Safe Environment (Protecting God's Children)

St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church follows the requirements of the Archdiocese of St. Louis Safe Environment Program (Protecting God's Children). The program is designed to help protect the youth, elderly, and vulnerable adults of our parish as they participate in activities within our community. This process also provides a layer of protection against the possibility of false accusations for those adults who are involved in our many ministries. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Peg Murphy, Child Safety Coordinator at (314) 531-6443 or stmatthews@sbcglobal.net.

Victims of sexual abuse, in addition to contacting civil authorities, are asked to come forward in order to receive pastoral assistance. Reports of abuse may be made to any Pastor or to:

Sandra Price, Executive Director
Office of Child and Youth Protection (314) 792-7271 sandraprice@archstl.org

Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-3738

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210

All volunteers and employees who work with children at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church must be in full compliance with the Safe Environment Program. This includes:

Attending a Protecting God’s Children workshop --> See schedule here
If you have not already done so, registering at Virtus --> Register here
Undergoing a background check updated in even-numbered years --> Download Form
Having an FBI fingerprint check if you have lived outside of Missouri within the past five years, --> Download form
Reading the Code of Ethical Conduct --> Download booklet
Signing the Commitment to Ethical Conduct form --> Download form

Please return all forms to Peg Murphy, Child Safety Coordinator, in the St. Matthew parish office. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Peg Murphy at (314) 531-6443 or stmatthews@sbcglobal.net.

Some Important Links