The Diocese of Tucson’s Clearance Process, Ensuring Safety

The Diocese of Tucson is deeply committed to ensuring that every parish, school, and ministry is a place of safety, trust, and care. This is reflected in the Diocese’s comprehensive clearance process, required of all who wish to serve in any capacity. From the Bishop to the newest volunteer, every individual must complete this process before beginning service. It is a reflection of the Church’s promise to safeguard the dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults.

For those wishing to serve as employees, interns, or volunteers, the process begins with an online application. Once submitted, the hiring manager at the parish, school or Catholic entity will vet each applicant. The process includes a thorough review of the application, scheduling an interview and, if it is for employment purposes, completing reference checks.   Once the hiring manager completes the vetting process, applicants can move forward, at the request of the hiring manager, to the diocese’s Safe Environment, 3-in-1 Program administered by Catholic Mutual Group (CMG). This online training provides essential instruction on maintaining proper boundaries, recognizing warning signs, and understanding the Church’s responsibility to protect minors and vulnerable adults. The training typically takes one hour to complete. After the online training is complete the applicant will sign for permission to obtain the necessary forms as well the required legal documents to complete an electronic background check to process through the 3-in-1 program. 

Following the completion of the 3-in-1 program, participants will also undergo a digital fingerprinting background check through the Arizona Department of Public Safety to finalize the clearance process. This clearance process (electronic and fingerprint checks) ensures that every person serving in a parish or diocesan role meets the highest standards of accountability and integrity. Once these steps are finalized and clearance is granted, individuals may begin serving in their assigned ministry. 

Clearance remains valid for three years and can be renewed every three years as long as the clearance is active and in good standing. However, because each parish is a separate legal corporation, clearance at one parish does not automatically transfer to another. People seeking to serve in multiple locations must complete a separate application for each location and the hiring manager at each location will vet the applicants based on the needs of the parish, school or Catholic entity. 

Once the hiring manger vets the applicants, he or she can request verification of the completion of the Safe Environment 3-in-1 Program as well as confirmation that the clearance is active and in good standing from the Diocese of Tucson's Safe Environment Office. As long as the applicant is current, active and in good standing, the applicant will only need to register under the new location, avoiding the need to repeat the Safe Environment 3-in-1 Program and Clearance Process.

Though the process may seem demanding, it serves a vital purpose. It protects the Church community, especially those most at risk. It ensures that everyone serving is prepared, responsible, and aligned with the Diocese’s mission of care. It holds every individual, from leadership to laity, to the same high standard of transparency, safety, and respect. Through this, the Diocese fulfills its moral and spiritual duty to protect the people entrusted to its care. It is more than a requirement; it is an expression of the Church’s call to create environments where faith can flourish free from fear.