As part of our committment to protecting the most vulnerable among us, all volunteers in parish leadership (members of the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and Trustees) and all volunteers who have regular or unsupervised contact with minor children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults are required to undergo a Safe Envrionment credentialing process commonly referred to as the "Essential 3". The Essential 3 components--which must be renewed every three years, include: 1) a background check, 2) reading and agreeing to adhere to a Code of Conduct, and 3) Safe Environment training, which is typically delivered online through Virtus.org.  All three Essential 3 components must be completed prior to a volunteer beginning his/her service. Aside from the time, there is no cost to the volunteer to become Safe Environment credentialed.

Those who have indicated interest in a volunteer position that requires Essential 3 credentialing will be contacted and guided through the credentialing process.

As you may have seen in the news, our Archdiocese, led by Archbishop Hebda and Judge Tim O’Malley, has been implementing many new procedures to protect children and vulnerable adults in our community.

All parish staff and clergy, as well as many, many volunteers, need to go through an education and credentialing process to help us better understand how we can actively protect our most vulnerable members and create communities that are truly safe. No specific individuals are being targeted for this process; rather, the parish has been given extensive guidelines about which lay ministry volunteer positions need to participate. A letter from Archbishop Hebda explains this process.

All of our parish lay leadership, professional staff and volunter ministers have agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct to ensure that we all understand and fully commit to our responsibilities for the safety and dignity of the fellow-parishioners that we serve, especially children and vulnerable adults. The Code of Conduct must be read and re-committed to every three years.

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has partnered with Canvas Health, an independent, trusted local organization, to offer those abused by members of the clergy or others representing the Catholic Church a safe and compassionate place to come forward. Independent professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you in obtaining services such as professional counseling and pastoral care. For confidential, compassionate assistance, contact Canvas Health at 651-291-4497.

If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, your first call should be to law enforcement. Click here to learn more.

You are also encouraged to contact the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Program at 651-291-4475.

Click here to learn about ongoing support, programs, and events to assist victims/survivors with their healing process.