Volunteer Process
To join a ministry or group here at St. Joseph’s, the first step is to reach out the group or ministry leader. For example, if you would like to join the liturgical ministry (lector, Eucharistic minister, sacristan, usher, etc.) then you must first reach out to Lester Gonzales by calling the parish office. For other groups please see the bulletin where it lists who and how to get in contact with the leader.
After they have cleared you to continue with the background check, then you will need to to pick up a volunteer packet in the parish office OR download and print the forms that are listed below.
This ensures a safe environment for all of those involved with our events and programs.
The volunteer packet with checklist, must be filled out and ONLY turned in at your fingerprint appointment. The appointment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The approval process is done by the Diocese of Las Vegas ONLY and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to be approved.
After they have cleared you to continue with the background check, then you will need to to pick up a volunteer packet in the parish office OR download and print the forms that are listed below.
This ensures a safe environment for all of those involved with our events and programs.
The volunteer packet with checklist, must be filled out and ONLY turned in at your fingerprint appointment. The appointment can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The approval process is done by the Diocese of Las Vegas ONLY and can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to be approved.
Volunteer Packet
(Paperwork) |
Safe Environment
Online Training Directions |
CMG Connect
Online Training |
Statement on Safe Environments from the Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
In November, 2002 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in Washington, D.C., developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Later that same year, The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons was developed. In order to insure implementation of the Charter and to meet the commitment of safety for all parish children and members, church leaders demanded immediate action from all diocesan parishes and schools. We again recommit ourselves as the Diocese of Las Vegas to that mandate. The Diocese of Las Vegas continues to implement the CMG Connect Safe Environment Program.
“CMG Connect” is the brand name that identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote ‘right doing’ within religious organizations” (created by the Catholic Mutual Group.)
The CMG Connect Program is designed to assist the church community in creating an environment of safety, with particular attention placed on children and youth and the adults working with them.
Implementation of the program requires a personal response from those involved. Successful implementation requires not only completion of the work, and achievement of the objectives, but also to see our children, and their care, with new vision earned through commitment, learning and action.
While the creation of an ‘environment of safety’ has been outlined by the goals and objectives in the CMG Connect Program, the values we as individuals, place in reflecting the work in every day practice will determine the foundation. As the jobs and tasks evolve into common thought and practice, a culture of responsibility, trust, honesty and safekeeping will emerge.
A safe environment includes adults who are educated about and sensitive to the physical, emotional, and psychological vulnerability of children. A safe environment includes adults who have acquired a learned perspective and have at their disposal techniques and tools that address the needs of those at risk. CMG Connect can provide the education, in part, with the initial training and the ongoing support of the online bulletins, but key to maintaining awareness and vigilance, is the full commitment of adults who value and promise safekeeping for God’s children.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas is committed to safekeeping of our children. In place are policies that clearly outline the responsible behavior of all employees and volunteers working in our community.
In keeping with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ mandate and to further assist our efforts in providing for the safety of children, the following best practices are in place:
The procedures and lessons of CMG Connect and the diocese, combined with the support of family, and the church community, will serve to protect our children and to help our children develop a reasonable interest in their personal safety and, should abuse threaten them, tools to aid.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Bishop of Las Vegas
In November, 2002 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in Washington, D.C., developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Later that same year, The Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons was developed. In order to insure implementation of the Charter and to meet the commitment of safety for all parish children and members, church leaders demanded immediate action from all diocesan parishes and schools. We again recommit ourselves as the Diocese of Las Vegas to that mandate. The Diocese of Las Vegas continues to implement the CMG Connect Safe Environment Program.
“CMG Connect” is the brand name that identifies best practices programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote ‘right doing’ within religious organizations” (created by the Catholic Mutual Group.)
The CMG Connect Program is designed to assist the church community in creating an environment of safety, with particular attention placed on children and youth and the adults working with them.
Implementation of the program requires a personal response from those involved. Successful implementation requires not only completion of the work, and achievement of the objectives, but also to see our children, and their care, with new vision earned through commitment, learning and action.
While the creation of an ‘environment of safety’ has been outlined by the goals and objectives in the CMG Connect Program, the values we as individuals, place in reflecting the work in every day practice will determine the foundation. As the jobs and tasks evolve into common thought and practice, a culture of responsibility, trust, honesty and safekeeping will emerge.
A safe environment includes adults who are educated about and sensitive to the physical, emotional, and psychological vulnerability of children. A safe environment includes adults who have acquired a learned perspective and have at their disposal techniques and tools that address the needs of those at risk. CMG Connect can provide the education, in part, with the initial training and the ongoing support of the online bulletins, but key to maintaining awareness and vigilance, is the full commitment of adults who value and promise safekeeping for God’s children.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas is committed to safekeeping of our children. In place are policies that clearly outline the responsible behavior of all employees and volunteers working in our community.
In keeping with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ mandate and to further assist our efforts in providing for the safety of children, the following best practices are in place:
- The diocese employs a Victim Advocate/Safe Environment Coordinator.
- Those in need of abuse advocacy, and/or counseling have 24-hour accessibility via the telephone number published in all church bulletins, the Employee Handbook and on the diocesan website.
- Anti-harassment misconduct and confidentiality policies are applicable to all employees and volunteers.
- All guidelines are available in English and Spanish.
- All employees undergo a background check and those working with children must participate in the CMGConnect training.
- All volunteers must undergo a background check, and those working with children must undertake the CMGConnect training and participate in a bulletin program.
- All churches and schools participate in the Save Environment certification process through the completion of quarterly reports and annual reviews.
- Staff evaluation instruments include criteria indicating satisfaction of all Safe Environment requirements.
- Touching Safety educational programs are provided to every K – 12 student. Exceptions to this are children whose parents have signed Opt Out forms.
The procedures and lessons of CMG Connect and the diocese, combined with the support of family, and the church community, will serve to protect our children and to help our children develop a reasonable interest in their personal safety and, should abuse threaten them, tools to aid.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend George Leo Thomas, Ph.D.
Bishop of Las Vegas