Your interest in sharing your time and talents with our parish communities is appreciated. Our volunteers are vital to the life and mission of the Diocese. To ensure a safe, welcoming, and secure environment for everyone—especially children, youth, and vulnerable adults—we maintain a robust screening process.
Our diocesan practices align directly with Ontario provincial legislation. These screening requirements are intentionally designed to support the safety, dignity, and well-being of all parishioners, volunteers, and staff.
Understanding Your Screening Requirements
The level of screening required depends on the nature and risk level of the volunteer position.
- Low and Medium Risk Service: For roles with low to medium risk exposure (such as parish council members, hospitality ministers, or church gardeners), a standard Police Records Check is sufficient.
- High Risk Service: For positions of trust that involve direct, unmonitored access to vulnerable populations (such as youth ministry leaders, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to the sick, or financial custodians), a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) is required as an additional protective measure.
Our Partnership with ACBO and Sterling Backcheck
To make the screening process as efficient, secure, and straightforward as possible, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (ACBO) partners with Sterling Backcheck. This online platform allows volunteers to request and complete their Police Records Check safely from home.
How to Complete Your Police Records Check
If you have been directed by your parish volunteer coordinator to complete a Police Records Check for a low or medium-risk role, please use the secure link below to begin your application through Sterling Backcheck.
Access the Sterling Backcheck Platform for Volunteers(Note: Please ensure you have your parish-specific instructions or code before beginning your application.)
If your role has been designated as High Risk and requires a Vulnerable Sector Check, please contact your parish office directly. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be processed through your local police service or the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Diocese will provide you with the necessary volunteer introductory letter.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our faith communities safe for everyone. If you have questions about the screening process or your specific volunteer role, please contact your local parish office or the Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator.