During His ministry, the Savior trusted His disciples with important responsibilities (see Luke 10:1–9). Likewise, the Lord calls men and women to serve in the Church today through inspired invitations from His servants. These opportunities to serve are known as callings (GH 30.0 “Callings in the Church”)
All members, aged 16 and over, working with children or vulnerable persons in Ireland must go through Garda vetting before a calling is extended. This process checks if the member has a criminal record or any history that may pose a threat to vulnerable people. If a member does not have Garda vetting noted on their membership record, the Church will apply for Garda vetting. The member is not given a calling or assignment with children or a vulnerable person until the Garda vetting is completed. The rules for Garda vetting are set out in the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 (“the Acts”).
The Acts provide definitions in relation to Relevant work or activities:
Provided to Children
Any work or activity as a minister or priest or any other person engaged in the advancement of any religious beliefs to children unless such work or activity is merely incidental to the advancement of religious beliefs to persons who are not children.
Provided to Vulnerable Persons
Any work or activity as a minister or priest or any other person engaged in the advancement of any religious beliefs to vulnerable persons unless such work or activity is merely incidental to the advancement of religious beliefs to persons who are not vulnerable persons.
Eligible Callings for Garda Vetting
All callings performed by members of the Church in the Republic of Ireland, undertaken by persons aged 16 and above, must be Garda Vetted.