The Diocese of Columbus has recently updated its Safe Environment policies for volunteers to strengthen the protection of our children, youth, and vulnerable adults across all parishes, schools, and ministries.  Highlights of the updated policy are listed below:

• For all adult volunteers in the Diocese of Columbus, it is RECOMMENDED to enroll in a less than 3-hour course entitled “Protecting God’s Children”.  This course helps create a safe environment for all children and adults in our parish community.
• For all adult volunteers working with children in any Catholic parish, school, or ministry, regardless of the level of contact or duration of time spent with children, it is REQUIRED to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” course before volunteering.
• All adult volunteers working with children are REQUIRED to complete a criminal background check (fingerprinting) before volunteering.
• All current volunteers are now REQUIRED to update their criminal background check (fingerprinting) EVERY 5 YEARS. If it has been more than 5 years since your last background check was completed, you must submit a new report to the Diocese of Columbus before January 2, 2026. 

The school and parish staff are currently reviewing our volunteer lists and will be in contact with you if it is determined that you need to renew your background check.  For more information on this new policy, how to register for a “Protecting God’s Children” course, and how to complete a criminal background check, please go to: https://columbuscatholic.org/safe.