The deadline for ALL SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS to attend a VIRTUS session for Safe Environment is rapidly approaching. As of August 1, 2019, only those adults who have attended a VIRTUS session will be allowed to volunteer in any capacity for the school. VIRTUS sessions have been being held here at Sacred Heart Parish since August 2018, so a number of school volunteers are ready to go, but we still have some work to do to get to 100% coverage. This is where you all come in…please spread the word with your organizations/people/families that there will be 2 VIRTUS sessions held at Sacred Heart in July. The first one will be Tuesday, July 9 @ 6:00-9:00 pm. The second one will be Thursday, July 18 @ 6:00-9:00 pm.

All those wanting to attend a session will need to email Michelle Spaeth at mspaeth@shcmuenster.com. She will then return their email with the full instructions for creating a profile in VIRTUS and registering for a session. Below are the steps that it takes to clear a volunteer per The Diocese of Fort Worth Safe Environment Office. All 5 of these steps must be completed BEFORE someone can volunteer. Just attending a VIRTUS session does not qualify one to volunteer. There is a process, so please help communicate this to potential and existing volunteers.

Mandatory Safe Environment Steps prior to serving in ministry or other volunteer service:
1. Completion of the Volunteer Ministry Application, including the names and contact information of 3 (non-family member) references, who will be contacted.
2. Signed Authorization for Release of Information form.
3. Completion of the National Criminal Search including Sex Offender background check.
4. Successful completion of the Safe Environment Training.
5. Signed Code of Conduct Agreement form upon review of the Diocesan Code of Conduct & Behavior Standards for All Clergy, Religious and Lay Ministers.

Michelle Spaeth
Sacred Heart Youth Ministry
Safe Environment Coordinator
212 East 6th Street
Muenster, TX 76252
Office-940-759-2500
Cell-940-736-3951

“I keep the Lord always before me; with him at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.” Psalm 16: 8