Medical and Liability Agreement for Volunteers – Mandatory

I do hereby authorize adult volunteers, as well as the Clergy, Ryan and Jacques, to consent to any medical or surgical care advisable by any accredited physician or surgeon in an approved emergency clinic or hospital. I hereby give my approval of, and consent, for me to assist in all activities of Elementary Catechesis as needed unless otherwise indicated on the registration form. I assume any risks and hazards incidental to the activities, and so hereby release, acquit, and forever discharge and agree to indemnify and save harmless Divine Mercy Parish, their Catechesis program, the directors, instructors and supervisors, and all other persons assisting with the conduct of said activities. This agreement does not apply to claims for intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

Medical and Liability Agreement for Parents of Teens (9th -12th Grade)- Mandatory

We do hereby authorize adult volunteers, as well as the Clergy, Ryan and Jacques, to consent to any medical or surgical care advisable by any accredited physician or surgeon in an approved emergency clinic or hospital in the event that I am unable to be there for my child. I hereby give my approval of, and consent to him/her to participate in all activities of Elementary Catechesis unless otherwise indicated on the registration. I assume any risks and hazards incidental to the activities, and so hereby release, acquit, and forever discharge and agree to indemnify and save harmless Divine Mercy Parish, the Catechesis program, their instructors and supervisors, and all other persons assisting with the conduct of said activities. This agreement does not apply to claims for intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

VOLUNTEER Code of Conduct Agreement – MANDATORY

Thank you for volunteering for Elementary Catechesis! Our volunteers and Catechists are truly tremendous people and we value their leadership and service each year. Below are some guidelines to follow when volunteering with our children. Please read these guidelines over and sign the following page. Your signature indicates that you understand your responsibilities to the volunteers you are working with as well as the children participating in the program. Elementary Catechesis is meant to be a place where children can learn, grow in their faith, but most importantly have fun. By signing this agreement, I am pledging my support to the Divine Mercy Elementary Catechesis Program in the following ways: 1. I agree to be a Christian role model for the children by using good manners and language, using appropriate indoor and outdoor behavior, and treating everyone with respect, dignity, loyalty, patience, integrity, courtesy, and dignity. This also means I will not endorse, during my ministry, any view contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. If I am unsure what one is, I will ask Jacques or one of the clergy or Ryan if I see them before I tell the children. 2. I will remember that once I set foot on SEAS, that I am there first and foremost for the children. I will assist Jacques, and the other volunteers and children in whatever capacity is needed, as well as show them respect. 3. I agree to motivate, encourage, reassure and comfort the children whenever necessary rather than use criticism, competition, or comparison when working with children. I will take care to be positive, supportive and caring in my speaking, writing and actions with the children as well as other volunteers. I will not use discipline or commit other actions that frightens or humiliates a child or other volunteer. 4. I agree to encourage the responsible behavior of my peers and the volunteers, who have also agreed to serve with Elementary Catechesis. a. Adults: I also understand that there must be at least one adult present with the children, whether it’s myself or a fellow adult volunteer. If I need assistance and I am the only teacher, I may ask Jacques or another adult. b. Jr./Teen Volunteers: I understand that there must be at least one adult present at all times. 6 6 5. I agree to go to adult volunteer, or Jacques if there is a student or volunteer that is acting in a disrespectful manner. I will not tolerate inappropriate or bullying behavior by a child or volunteer towards another child or volunteer. If I see this, I will immediately report this to Jacques. I understand there may be consequences for myself if it is found that I am not paying attention (i.e. on my phone) or even encouraging the behavior. 6. I agree not to place myself in the situation of being alone with any child (other than one who is a relative) and no other witnesses. I recognize this is for my own safety and the safety of the children. If at one point it ends up being myself and another child, I will agree to leave the door open until at least another person returns. 7. I agree to maintain physical and emotional boundaries with the children/youth, or even teen volunteers. a. I will not to pick up the children nor have them in my laps, no matter how well I may know the children or their parents – we don’t know all the children, and nor do they know all of the volunteers. b. I also will not give gifts or snacks to children in my class without approval from Jacques, unless the gifts are specifically related to the activity; or unless everyone who is able to will receive something. I also understand I must be mindful of any potential food allergies (i.e. not bringing in anything with peanuts if a child has a peanut allergy). c. I will not hold hands or engage in other forms of public affection with the children or other volunteers; even if I am volunteering with my significant other, the moment we set foot on SEAS, we are here for the children. 8. I agree to cooperate fully in any investigation of abuse of children/youth. Report suspected abuse to my supervisor, or if it involves my supervisor, report it to the pastor at the location. 9. “Attendance in Volunteering” at Catechesis a. I agree that each week I will make every effort to arrive by 6:15-6:20 PM, as to give myself enough time to set up and make it to SEAS Church. If I find I may be running late, I am to contact Jacques by cell phone as well as any adult I may be with. b. If I am unable to make it to a Tuesday night Catechesis, I am to let Jacques know as soon as I know. He needs time to make any necessary arrangements. If I am volunteering with another adult I should also inform him/her as well. c. Sometimes, I may not know until the day of or before if I will be out (i.e. emergency, illness). If that is the case, I am to let Jacques know by his cell phone, understanding that is the easiest way to get in touch with him. d. Teen Volunteers: We understand that there are going to be weeks (i.e. exam weeks, games, etc.) where you may not be able to volunteer. That is fine! If there is going to be a length of time where you will not be able to make it, please let myself and the adult(s) you are volunteering know so we are aware and can make any necessary arrangements. Communication is key! 10. As a volunteer, I agree that even if I sign up as “assistant,” I may be asked to occasionally fill in to lead the class. If this is something I am not comfortable with, I am to let Jacques know as soon as possible so he can make any arrangements should my co-teacher be absent. 11. As a volunteer, I understand that there are additional responsibilities and privileges I am given. One of these is my ability to have a cell phone on me. However, I must agree to have my cell phone put away 7 7 unless it is urgent and I am using it to contact Jacques. IF there is an important call that I need to make or am expecting, I am to let Jacques as well as any volunteers I am paired with know. 12. I understand that it is a privilege to volunteer and lead the children in their faith, and I have been given a responsibility to be the best role model I can be for the children in a way that Jesus asked us to lead them. If I am found to have violated that trust the children have, or that I act in a way that is contrary to what Jesus taught us, that there will be consequences. My signature at the bottom of this agreement means that I am accepting the responsibility of caring for and helping to supervise children in the presence of adults. I understand that I am not a participant in this program, but an assistant who will work with children to enable them to enjoy Elementary Catechesis. I also understand that I am there first and foremost for the children. I understand that not fulfilling this agreement may lead to consequences which, depending on the seriousness and/or frequency. I am accepting this responsibility because I enjoy helping younger children as well as my fellow volunteers to learn about God. Volunteer signature:
 

