Santa Teresa Catholic Church is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and accountable environment for children, youth, vulnerable adults, volunteers, staff, clergy, and all members of our parish community.

Safe Environment requirements are not optional. They are part of our responsibility as a Catholic parish and are required before eligible volunteers may begin service in ministries that involve children, youth, vulnerable adults, or other positions of trust.

Before you volunteer

Volunteers may need to complete one or more clearance steps before serving, depending on the ministry role. These may include:

  • Safe Environment training through VIRTUS
  • Background screening
  • Live Scan fingerprinting, when required
  • Review and acceptance of diocesan conduct and reporting expectations
  • Parish confirmation that all required steps have been completed

Please do not begin volunteering until the parish has confirmed that your clearance is complete.

Safe Environment training

The Diocese of San José requires Safe Environment training for clergy, employees, and active volunteers who work with youth or vulnerable adults. Training is completed through VIRTUS and must be renewed according to diocesan requirements.

Background checks and fingerprinting

Some volunteer roles require Live Scan fingerprinting or another approved background screening process. The required screening depends on the role and level of contact with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.

Fingerprinting and background clearance can take time. Volunteers should begin the process early and should not assume they are cleared until the parish confirms completion.

Reporting abuse or misconduct

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you suspect abuse, misconduct, or a safety concern involving a child, youth, vulnerable adult, clergy member, employee, or volunteer, report it promptly. The Diocese of San José provides current instructions for reporting abuse or misconduct, including confidential reporting options and victim assistance contact information.

Family safety resources

Safe Environment is not only a volunteer process. It is part of how we protect children and support families in the parish and wider community. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review diocesan family safety resources for guidance on prevention, communication, online safety, and recognizing warning signs.

Diocese of San José Safe Environment resources

Additional diocesan policies, standards, and conduct information are available here:

Parish contact

For questions about volunteering or clearance requirements at Santa Teresa Catholic Church, please contact the parish office.

Santa Teresa Catholic Church
794 Calero Avenue
San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: (408) 629-7777

Office hours:
Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Closed for lunch, 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
Closed Monday