About Safe Environment

Seton Parish is committed to providing a safe environment for all children while they are in the care, custody, or control of any person working on behalf of the Church (ordained, lay, staff, or volunteer). This commitment follows the mission of the Church to preach the Gospel, to give witness to the moral teaching of the Scriptures and the tradition of the Church, and to uphold the dignity of every person. 

Policies

To establish this Safe Environment, Seton Parish is in compliance with all Diocese of Columbus safe environment policies. All staff (ordained and lay) and all volunteers working with minors are required to have a criminal background check, attend Protecting God's Children (a sexual abuse awareness session), and sign both a code of conduct and the Diocesan Harassment Policy.

Any adult transporting minors to a Church or Diocesan sponsored event must also sign the Diocesan Cell Phone policy, provide proof of current insurance coverage, and be over the age of 25. All forms are available in the Religious Education Office.

Becoming PGC Certified

Any volunteers who will be working with children or teens under the age of 18 in any capacity must comply with diocesan and parish requirements.  This involves both a background check and becoming Protecting God's Children (PGC) certification.

Code of Contact Form

Volunteers can download and complete the Diocese of Columbus volunteer code of conduct form.

Important Phone Numbers

Seton Parish - Fr. Leo Connolly, Pastor
614-833-0482

Diocesan Victims' Assistance Coordinator
1-866-448-0217
helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org

Pickerington Police Department
614-575-6911

Fairfield County Sheriff's Department
614-837-2499

Fairfield County Children's Services
740-653-4060

How to Report Suspected Abuse

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please report it! It is not your responsibility to investigate or have overwhelming proof before reporting. Leave the investigation up to the professionals. Please contact your county child protection agency (see contact information above) and provide as much information as possible, such as:

  • Name and address of the child victim

  • Age of the child

  • Names and addresses of the child's parents or caregivers

  • Description of the alleged abuse or neglect

  • Name and address of the alleged perpetrator, if known. 

Reports made to Children's Services are confidential and referral sources' names or locations are not shared. Reports can also be made anonymously.

In addition, please report the incident to the Columbus Diocese by contacting the Diocesan Victims' Assistance Coordinator (see contact information above).

 

Have Questions?

Please contact our parish office staff for additional information.