Safe Environment Policy

The Diocese of Pittsburgh has implemented a Safe Environment Policy to address issues of concern in the diocese, especially regarding the protection of children. This policy includes several requirements for those who volunteer or participate in ministry at Saint Sylvester Parish or School.

In order to volunteer or participate in any ministry all of the requirements listed below must be met.

1. Completion of the Online Diocesan Database Application

A pass code is needed to complete this online form. Contact Andy White or Mr. Mark Grgurich for the Diocesan passcode before begninning this application.

• Go online to https://www.eappsdb.com/Login.asp?ORGZ_KEY=39.
• Complete the New User Registration information by following the instructions on the application.
• Select your primary site when prompted. (This depends upon where you will perform the majority of your ministry or volunteering. Select, as appropriate to your ministry, from these choices for primary site: Pittsburgh: St. Sylvester Parish, Pittsburgh: St. Sylvester School or Pittsburgh: St. Sylvester Catechetical Program)

2. Attendance at a Protecting God’s Children Workshop

This is a national program developed by the Virtus organization and was implemented to create an awareness of child sexual abuse and a plan to prevent abuse. These workshops (one, 3 hour class) are held throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh at various parishes, including Saint Sylvester Parish.

• Go online to the the Virtus web site (www.virtus.org) to view a list of upcoming sessions.
• You will be asked to select your organization - select “Pittsburgh, PA (Diocese)” from the drop down menu to get the list of upcoming sessions.
• Once you have completed a session, please forward the original certificate indicating proof of attendance to either the parish or school office where it will be kept on file.

3. Completion of the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance Form

• Download the PA Child Abuse Clearance Form from our web site by clicking here.
• Type or print clearly and neatly in ink SECTION 1 ONLY.
• Do not use initials, even for your middle name - it causes a delay in the processing of your form.
• Address must be Applicant's current home address.
• All information must be completed in full to the best of your knowledge and belief . If necessary, attach additional pages.
• Application must be signed.
• One block must be checked for "Purpose for Clearance." Check the block marked " Volunteer".
• Return the completed form to Saint Sylvester Parish or School. The parish or school will pay the processing fee and mail the form.
• This completed form must be accompanied with a Consent Release form in order for the results to be mailed directly to Saint Sylvester Parish. Please download and complete the release form by clicking here.

4. Read and sign the Pastoral Code of Conduct

• All individuals should read the Code, then sign and return a copy to the school office where it will be kept on file.
• Click here to download this document.
• Once you have read this document please download and complete the acknowledgment page by clicking here. Return this completed page signed to the parish or school office.
  

5. Read and Sign the Reporting of Child Abuse and The Child Protective Services Law of Pennsylvania

• All individuals should read the Code, then sign and return the sign off sheet to the parish or school office (as appropriate) where it will be kept on file.
• Click here to download this document.