Contents of this Section:

Steps for Recruiting Adult Volunteers (18 and older)
Forms for Recruiting Youth Volunteers (under 18)
Creating a Filing & Tracking System for Volunteers

Parish Leaders: please use this process when recruiting new ministry volunteers.
Following the steps below will help you to:

Invite people into roles that match their gifts
Help keep children and young people safe

Step by Step Process for Recruiting New Ministry Volunteers

Note: If you are unable to open the PDF files you will need to download Adobe Reader.

Step 1: Interview Candidates

Use the Ministry Volunteer Interview Form to:

get to know the new volunteer
discern gifts he/she may bring to the particular area of ministry
determine interests of the candidates

Ministry Volunteer Interview Form

English | Spanish

File interview forms in the parish. Candidates may also want complete the Ministry Volunteer Time, Talent and Interest Survey to assist you in placement of the volunteer.

Ministry Volunteer Time, Talent and Interest Survey

English | Spanish

Step 2: Candidates complete an Application Form

If you determine the Interviewee is someone you want to invite into ministry, give the candidate the Ministry Volunteer Application Form to complete. The application includes naming three references who have known candidates for at least three years.

Ministry Volunteer Application Form

English | Spanish

Step 3: Complete Reference Checks

Use the Volunteer Applicant Reference Form (included in the Ministry Volunteer Application Form) to request three references from the applicant
Send a letter to each reference name immediately, and include in the envelope:
- The Volunteer Applicant Reference Check Form (below)
- A cover letter on parish stationary
- A response date
- A self addressed stamped envelope
Send a second request (or contact by phone) if necessary
If there is no response by the new return date, please ask the applicant for a different reference. Three references are needed. File the applicants Reference Checks in the parish.

The Volunteer Applicant Reference Check Form

English | Spanish

Step 4: Conduct a Criminal Background Evaluation

Background evaluations are required in the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Candidates must complete the Authorization For Release of Information Form (below)
The staff member responsible for personnel will send this completed form to the Diocesan Office of Human Resources
Once the applicant is cleared you may continue with Step 5
Discuss restricted or non-clearance issues with the pastor and the Diocesan Office of Human Resources

Authorization For Release of Information

English | Spanish

Step 5: Participation in a Keeping Children and Youth Safe Program

Contact the facilitator and/or trainers in your parish, or use the diocesan Safe Environment Sessions to locate a session near you. To learn more about the program, click here.

Step 6: Diocesan Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards

All volunteers must review and agree to abide by the Diocesan Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards. This document is designed to assist all ministry leaders in understanding their moral responsibilities to the people they minister to.

Ministry leaders must review the entire Code of Conduct and Standards of Behavior with each volunteer, individually, or in a group to determine that the "Code" is understood and the volunteers agree to abide by it
Each volunteer must then complete the "Code" Acknowledgement Form (not available online) and return it to be filed in the parish
Each volunteer must be provided a copy of the "Code" to be able to refer to it during the year. Each volunteer will sign off on the "Code" annually

Recruiting Youth Volunteers (Under 18)

Leaders recruiting youth volunteers should follow the same step by step process for adults (as above), but use the following forms, tailored specifically for youth.

Youth Volunteer Interview Questions
Ministry Volunteer Application for Youth
Youth Applicant Reference Check
Volunteer Time, Talent and Interest Survey for youth

Note: If you are unable to open the PDF files you will need to download Adobe Reader.