Background checks are required for all clergy, men in formation, religious sisters and brothers, employees, volunteers, independent contractors, tenants and vendors within the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Release Forms & Documents

Authorization and Release Forms

Additional Documents

Volunteers who are not working in scheduled contact with children are required to provide their date of birth. They are not required to provide a social security number on the form although it’s strongly encouraged. To bypass this field on the MYB form, the field must be populated with all 1’s (111-11-1111). Failing to provide a Social Security number may result in negative information returning to the Diocese of Bridgeport, or it could result in duplicate names. In the event that this occurs, the Diocese of Bridgeport will contact you and you will be required to provide your social security number in order to be identified.

Independent Contractors who already have a criminal background check screening process in place through their company should first contact the Diocese of Bridgeport Office of Safe Environments. A letter on official company letterhead signed by an authorized representative of the company (preferably an officer) is required indicating that all site based individuals have successfully completed a criminal background check and are clear of any crimes against children. The full names of all site based employees and the date of their background check must be included in this letter. In the event that the company does not conduct background checks on their employees, the Diocese of Bridgeport will assist the company with establishing an MYB account below by calling (203) 416-1406.

Employee and Volunteer Requirements

All first time applicants must pre-register online in the VIRTUS system by visiting virtusonline.org prior to working or volunteering. All Seminarians and Candidates for the Diaconate must renew their background check upon ordination. Background checks must be renewed any time there is a gap in service or ministry and every 5 or 10 years depending on your role in Church activities. See the chart below.