Safe Environment Mission Statement
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.
Annual renewal of your training is mandatory.
Volunteers who need to renew training requirement must do the following: 

• Access the following link from a computer: Training Class Annual Renewal
• Search for your information by entering your name and address used when you first completed your safe environment screening. DO NOT create another profile, since this causes duplication of files.  
• Update your contact information if it has changed. If you have an EMAIL address now would be the time to add it. CLICK “Update Information and Continue”.
• At the top of the screen, click on "Classes available to take online."
• Click on the MINISTRYSAFE video in the language you prefer.

• Voluenteer must be at least 18 years of age and be a member of the St. Cecilia Parish for at least 6 months.
• Complete Online Screening Form
  • You will be asked to provide 3 references along with their email addresses. You cannot use relatives, only acquaintances and co-workers.  
• Next, click on the following link: Safe Environment Training Class
• Search for your profile by entering your name and address as you entered for your screening.
• At the top of the screen, click on "Classes available to take online."
• Choose the MINISTRYSAFE training video in the language you prefer.
• Please contact the Safe Environment Coordinator to schedule an appointment for an interview. parishadmin@stceciliadallas.org
• The Safe Environment Coordinator will contact your references & run a background check.
• We will notify you when the process has been completed.

How to report abuse
Individuals are urged to report incidents of abuse or suspicions of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. In an emergency situation, please contact local law enforcement authorities, usually by calling 911.

Situations involving abuse of minors should always first be reported to civil authorities at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at https://www.txabusehotline.org/ or by telephone at 1-800-252-5400.

If the allegation involves priests, deacons, or an employee of a parish or the Diocese, in addition to contacting appropriate civil authorities, please also notify reportabuse@cathdal.org or the Diocese of Dallas Victim Assistance Coordinator, Brenda Martinez at 214-379-2812.

If the allegation involves a member of Church leadership, including bishops, archbishops or cardinals, in addition to contacting appropriate civil authorities, please also notify Steve Martinez, a third-party contact established to receive these reports at 210-734-7786 or make notification through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ third party reporting system at https://reportbishopabuse.org or by telephone at 1-800-276-1562.