St. Therese church and school, in union with the whole Catholic Church, is committed to protecting the most precious among us: our children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Our Safe Environment program follows the requirements of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and uses the VIRTUS training platform.
Essential 3 requirements
All clergy and all church, school, and diocesan employees, as well as all volunteers who have regular or unsupervised interaction with minors, must complete three requirements before beginning ministry:
Background Check. Run by an archdiocese-approved agency to screen out individuals who might present a danger to children and youth.
Safe Environment Training. The "Protecting God’s Children for Adults" awareness session, a 75-minute online program.
Code of Conduct. Acknowledgment that the person understands and agrees to the standards outlined in the code of conduct appropriate to his or her ministry.
Planning to volunteer in the coming year? Even if you are unsure what role you might take on, we invite you to complete VIRTUS training now so you are ready to serve.
VIRTUS Website
VIRTUS Account Registration Guide (PDF)
Re-Credentialing Guide (PDF)
Protecting vulnerable adults
Many parishioners give of their time in ministry to brothers and sisters who are elderly, ill, or living with disability. To ensure proper screening, clear boundaries, and good support, the archdiocese requires all those who have regular or unsupervised interaction with vulnerable adults to participate in the Safe Environment program.
If action is needed
If a minor is in imminent danger, call 911 or your local law enforcement.
If you suspect abuse of a minor, your first call should be to law enforcement. Hennepin County Sheriff: 612-348-3744.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, your first call should be to law enforcement. Hennepin County Sheriff: 612-348-3744.
If you suspect child abuse within a family, call your local child protection agency. Hennepin County Family Services: 612-348-3552.
If you or someone you know has been abused, exploited, or harassed by a priest, deacon, or Church employee or volunteer, contact the archdiocese’s Victim/Survivor Assistance line at 651-291-4497.
Questions
Contact the St. Therese Safe Environment Coordinator at 952-473-4422 or email safeenvironment@st-therese.org. VIRTUS registration guides and further information are available from the Archdiocese Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment.