting God's Children, choose "Yes" to the question "Have you completed a background check within the last 5 years within the diocese, parish or school?"
If you already have a Virtus account but need a new background check processed (for example, a five year recheck), please contact Mollie Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator, and she will arrange to have a background check prompt to appear on your Virtus account so you can complete it online.
As volunteers in the Diocese of Charlotte, we all have a role in protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults.
The Protecting God’s Children Program helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and teaches the appropriate ways to respond to suspicious behavior. The program also helps raise awareness of child sexual abuse by helping adults become aware of its consequences. This includes the many ways that sexual abuse harms victims, their families, parishes and communities.
Jesus the Good Shepherd is our model as we continue to do all that we can to protect and nurture our children and young people.
The Protecting God’s Children workshop is offered throughout the diocese all year long. It is mandatory for all employees and for all volunteers who have regular contact with children to attend a workshop before they can begin working with children.
Due to COVID, the Protecting God’s Class can be taken online. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator to request the link. manderson@sainttherese.net
When IN -PERSON classes begin again, you may register by following these directions:
After completion of the Protecting God’s Children workshop, it is very important to stay current with the monthly Virtus Bulletins.
These bulletins are sent out the beginning of the month. If you are not receiving them please confirm that your Virtus account is set to your current email address and check your spam or junk mail.
If you do not stay current with the bulletins, your certification may have been suspended by the Diocese. This means that you cannot be an active volunteer.
Please click below to log into your Virtus account, if you do not see the training tab at the top, your account has been suspended. Please contact Mollie Anderson if you need help with your account.