St. Athanasius

Safe Environments Clearance Process for all Those Who Serve in Positions of Trust in Parish Ministries

All laypersons who wish to serve the parish in positions of trust are required to complete the Diocesan Safe Environments Clearance process. This includes catechists, catechist aides, substitutes, parent volunteers in Children's Faith Formation events, hall monitors, youth ministry volunteers, Eucharistic ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Choir, Coaches, youth/child activity instructors, Altar Server Coordinators, some social event helpers, and more.

The Parish and Diocese absorb all costs of this process. All completed forms should be returned to the Parish Center Main Office. Refer all questions to the Safe Environments Coordinator at 412-931-4624 ext. 213.

The Purpose of the Safe Environments The Safe Environments process equips everyone in these ministries to establish and maintain safe environments for children and other vulnerable persons. Further it establishes as much as is possible, that ministers in parish programs have clean records and are trained to interact appropriately in ministry situations.

Seven Simple Steps of the Safe Environments Process This process may require up to an hour of your time, but we believe most Catholics will agree that this investment of time is well worthwhile if it prevents even one instance of abuse towards children or other vulnerable persons. Questions, problems, and concerns regarding this process should be directed to the St. Athanasius Parish Safe Environments Coordinator at the Parish Center Main Office.

1. PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS SPECIAL CLEARANCE PROCESS FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE LIVED IN PENNSYVANIA FOR LESS THAN FIVE YEARS! IF YOU HAVE LIVED IN PENNSYLVANIA LESS THAN FIVE YEARS, DO NOT COMPLETE THE "SEVEN SIMPLE STEPS" SHOWN BELOW. INSTEAD, CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

   Instructions for the FBI Fingerprint Background Clearance, for those who have lived in PA less than 5 Years

2. FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LIVED IN PENNSYVANIA FOR MORE THAN 5 YEARS, START HERE: Complete the Diocese of Pittsburgh Online Database Application. When this online application is completed, the Diocese automatically runs a Pennsylvania State Police Record check. If you are unable to complete the online application, please call the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator for Assistance.

   Click here for instructions on how to complete the online registration.

3. Register online for a 3-hour Protecting God's Children Workshop (PGC). If you are not able to register online, please call the Safe Environments Coordinator for assistance. This excellent Workshop helps adults to understand the nature of the problem of sexual predators and equips all those in ministry to establish and maintain safer environments for children. PGC workshops are offered at St. A's as well as many other conveniently located parishes throughout the year.

   Click here for instructions on how to register for the workshop.

4. Read and acknowledge receipt of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Code of Pastoral Conduct

   Click here to read the Diocese of Pittsburgh Code of Pastoral Conduct

   Click here to print an acknowledgement of receipt of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Code of Pastoral Conduct and return the signed form to the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator.

5. Read and acknowledge receipt of the Pennsylvania State Child Protective Services Law.

   Click here to read the Pennsylvania State Child Protective Services Law and return the signed form to the Safe Environments Coordinator

   Click here to print and sign an acknowledgement of receipt of the Pennsylvania State Child Protective Services Law. Please return to the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator.

6. Sign the "Acknowledgement of Cardinal's Clause" form required by the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

   Click here for a printable version of the Cardinal's Clause form. Please sign and return to the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator at the Parish Center Main Office.

7. Complete the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance Request and Authorization for release to St Athanasius Parish.

   Click here for a printable version of the Child Abuse History Clearance Request form. Complete and return this form to the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator. If you are unable to print the form, contact the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator to request that a form be mailed to you.

   Click here for a printable version of the Child Abuse History Release form. Complete and return the form to the St. A's Safe Environments Coordinator at the Parish Center Main Office.

8. Relax, pat yourself on the back for doing a good thing, and thank God for the honor of serving him and his beloved children in ministry!