From Fr. Fran:

     The Archdiocese of Boston requires that all clergy, parish staff members, and volunteers 17 years of age and over who minister to / have the potential for unmonitored access to children, youth, elderly or the disabled undergo an annual Criminal Offender Record Information  (CORI) check.  At St. Matthias, as in many other parishes, we are requiring that all volunteers participate in this CORI check in order to provide the safest environment possible for our parishioners.
     The CORI database is driven by name and date of birth.  Since many people share the same name and birth date it isn’t uncommon for a person with no criminal record to receive a CORI of a person with a record if the name and date of birth are the same.  In order to safeguard against this error, CORI procedures include information specific to each individual as well as a photo ID check. The CORI forms will be personally collected by our parish coordinators and sent to the archdiocesan delegate who in turn sends them to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  All information is strictly confidential. Although some may see this as a bit of a burden or have privacy issues concerning CORI information, this is an important tool in insuring a safe and secure environment. 
      Those of you on our ministry lists will be receiving a letter with a CORI form during the next few days.  If you occasionally volunteer for ministry (helping with the collection when needed, participating in ad hoc set up/take down for parish events) we would request that you too fill out a CORI form.  The forms will be collected after the Masses over the next two weekends.
     Thank you for your cooperation with this process.  Thank you for the time and talent you share with our parish so willingly.  With so many demands upon our schedules your choice to serve in ministry is all the more appreciated. If you have any questions do not hesitate to speak with me or any member of the staff.