Updated:
06.22.10
St. Patrick Church
Religious Education Registration
St. Patrick Religious Education Program (CCD) registration for the 2009-2010 for preschool thru grade 8.
Catholic children who are entering the Religious Education (CCD) Program for the first time at St. Patrick Parish must register. Preschool children must be 4 years of age by October 2009. Kindergarten children must be 5 years of age by October 2009. A Baptismal Certificate is required at the time of registration if the child was not baptized at St. Patrick Parish. In order for a child to make their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, the child must attend 2 years of Religious Education.
For additional information, please call Carol Serbak at the Religious Education Office at 724.745.3787.
Protecting Gods Children
Did you know? Parents and
guardians: Get involved – Parents & Guardians play a key role in
the success of parish programs for young people. Parents
and guardians who are involved in parish programs and events
will be in the best position to protect their own children as
well as all the children in the parish community.
Involvement and communication are important factors in helping
to ensure safe environments for all of our children.
Did you know? - “Grooming behaviors” - Most child abuse
occurs after the perpetrator has gained the trust of the child
and of his or her parents/guardians through a process called
“grooming.” The grooming process has three basic elements,
which are both separate and interrelated: physical grooming,
psychological grooming, and community grooming.
Physical grooming can begin with a simple pat on the back, but
over time it becomes more intimate.
Psychological grooming takes many forms, all of which are
designed to drive a wedge between the child and the parent or
guardian and to pull the child under the control of the
perpetrator. Psychological techniques include a wide
variety of activities, from telling a child that sexual contact
is ”an act of love sanctioned by God” to threatening harm to
someone the child loves if he or she tells anyone about the
abuse.
Community grooming usually happens at the same time the physical
and psychological grooming is progressing with the child.
It targets the parents, guardians, and the rest of the
community. The purpose is to convince us that this is
someone who really cares about kids and is committed to their
well-being, so that we will not notice or will disregard the
warning signs because we can’t believe the perpetrator would
commit such a crime. The process can take as little as a
few days or as long as a few months, but the perpetrator is
willing to be patient to gain the trust of everyone involved.
This is how child molesters avoid being caught. ~ Protecting
God’s Children Facilitator Training Manual, 36-38.
Help reduce abuse statistics! Nationally, more than 2 million reports of abuse or neglect of minors are made each year. Only a small percentage of child abuse is ever reported. Learn how to spot suspected abuse or neglect, and how to report it to the proper authorities. For more information, please contact Carol Serbak at 724.745.3787.
Protecting Gods Children Workshops
The Diocese of Pittsburgh Database Application. All parishioners over the age of 18 who wish to help out at Parish functions, all Parish Organizations and Volunteers: School, Religious Education, Christian Mothers, Choir, Ushers, Cantors, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Catholic Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Festival, Fish Fry, Bread Program, Pastoral Council, Decorating Committee, Scout Leaders, an Activity of the Church, etc., MUST register. You will NOT be able to volunteer for parish functions unless you meet the requirements listed below.
We value all of our volunteers and are committed to providing support to ensure that we meet this requirement and ensure a safe environment for our children.
1) Diocesan Database ApplicationThe following checklist is a list of requirements for all parish volunteers who are 18 years or older:
2) Criminal Clearance
3) Child Abuse Clearance
4) Code of Pastoral Conduct
5) Attendance at a Protecting God’s Children Workshop
If you have questions or need to make arrangements to fulfill any of the above requirements, which are mandated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh for all volunteers in the parishes within our Diocese, call Carol Serbak at 724.745.3787.
It is required by law to file an application in order to continue to participate as a volunteer in our Parish activities. Applications can be completed online or can be found at all the entrances of the Church. You DO NOT need to put your Social Security Number or your Driver’s License Number on the written or online application. If you do not have computer or internet access or need help with the application, please call Carol Serbak at the Religious Education Office 724.745.3787.
The Diocese will be providing the Pennsylvania State Police Clearance beginning December 1, 2008.
Diocese Online Database Application - https://www.eappsdb.com/Login.asp?ORGZ_KEY=39
Diocese Database Application - PDF
State Police Online Criminal Record Check - https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
State Police Criminal Record Check Form SP4-164 - PDF
Child Abuse Clearance Form CY-113 - PDF
Child Abuse Clearances
All parishioners who have received their Child Abuse Clearances (Childline) from the PA Department of Public Welfare are asked to please bring them to the Religious Education Office or rectory. A copy will be made, recorded in the database and placed in the file.
Please do so as soon as you receive the clearance in the mail. If you have any questions, please call the Religious Education Office at 724.745.3787. Thank you.
