Child Protection Procedure
All volunteers in the Pastorate are required as a minimum, to complete an online volunteer application. Volunteers who work with children are required to be trained and screened (criminal background check) and submit references. (If you do not have access to a computer or internet, please contact the parish office for assistance.)
Adult Volunteers
To begin the process of training and screening, please contact Mrs. Kathy Hofer at: khofer@hfccmd.org. Be sure to indicate what ministry you are volunteering for and whether or not it is substantial contact or not.
Adult Volunteers WITHOUT substantial contact with children applies to
Lectors, Greeters, Ushers, Martha Mary Volunteers, Eucharistic Ministers, Cleaning Volunteers, Landscape Volunteers, etc.
Adult Volunteers WITH substantial contact with children applies to
Nursery Volunteers, Disciples in Training Volunteers, Cantors, Catechists, Assistants, Vacation Bible School volunteers, etc.
The process for training and screen requires an individual to: create a VIRTUS online account, complete the online volunteer application, complete the online training, and provide 3 references. The references should include: one personal, family member or other personal, and one professional/civic.
If you took the training and were screened at another parish in the Archdiocese of Baltimore within the past 5 years, you can login to your existing VIRTUS account and ensure your "VIRTUS" account reflects Holy Family or St. Francis-St. Mary as a location where you volunteer. Then, provide a reference form with your name to the Screening Coordinator at that location and have them return it directly to us via email at info@hfccmd.org.
Volunteers ages 14 through 17
Volunteers ages 14 through 17 years of age who will be working with children, the process is different. Please contact Mrs. Kathy Hofer at: khofer@hfccmd.org to arrange for one-on-one training and paperwork. You will need to complete an application form and provide contact information for three references. A parent and the teen must both sign the application.