Before you can volunteer, you will need to complete/submit the following:

1. Completion of VIRTUS Course (we will need a copy of your Certification Card)
2. Completed Background check Authorization (Document Link to the left)
3. Completed Signature Page (only) after reviewing Diocesan Safe Environment Handbook.  (Document Links to the left. Please read and PRINT the signature page for return to our office).

All volunteers in our parish (Lectors, Choir members, Religious Education volunteers, etc.) need to take a SAFE ENVIRONMENT VIRTUS training course before they can volunteer in our parish. The program is offered all year long at both the Catholic Center in Bridgeport (in person or virtually) and at all the various Parishes in the Diocese.

If you have already taken this class at Holy Cross or another Parish, please let us know ASAP, so we can verify your status. You do not have to take this class again.

The program lasts about 2-3 hours and is held both during the day or evening, so you can choose a day, time and location that works best for your schedule. We would encourage all new volunteers to take the course as soon as possible, so that they can begin their ministries in a timely manner.  New volunteers to the Religious Education program are encouraged to take the course over the summer BEFORE classes begin in the fall.


To register for the class and find times/day/locations, please click this link - www.virtusonline.org  It will take you to the VIRTUS website to start the registration process.  
 

On the left side of the VIRTUS website, there will be a link for REGISTRATION. This link gives you the opportunity to both view the next scheduled sessions and to register for a particular class. When prompted for ‘organization’, scroll to Bridgeport, CT (Diocese). You must register for classes in advance.

Once you have completed the course, you will be issued a Certification Card. You will need to give a copy of the card to our Parish Office. 

In addition to that card, we will need you to complete the Background Authorization form and the Executive Summary for Lay Volunteers (DOCUMENT LINKS to the left on this website) and return them to the Parish office. 
  
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office at (203) 372-4595 
  
Thank you for taking the time to volunteer!