• Another important element of creating a safe environment for our children is the "Protecting God’s Children" workshop. This workshop is required for all parish volunteers. During the three-hour session, volunteers learn how to recognize and prevent child abuse. The session is free of charge. A complete listing of workshops scheduled throughout the diocese is available here.
  
  In accordance with the Diocese of Pittsburgh Safe Environment Policy ALL volunteers must be compliant in order to volunteer in ANY capacity within ANY group in the parish. Compliancy consists of completing the Diocesan Database (which will include a PA State Background Clearance, electronically reading and signing Pastoral Code of Conduct and Child Protection Service Law), having a PA Department of Welfare Child Abuse Clearance completed, and attending a Protecting God’s Children Workshop.
  
  If you are a NEW volunteer, please contact Deacon Mike to begin the process of obtaining the necessary clearances. Clearances for current volunteers are updated every 5 years and you will receive notification of what is required.
  
  Once you have attended a Protecting God’s Children Workshop, you are not required at this time by the Diocese of Pittsburgh to update or attend the workshop again. As always we are so very Blessed to have such dedicated and wonderful volunteers here at Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish and we appreciate you sharing your faith, time and talents to make our Parish Community strong and vibrant.

Protecting God’s Children Workshops are offered throughout the calendar year and are available online as well...... For details when a workshop is available, please contact:

• Deacon Mike Kelly
• 412-373-0050 X 112
• [email protected]
   
• If you have already taken this workshop you need not attend again. As always you can go to  www.diopitt.org  and view a listing of all the Protecting God’s Children Workshops offered throughout the Diocese. If you attend the workshop at another location you MUST supply Deacon Mike with a copy of the Certificate of Attendance.