Volunteer Resources

Guidelines for Parish Volunteers

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are called to share our gifts with one another and with the
world. Given the importance of this call from God, it is essential that we, as a community, do all we
can to assure that the right gifts are shared in the right way, at the right time, by the right people. We
fulfill our mission more effectively when we make every effort to ensure a richer, stronger, more
vibrant and safer community of faith.

Strengthening the Caring Community is simply a process designed to create and maintain a safe
environment in our parishes. This process involves identifying any volunteer ministry position, which
could put children, youth or other vulnerable persons at risk of being harmed. The goal at all times is
the protection and safety of our vulnerable people, our volunteers, our paid staff, and our Church.
Thus, it is a permanent policy of the Archdiocese of Toronto to screen all parish volunteer ministry
positions.

Every organization has a responsibility, which is at once moral, spiritual and legal. Strengthening the
Caring Community is not only the right thing to do but it is legally required under the concept of “Duty
of Care”. Duty of Care is a legal principle that identifies the obligations of individuals and
organizations to take reasonable measures to care for and protect those who participate in their
programs.

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