Volunteer Requirements

STEP-BY-STEP

NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING & SCREENING

  • Register using VirtusOnline to attend a FREE training session within the Diocese of Richmond. Please note that the Protecting God’s Children for Adults session is not recommended for those under the age of 18. Childcare is not available unless noted on the session listing.
  • You will be prompted to create a user ID and password. 
  • Follow the prompts to continue the registration process, including Code of Conduct document, other required documents and Screening One Background Check. (Note: You are registering for training to volunteer at Saint Mary’s Catholic School RVA code 997.)
  • After entering your personal information, a drop down function will enable you to select a Diocese of Richmond training center location/date/time. 
  • Continue to follow instructions as indicated to complete the process.


TIMING

Completing all screening steps often takes a number of weeks. Please plan ahead to ensure compliance before engaging in volunteer activities.


RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Additional training Healthy Boundaries for Adults Boundary Development and Implementation 1.0 is required five years after completion of the initial Protecting God’s Children for Adults training class.
  • As of July 1, 2024, a Screening One Background Check is required annually from the date of your last background check.


ALREADY VIRTUS COMPLIANT OR NOT SURE?

Your required compliance tasks will be visible on your VIRTUS dashboard once you login.

  • You may have received an email from VIRTUS reminding you that you are due for a background screening or additional training. The subject of the email is "Safe Environment Renewal." If you are able to locate this email, follow the prompts to complete all necessary actions and follow up actions.
  • If you did not receive an email, you may still check your status by logging into VirtusOnline.
  • If you see that "Your background check is current" and "Your documents are current," you have completed all necessary steps to volunteer on campus or chaperone.


ADDITIONAL FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE REQUIREMENT

In addition to the VIRTUS training and background screening, those who would like to serve as a field trip chaperone and drive students off campus must complete a Volunteer Driver Form.


NOTE: A new Volunteer Driver Form must be submitted each school year.


Overview & Mission of the Safe Environment Program

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

 -- 1 Peter 4:10


Volunteers enrich the educational experience, while building engagement within our school community. We are so appreciative of the dedication and selfless service our school volunteers provide!


The Catholic Diocese of Richmond and Saint Mary’s Catholic School are committed to ensuring that diocesan institutions and ministries provide a safe and nurturing environment for children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.


The mission of the diocese Safe Environment Program is to create a safe environment incorporating the standards as outlined in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  In order to ensure safety a number of steps must be taken before a parent is permitted to volunteer to work with or accompany students.


In accordance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People all diocesan employees, clergy, religious, teachers, staff, and all volunteers who work with children or youth participate in a Protecting God’s Children for Adults (VIRTUS) training session.


For additional questions, please contact:

The Office of Safe Environment at 804-622-5175