Creating a Safe Environment
As Catholics we are called to respect the life and dignity of every human person from conception to natural death. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People guides us in action to our calling.
The Catholic Church believes that when more people are familiar with the subtle signs of abuse or neglect, then children, young people and vulnerable adults will be safer in any environment in which we encounter them. It may be helpful to think of this from a biblical perspective. Like the Good Samaritan, we may find ourselves in a position to be like Christ to someone in a difficult or harmful situation.
Adults Ages 18 and Older
Diocese of Rochester asks all parishes to have volunteers serving in public and liturgical ministries complete Creating a Safe Environment (CASE) certification when entering or returning to ministry service, and again every three years while active. Certification includes a background check and the completion of an online course. Upon reaching the age of 70, volunteers who have previously taken the course only need to submit to a background check and sign a new Volunteer Code of Conduct form. A yearly DMV check is required for volunteers who drive as a function of their ministry.
- New Volunteers: Your ministry leader will notify Holy Trinity’s CASE Coordinator, that you are starting in ministry. If you are not currently CASE certified, you will receive an email with instructions for completing this process.
- Inactive Volunteers: Please alert your ministry leader when you plan to return to service so we can check your CASE status.
- CASE Certified Volunteers: you will be notified by the CASE Coordinator when it is time to renew your certification.
If you have questions or would like further information, contact our CASE Coordinator, Mary Kramer at (585) 943-0372 or mary.kramer@dor.org
Teens Ages 13-17
Teens participate in an in-person training session at their parish. The training includes prayer, a review of the Code of Conduct for Minors, and unpacking different scenarios that teens might encounter to apply the rules from the Code of Conduct for Minors. Holy Trinity hosts training sessions quarterly or as needed.
To register to attend an upcoming in-person CASE Teen Volunteer Training session, contact Mary Kramer at mary.kramer@dor.org or (585)265-1616, ext. 306
