There will be some new adjustments to the Safe Environment Database/Program and the way you access it. This will start to take place on March 1, 2021. The Diocesan Database will be shut down from February 21 until March 1. You will not be able to access it during those dates, nor will I. Please keep this in mind if you want to do the online database application to be a volunteer. The passcode to start the application process has not changed. It is still the word protect.
The Diocese is switching to a new company to be the platform for the Diocesan Database. The company is Virtus. This is the same company that produces and administers the Protecting God’s Children online and live classes. This is one of the certifications all Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, employees, Catholic School teachers, and volunteers are required to have. The Office for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults at our Diocese has been working with Virtus to meet the needs of our diocese. This platform is supposed to be more user friendly than the system we have been using for the last 15 years.
I will be returning to the office on April 1, and I will share with you by way of the bulletin and our parish website some of those adjustments that are coming and how they will impact your position at the parish. Our goal has always been to keep everyone safe at the parish.
Thank you for all you do for our parish. We have the best volunteers!