For Diocese of Raleigh volunteers and employees who work with youth, July and August is a time to do the work to prepare for the upcoming academic year. It’s part of faith life and it’s part of an age-old process: receive a call, work to prepare and then respond.

From July 16 to Sept. 15, those who have already taken the initial safe environment training are invited via email to take a 30-minute online renewal. Those who did not receive an email inviting them to renew safe environment training, and feel they should have, should contact program organizers via email at SAFE@raldioc.org or by phone at 1-866-535-7233.

Those who have not taken the two-hour initial training should visit the Diocesan Event Calendar to schedule. The initial session will also help users to complete the needed criminal background screening that is required for ministry with children and teens. Upon completing the background check, safe environment training, and reviewing the Code of Conduct, volunteers and employees will get a certificate verifying completion of the steps. The certificate also denotes when users may expect to get their first annual renewal.

May the 2025-2026 instructional year be filled with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, good fellowship and “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious.” (Phil 4:8)