Safe Environment
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Ministries Requiring Safe Environment Clearance

Please Note: Clearance processing is free for volunteers. Should you incur any costs, they will be reimbursed.
​​The following ministries at St. Ann’s Parish are among those required to complete Safe Environment requirements, including background checks for adult volunteers (18 years of age or older). ​​
Ministries Dedicated to Serving Youth
These volunteers work directly with children or teens in parish sponsored programs and must meet all Safe Environment requirements.
Religious Education, including catechists, substitutes, assistants, Vacation Bible School volunteers, and any support staff working with youth.

Youth Ministry, including instructors, chaperones, drivers, coaches, referees, and others. 
​Note: Chaperones involved in overnight events are required to be fingerprinted.​
 Ministries Dedicated to Serving the Sick, Elderly, or Homebound
​These volunteers offer care, companionship, and sacramental support to individuals who may be isolated, vulnerable, or at risk.
Visitation to the Sick and Homebound, including Eucharistic Ministers, friendly visitors, and pastoral visitors who serve in homes, hospitals, or care facilities.

St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, including volunteers involved in the food pantry, or programs such as Lorenzo’s Lunch, where contact with minors, elderly, or homebound individuals may occur.​
Liturgical Ministries Serving the Parish Community
​These ministries involve regular interaction with children, families, or the wider parish community.
Music Ministry, including choir director and children’s music coordinator.

Worship Ministry, including Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, and ushers.
    Safe Environment Volunteer Requirements
These three forms must be renewed every five years.
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History ​
  • ​Child Abuse History​.
  • If you currently are a PA resident, and have been for at least 10 consecutive years you must complete the PA Affidavit Statement for Volunteers     or
  • If you have not been a PA resident for at least the past 10 consecutive years you must complete the FBI Fingerprint Clearance​​
​Please note: Youth Ministry volunteers are required to obtain FBI Fingerprint Clearance regardless of their length of residency in Pennsylvania.

Also, all volunteers must complete the VIRTUS Safe Environment Training, Mandated Reporter Training and sign the Pastoral Code of Conduct.
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History
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Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification

​Diocese of Scranton Volunteer Affidavit

Pastoral Code of Conduct
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Safe Environment Training

* If you have not lived in Pennsylvania continuously for the past ten years, please complete the FBI Fingerprint Clearance.
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​FBI Check & Fingerprints
(service code: 1KG6ZJ)