As Christian adults, we have a moral and legal responsibility and are entrusted by God with the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of minors and vulnerable adults as they participate in activities within or sponsored by our Diocese. It is our responsibility and commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing.
In order to achieve the above, the diocese has a Safe Environment Program that implements training, screening, background checks, and other procedures that are designed to reduce the risk of sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults. Every parish, school, and Diocesan agency has the program, and each is responsible for program implementation and continuation.
For more information please contact the parish Safe Environment officer, Andrew Walters, at safe@materdeiparish.com.
How to Report Abuse
If you believe that you, or someone you know, is a victim of past or present abuse or sexual abuse, please notify law enforcement. In the event the abuse involves a minor, please also contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org). Finally, if the abuse involves a member of the clergy, a parish employee, or diocesan employee, please also notify the Diocese of Dallas Victims Assistance Coordinator, Brenda Martinez, at 214-379-2812 or bmartinez@cathdal.org
Diocese of Dallas Safe Environment Program and Policies Documents
- Safe Environment Program
- Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Computer Internet Policy
- Social Media Policy
- Registered Sex Offenders Attending Mass or Any Parish or School Function Policy
Safe Environment Program
The Safe Environment Program is an important aspect of our Parish service to the community. It is a Diocese-mandated program that requires that each volunteer be cleared through a standardized process of background checks.
New Volunteers
To become a “cleared” volunteer within Mater Dei Parish, adults must meet each of the following requirements:
- Complete the Safe Environment Screening Form located at the Diocese of Dallas On-line Screening Form Program. Using these secure online forms sends your information directly to the Safe Environment office. Please be sure to provide the three references including both e-mail and phone numbers.
- Return to the website in Step 1 and click on My Obligations to login to your account. Once there, complete the annual online training.
- Schedule a personal interview with the Safe Environment Coordinator at safe@materdeiparish.com.
Previously Cleared Volunteers
Once a person has been screened and cleared for service, in order to retain active status, the person must update their training annually. If the volunteer fails to meet this requirement, he or she will become immediately ineligible to continue to serve. If a volunteer wishes to reinstate their eligibility, once it has expired, they will be required to update their training.
To renew your Safe Environment with Mater Dei Parish, adults must do the following:
Complete Step 2 above.