For Parents of Teens (9 th -12th grade) – Mandatory

Please read and sign the following statement: I have read the Code of Conduct with my child and I am in agreement. I understand that if my youth volunteer does not comply with the Code of Conduct, he or she may be asked to leave Elementary Catechesis and not return. I also understand that if my child is doing this for service hours, he or she will receive service hours only for the weeks he or she has attended. In the event of dismissal due to non-compliance of the rules, I will be notified by Jacques Delouche.

Elementary Catechesis Media Release – OPTIONAL

I hereby authorize Divine Mercy Parish to publish the photographs taken of myself (or my child) for use of Divine Mercy’s printed publications and website. I acknowledge that since my participation in publications and websites produced by Divine Mercy is voluntary, I will receive no financial compensation. I also understand that my name will not appear anywhere. I further agree that my participation in any publication and website produced by Divine Mercy confers upon me no rights of ownership whatsoever. I release Divine Mercy, its contractors and its employees from liability for any claims by me or any third party in connection with my participation.

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and as a result, social distancing is recommended. ___________________Parish/School will follow state and local standards of conduct and has put in place reasonable preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at its Parish/School activity (including but not limited to summer camp). However, even though such standards will be followed and reasonable measures put into place, Parish/School cannot guarantee that you or your child(ren) will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, attending the Parish/School activity could increase your risk and your child(ren)’s risk of contracting COVID-19.
By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and that my child(ren) and I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in the parish/school activity and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 at _____________________ Parish/School may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, Parish/School employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families.
Considering the foregoing, however, I, __________________________, grant permission for my child,__________________, to participate in this parish activity that may require transportation to a location away from the parish site, notwithstanding the risks associated with the COVID-19 virus and group activities.
I confirm that there are no necessary changes to the Medical Information Consent form for my child that I previously submitted. If there are any necessary changes, I will complete another Medical Information Consent form.
I further agree on behalf of myself, my child named herein, and my spouse, our heirs, successors, and assigns, to release, indemnify, and hold harmless _________________________ Parish/School and The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, their members, directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives (“Indemnitees”) associated with the event arising from or in connection with the negligent acts or omissions of the Indemnitees ONLY in regard to prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus. I SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE TO THE FOREGOING.

Final Agreement for Volunteers – Mandatory

I sign this form indicating that all information on the Volunteer section of the form is accurate. I agree that if there any changes made we will immediately contact Jacques so they can make the necessary changes as to enable them to have the most accurate information possible. I also know that if there are any other concerns or questions we have that we can always contact Jacques. Finally, I understand that I can always go to Ryan or Jacques for assistance in planning an activity, or for questions on feedback.
 

Final Agreement for Teens (7th -12th Grade) and their Parents – Mandatory

We sign this form indicating that all information on this Registration is accurate. We agree that if there any changes made we will immediately contact Jacques so they can make the necessary changes as to enable them to have the most accurate information possible. We also know that if there are any other concerns or questions we have that we can always contact Jacques. Finally, we understand that while our children are there to have fun and grow in their faith, that they are also responsible enough to be able to help lead as well.