Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, all juniors were required to attend a training course called “Protecting God’s Children” in preparation for volunteering with their service agencies. The first day was held in the Goppert Gymnasium and the second day was held in the Windmoor Building.

“Protecting God’s Children” is administered through the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. and focuses on child’s sexual abuse awareness. The juniors watched two videos on the subject as part of their required training.

Dioceses require this training for any volunteers coming into schools or parishes and although STA is not a diocesan school, they follow the dioceses guidelines.

The awareness sessions were moderated by academic counselor Kelly McKee and director of campus ministry and service Andrea Arrendondo.

“They do often happen to offer certification for minors and because all of you are getting ready to go out and volunteer, it’s important for you to go through training just like any volunteer would,” McKee said. “But mostly we want you to have the tools to protect yourselves so that you don’t put yourself in a position where your intentions could be questioned.”