• Registration Deadline is August 15, 2025.
• Please fill out this form completely. 
• Please fill out the Diocesan Volunteer Application to Work with Minors and/or Vulnerable Adults.
• Please read the DFF - Discipleship Faith Formation Ministry - Catechist Volunteer Description. 
• Please read the CATECHISTS ROLES IN THE PARISH - OLPH before apply.
• Please read the GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CATECHISTS.
• Classes are held on Sundays from 10:30 to 12:00 pm. Catechists are required to be at 9:00 am for preparation. 
• Catechists are required to take catechists ongoing formation during the catechetical year.
• All volunteers are required to be fingerprinted and participate in the Virtus program under the direction of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.  
• Registration will not be complete until all forms for volunteers are turned in to the Pastoral Associate.

The information that I have provided may be verified, if necessary, by contacting persons or organizations named in this application, or by contacting any person or organization that may have information concerning me.

I authorize the Diocese of Kansas City -St. Joseph, its employees and agents, to make inquiries, including criminal history, employment history, and driving history. I hereby release and agree to hold harmless from liability any person(s) or organization who, in good faith, provides information to complete a background investigation. I also agree to release and hold harmless the local parish, school, or other diocesan institution, the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph, the Bishop, and the officers, employees, and volunteers thereof from any present or future claim of any kind resulting from any alleged liability for conducting a background investigation which may include, but not limited to, criminal courts, state, county and national repositories of criminal records. Under the penalties of perjury, 

I declare that I have read the foregoing, and the facts alleged are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN MINISTRY (EIM) CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY I also declare that I have read the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Code of Conduct Policy and have been given a copy for reference. Based on this Code, I promise that,

AS A VOLUNTEER, I WILL:

 Treat everyone with respect, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, dignity and consideration.
 Avoid situations where I am alone with children and/or youth at Church activities.
 Use positive reinforcement rather than criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children and/or youth.
 Refuse to accept expensive gifts from children and/or youth without prior written approval from the parents or guardian and the pastor or administrator.
 Report suspected abuse to the pastor, administrator, or appropriate supervisor and the abuse hotline –1- 800-96- ABUSE. (1-800-962-2873). I understand that: do not reporting a suspected abuse to the authorities is according to the law, a minor crime.
 Cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children and/or youth.

AS A VOLUNTEER, I WILL NOT:
 Smoke or use tobacco products in the presence of children and/or youth.
 Use, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol at any time while volunteering. Use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time.
 Pose any health risk to children and/or youth (i.e. no fevers or other contagious situations).
 Strike, spank, shake, or slap children and/or youth.
 Humiliate, ridicule, threaten, or degrade children and/or youth.
 Touch a child and/or youth in sexual or other inappropriate manner.
 Use any discipline that frightens or humiliates children and/or youth.
 Use profanity in the presence of children and/or youth.

I Understand that any action inconsistent with the above or with the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Code of Conduct Policy or failure to take action mandated by the Code of Conduct Policy (EIM) may result in my removal as a volunteer with children and/or youth.

****THE VOLUNTEER MUST ACCEPT AND PRACTICE THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE OLPH PARISH. THEY MUST FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS OF THE CLASSROOM TEACHER WHO HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR EACH STUDENT'S GROWTH AND WELFARE. THE VOLUNTEER MUST REMEMBER THAT THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE CLASS CANNOT BE DISTURBED.

I, the undersigned, do waive and release the Diocese of Kansas City -St. Joseph, and their corporate members, employees, officers, directors and agents ("Released Parties") from any expenses, costs, claims or liability for any injury or damages I may incur in any way associated with my participation in volunteer activities.

I understand that my volunteer activities involve some risk, and I hereby agree to assume such risk as a condition of my acceptance and participation in these activities.

I hereby grant the Released Parties full authority to take whatever actions they may consider in their sole discretion to be warranted under the circumstances concerning my health and safety and I fully absolve the Released Parties from any liability or costs associated with such decisions or actions that may be taken in connection therewith. I authorize the Released Parties, at their discretion, to place me, at my own expense and without further consent, in a hospital that is readily available and/or to place me in the hands of a physician for treatment, should the need arise.