St. Peter Catholic Church Volunteers:
 
As a part of the Diocese of Rockford's ongoing commitment to provide safe environments for our children, the Diocese has completed a review and update of our Safe Environment Program.  This letter explains those updates and includes the requirements for all adults who work or volunteer in the parish.
 
There are three components that comprise the Diocesan Safe Environment Program:
•  Proper screening of those who wish to volunteer for a parish or school
•  Proper safe environment training of our volunteers
•  Compliance with diocesan policies.
 
If you wish to volunteer in any capacity, please read and complete the following  steps: (Even if you have already completed some of these steps, please complete and return all included forms.)
 
Screening:
Screening entails running a mandatory criminal background check on the adult through the Illinois State Police. Name background checks are required for all adults desiring to volunteer whether at a school, parish or other diocesan entity.
•  Complete the Authorization to Conduct Background Check
 
Training:
All volunteers who serve the parish are required to:
•  Complete the online "Protecting God's Children" Training. This is a one-time training: you do not need to complete it again if you have already done so in the past. If you are completing the training for the first time, please send or email your completion certificate to the office.
•  Read and sign the following acknowledgment forms:
            The State of Illinois' DCFS Mandated Reporter
            The Diocesan Norms for Prohibition of Sexual Abuse and Misconduct
            The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct
            The Diocesan Code for the Pastoral Use of Technology and Social Media
            The Diocesan Guidelines for Youth and Those Working with Youth
 
These documents are also available on the Diocesan website and in the church office. 
 
Thank you for all that you do for St. Peter Parish!