Virtus - Protecting God’s Children: Our Safe Environment Program

The Diocese of Trenton has mandated that all parishes comply with the “Protecting God’s Children” Program. The Diocese of Trenton Office of Child and Youth Protection works with parishes to ensure that all employees and volunteers who have contact with children and vulnerable adults receive proper training and have current criminal background checks.  

This is a three-part program that includes:

• Training:  A mandatory, volunteer training program through VIRTUS (www.virtus.org).  
• Criminal Background Checks:  Both a fingerprint-based criminal background check as well as an online background check are required. Analysis is conducted by the NJ State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
• Required Documents:  A Church of the Holy Eucharist Volunteer Application and a Diocese of Trenton Code of Conduct must also be completed. A Christian Witness Statement must be completed by all those instructing in the Faith. 

The training and the online background check must be renewed every 4 years.

Everyone 18 years of age or older who wishes to volunteer with children or vulnerable adults must comply with the Diocesan “Protecting God’s Children” Program.  

Ministry leaders of ministries who work with these populations are responsible for forwarding Janet L. Boris, our Safe Environment Coordinator, all new volunteer names and contact information. She will send them a packet with all the information they need to become Safe Environment compliant. While she will follow up with them, you should make sure that your volunteers are cooperating with her requests for information. You can reach Janet at jboris@holyeucharist.org or 609-268-8383 x 104.