OPCYP recognizes that the application process may seem to some a administrative loop that all have to jump through. We believe though, it is an opportunity to begin to educate the volunteer that the application is foundational to serving our youth. Additionally, it is all about communication. A warm, welcoming approach will assist in the application process.
To this end, OPCYP has provided the following verbiage that a liaison may use in email or letter form to provide the necessary information that the volunteer may need to begin and complete the process. Additionally, we have attached the instructions to be included as an email attachment or an enclosure with this as a cover letter.
Dear ______________:
Welcome and thank you for accepting the opportunity to volunteer here at (insert parish). Your service with (insert ministry/department) will further the mission of our parish. The head of your ministry is (insert the name).
Our parish takes seriously the Lord’s mandate to “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” in Matthew 19:12. We are committed to creating a safe environment which begins by ensuring that those volunteers with substantial contact with minors are compliant with the child protection policies of the Diocese of Arlington. Your volunteer service is subject to successfully completing the online Office for the Protection of Children and Young People (OPCYP) application, background check and Virtus: Protecting God’s Children safe environment training within 45 days of submitting the online application – instructions will follow.
Additionally, all volunteers are prohibited from performing, teaching, or advocating any practices or doctrines that are inconsistent with religious tenets of the Catholic faith. For Catholic volunteers, conformance with religious tenets of the Catholic faith is a condition of service.
Prior to your first day of service, the OPCYP background check online application must be completed. Instructions on how to complete the application process in the most efficient manner are provided on the final pages of this document. In order to complete the application, you will need the following information:
Location:
Position Title:
Thank you again for generously offering your time and talent to our parish. I look forward to working with you.
Very truly yours,
(Insert name of pastor or liaison)
Pastor or OPCYP Liaison