St. Paul the Apostle Parish and School, in coordination with the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, is committed to the protection and safety of all children. This commitment follows the fundamental mission of the Church to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, to give authentic witness to the moral teaching of the Scriptures and the tradition of the Church, and to uphold the human dignity of every person. Increased awareness and a willingness to take action are steps for every person to eradicate abuse in our society, in the community, in the neighborhood, and in the family.
At St. Paul the Apostle Parish and School “Best Practice” policies have been established to ensure the safety of our children in every parish and school activity. Our Safe Environment Program was designed for the protection of our children.
All of Volunteer Programs involving youth must follow the Diocese of Columbus Two-Deep Policy. Parishes/schools/agencies must follow a strategy of “two-deep” ministry with minors, where at least two (2) adults who are in full compliance with Diocesan safe environment policies are present at all activities and situations. Two-Deep Policy Link
Letter from Diocese of Columbus concerning Safe Environment
21-01-26-Safe-Environment-Letter.pdf
With that in mind, ALL VOLUNTEERS 18 years of age and older (Athletics, School, Scouts, Religious Education, Middle School and High School Youth Ministry, Knights of Columbus, and all other programs involving children) must complete the following procedures prior to the first day of volunteering:
1. Complete a Protecting God’s Children (PGC) awareness session offered throughout the Diocese of Columbus. This program helps raise the awareness of adult volunteers for the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse and steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse.
2. Undergo a Civilian Criminal Background/Fingerprint check (BCI&I) and if needed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (see instructions for completing a fingerprinting background check below).
3. Complete a Volunteer Application Form and read and sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Details on the volunteer process are outlined below. For questions on this process, please email or call Bob McGee, Safe Environment Coordinator