Safe Environment Training

The Catholic Diocese of Grand Island uses CMGConnect, a safe environment online training program developed by Catholic Mutual Group (CMG). The training consists of 3 vignette-style videos, a set of review questions for each video, a review of the policy and code of conduct, and an integrated background check through Selection.com it also does a quarterly background check watch and alerts the Diocese to any changes in an individuals background. 

The Safe Environment training takes about 60 minutes total and must be completed in one sitting. 

As part of the Safe Environment Program, before beginning ministry, all employees, religious communities and clergy (bishops, priests [diocesan, religious, visiting and international], deacons and seminarians) and volunteers (concerning their contact with minors) must complete safe environment training and a criminal background check.  When a priest, religious or deacon, not incardinated in our diocese, is to engage in ministry in our diocese, the evaluation of his background check/ training may be satisfied through a written attestation of suitability for ministry supplied by his proper/ major superior to the diocese. Safe Environment training and background checks must be updated every five years.  

Local Safe Environment coordinators administer these trainings and background checks through Catholic Mutual and Selection.com.'s online platform. Once completed, the results are kept at each organization (parish, school, etc.,) where they maintain records of each person’s training and background check dates through the CMG Connect platform. The Child Protection Office verifies background checks and maintains diocesan records. 

           Child Protection Page                 CMGConnect

The Diocese Safe Environment Program offers age-appropriate personal safety instructions that are required for all children and youth attending religious education, Catholic Schools, and any youth activities in the Diocese. 

The Directors of Religious Education for each location in the Diocese track the safe environment training of all children and youth through the CMG Child Data section.