At St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, we affirm the God-given dignity of every person and are committed to fostering a safe and holy environment where all—especially the most vulnerable—can grow in faith, love, and trust. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to respect, protect, and care for one another, ensuring that our parish, school, and ministries remain places of welcome, security, and accountability.
Our Commitment to a Safe Environment
We believe that creating a safe environment is not just a policy—it is a moral responsibility rooted in the Gospel. Every person, especially children, youth, and vulnerable adults, deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and care. To this end, we uphold the highest standards of protection, prevention, and accountability in all aspects of parish life.
Safeguarding Policies and Procedures
As part of our commitment to safety, all clergy, staff, volunteers, and teachers who interact with minors must complete the following requirements before serving in our parish or school:
Safe Environment Training – A comprehensive educational program to recognize, prevent, and report abuse and misconduct.
Background Checks – All clergy, employees, and volunteers undergo criminal background screenings as required by our diocese.
Code of Conduct Agreement – Individuals working with minors or vulnerable persons must acknowledge and adhere to our diocesan Code of Conduct, which sets clear expectations for appropriate behavior.
Mandatory Reporting – Any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or misconduct must be reported immediately to civil authorities and the diocese.
Reporting Concerns
If you have reason to believe that a child, youth, or vulnerable adult is being harmed or is in danger, we urge you to take immediate action:
Contact Local Authorities – If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Report to the Diocese – Our diocese provides a confidential reporting system to address concerns. Contact the Diocesan Safe Environment Office at [Insert Diocese Contact Information].
Parish Support – If you need guidance in making a report or have concerns about safety in our parish, please contact our pastor or Safe Environment Coordinator at [Insert Parish Contact Information].
Creating a Culture of Protection
Beyond compliance with policies, we strive to cultivate a culture of awareness, prevention, and healing. Through regular training, education, and vigilance, we ensure that our parish is a place where everyone—especially children and vulnerable persons—can encounter Christ in safety and trust.
Together, as the Body of Christ, we commit to protecting the dignity of all, fostering accountability, and standing as witnesses of God’s love and care for every person.