Youth Safety
In 2018, under the leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, our Archdiocese took a critical step toward protecting the children and youth in her care by creating the Youth Protection Manual for Metropolis and Direct Archdiocesan District camps and retreats. It established new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth to guide youth work of every kind, at every level, across the entire Archdiocese, including each Metropolis and parish and their ministries, programs and events.
These policies strike a careful balance: they make room for healthy, Christ-centered ministry while setting clear boundaries and safe environments. Through training, clear protocols, open communication, regular screening and teamwork, we make sure all youth programs and events nurture healthy, Christ-centered connections while doing our very best to prevent unsafe or abusive situations.
Read the Policies for the Safety of Youth and Children
Training and Screening
Training and screening are managed at both the Metropolis and parish level through a third party, Sterling Volunteers. The Parish Council and priest appoint one or more Parish Youth Safety Administrators (PYSA), who coordinate the registration, training and screening of every youth worker in the parish. Training is required every year, and background screening every two years.
Become a Certified Youth Worker
If you would like to be certified as a youth worker at St. Katherine, email our PYSA and you will be sent instructions. Please say which youth ministry you will be serving in.
Our Youth Safety and Protection lead is Niki Pallas. You can reach her at youthsafety@st-katherine.org.