Choose a role, share your availability, and we'll follow up.
We do not collect sensitive background-check data on this form.
Getting started is simple
Tell us what you're interested in, or let us know you're open to suggestions
Quick intake form with your contact info and availability
We'll reach out with next steps—training or screening only if your role requires it
Find the right fit for your time, talents, and interests
Sort donations, stock shelves, and serve families with dignity
Help with setup, hospitality, and event coordination
Office tasks, data entry, phone coverage, mailings
Bring comfort and companionship to the sick and elderly
Teach faith formation classes for children and teens
Photography, videography, social media, or graphic design
Not sure which role is right for you? That's okay! Tell us about your interests and availability in the form below, and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
We protect children and vulnerable persons. If your role involves minors or vulnerable adults, you'll complete your diocese's Safe Environment training and any required screening before serving. We'll guide you step-by-step.
Most roles are simple to start, and we'll only ask for additional steps if they're truly needed for your specific ministry.
Divine Mercies Inc. is a Roman Catholic movement dedicated to living out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We partner with parishes, dioceses, and communities across the United States to serve those in need with Christ-like compassion.
Our volunteers are the hands and feet of mercy—bringing food to the hungry, comfort to the sick, hope to the imprisoned, and the Gospel to all.
Some roles involve contact with minors and require additional clearance.
A clear, compliance-driven process from application to active ministry service.
Browse volunteer opportunities and select ministries that match your gifts and availability.
Complete the initial volunteer application with basic contact and availability information.
For applicable roles, meet with our coordinator and provide references for verification.
As required by role and diocese, complete background screening through an approved portal.
Complete required training and sign the Code of Conduct acknowledgement.
Begin ministry service with proper supervision. Maintain compliance through renewals as required.
Timeframes vary by role and screening requirements. Most volunteers are placed within 2–4 weeks.
Two priorities: mercy and protection.
Follow the Code of Conduct
Adhere to all behavioral standards and ethical guidelines at all times.
Maintain Appropriate Boundaries
Keep physical, emotional, and digital interactions within established limits.
Observe the Two-Adult Rule
Avoid isolated one-on-one contact with minors unless explicitly permitted by written policy and visibility standards.
Report Concerns Immediately
Promptly report any suspected abuse, boundary violations, or safety concerns.
Complete Required Training & Renewals
Participate in all mandatory Safe Environment training and maintain current compliance status.
The exact screening package is chosen by the local diocese/organization and may be run through approved vendors/portals. Components vary based on role risk level.
Important: A clear report does not guarantee suitability; results are evaluated according to diocesan policy and role risk. Certain findings may disqualify placement depending on the nature, recency, and relevance to the volunteer role.
Your diocese/parish may use one of these or a different approved provider. This list is for reference only—not an endorsement.
Selection.com
First Advantage
Sterling Volunteers
Sterling Backcheck
Mind Your Business, Inc. (MYB)
CMG Connect
VIRTUS (Protecting God's Children)
ScreeningOne
Integrated Screening Partners (ISP)
Trak-1 Technology
Barada Associates
Essential Screens
Accurate Biometrics
Fieldprint
AmericanChecked, Inc.
Zaeplex
DataFacts
ADP Screening & Selection Services
Reference Services, Inc.
CoreScreening
A&A Screening Solutions
SPIS (Southern Personnel Investigation)
City Investigations Corporate Security
FasTrax
ESR (EmployeeScreenIQ / ESR Check)
HireRight
GoodHire
PeopleFacts
Asurint
ClearStar
National Crime Search (NCS)
PreCheck, Inc.
Intellicorp
Verified Volunteers
Backgrounds Online
Orange Tree Employment Screening
KRESS Employment Screening
TrueHire
Universal Background Screening
SecureSearch
Checkr
BIDCO Background Screening
National Background Investigations
Corporate Investigative Services (CIS)
Accurate Background
USA FactFinder
Peopletrail
CareCheck
IdentoGO (Idemia)
LiveScan Fingerprinting Services
Training is required for any volunteer with regular contact with minors and sometimes for anyone serving in ministry settings.
Self-paced training completed through the diocesan portal (CMG Connect, VIRTUS, etc.)
In-person or virtual training led by a certified facilitator.
Renewal training as required by your diocese (commonly every 3–5 years).
Upon finishing training, you'll receive a certificate or your completion will be recorded in the diocesan portal. Keep this for your records.
Through the diocese's platform (often CMG Connect or VIRTUS), or the parish's assigned process. Your coordinator will provide specific instructions.
This form collects basic contact and preference information only. Sensitive background-check information is handled through approved diocesan/vendor portals, not this form. We use your data solely for volunteer placement and coordination.
Complete this initial intake form. Our coordinator will contact you with next steps.
Quick answers to help you get started
For those who want to understand our safeguarding process in depth
Have questions about the screening process? Contact your parish Safe Environment Coordinator or reach out to us at [email protected]
Questions about volunteering or safeguarding? We're here to help.
We respond to inquiries as soon as possible, typically within 2–3 business days.
Divine Mercies Inc. is a Roman Catholic movement dedicated to living out the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We mobilize faithful volunteers to serve the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the marginalized—bringing Christ's love to those in need.
Our volunteers are the hands and feet of Christ in our communities, serving with compassion, dignity, and integrity.
Some volunteer roles involve contact with minors or vulnerable adults and require additional clearance, including background screening and Safe Environment training.
Find a ministry that matches your gifts and availability
Sort donations, stock shelves, and assist families at our food distribution events.
Help set up, serve, and clean up at parish festivals, dinners, and community events.
Lead activities, mentor teens, and assist with youth group meetings and retreats.
Teach the faith to children and youth in parish religious education programs.
Visit elderly and homebound parishioners, bringing communion and companionship.
Help with data entry, mailings, phone calls, and general office tasks.
What's needed based on your volunteer role
The exact screening package is determined by your local diocese/organization and processed through approved vendors.
Important: A clear report does not guarantee suitability; results are evaluated according to diocesan policy and role risk. Final determination is made by the appropriate safe environment office.
All volunteers must read, understand, and sign the Code of Conduct before serving.
Never be alone with a minor. Maintain two-adult presence or visibility at all times. Conduct all activities in open, observable areas.
Physical contact must be appropriate to the situation, brief, and in public view. Avoid prolonged hugs, lap-sitting, or any touch that could be misinterpreted.
All ministry communications with minors must use approved channels and include a parent/guardian when required. No private social media, texting, or messaging.
Do not give individual gifts, show favoritism, or ask minors to keep secrets. All interactions should be transparent and accountable.
Transporting minors requires written parental permission. Follow two-adult and visibility rules. No one-on-one transportation unless explicitly authorized by policy.
Require additional adult-to-youth ratios, appropriate sleeping arrangements (adults do not share sleeping quarters with minors), and enhanced supervision protocols.
Obtain written permission before photographing or recording minors. Use images only for approved ministry purposes. Never post without authorization.
Adults should not enter bathrooms or changing areas with minors except for safety emergencies. Young children requiring assistance should be accompanied by parent/guardian or two adults.
You MUST immediately report any boundary violations, suspected abuse, grooming behavior, or policy violations. Do not investigate yourself—report and let trained personnel respond.
Common questions about volunteering and safeguarding requirements
Questions about volunteering or safeguarding? We're here to help.
We aim to respond to volunteer inquiries as soon as possible.