One of our priorities here at Immaculate Conception Parish is the education and protection of God's precious children. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has mandated that all dioceses in the United States take steps to ensure this protection.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh has implemented a Safe Environment Program for every church in the diocese. All employees including priests, religious and lay, as well as volunteers 18 years of age or older who may come in contact with children are required to complete the following steps:

• Register on the Diocesan database
• Receive a Pennsylvania State Police Clearance
• Receive a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• Attend a Protecting God's Children workshop
• Sign a Pastoral Code of Conduct and CPSI

Some ministries requiring completion of the Safe Environment Program are Adult Altar Servers, Cantors, Catechists, Catechist Aides, Chaperones, Parish Choir, Elderly Outreach, Extraordinary Ministry, Bingo workers, Festival volunteers, Fish Fry workers, Lectors, Ushers, Wedding Coordinators and Youth Ministry volunteers.

The Diocesan Database can be accessed and updated on the Diocesan website http://www.diopitt.org or through the Religious Education Office. Our upcoming workshop schedules are listed here.