Protecting God's Children

All volunteerswho work with minors are required to fill out the Archdiocesan Volunteer Form and attend a Protecting God's Children workshop.   

As stated on the Virtus website:  https://www.virtusonline.org, the word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth. In ancient times, virtus denoted a way of life and manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes of people and aspects of human interaction.

Protecting God's Children® for Adults is training conducted by VIRTUS® certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training makes participants aware of the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can use to prevent child sexual abuse. The facilitators incorporate policies and procedures into the training defining child sexual abuse, addressing the reporting of child sexual abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.  

If you took the Protecting God's Children workshop under the umbrella of a different school or parish, please contact parish office for the procedure to have your certificate reprinted.  Certificates must be renewed every five years. Re-certification workshops listed on the link below:

Protecting God's Children workshops can be found by clicking HERE.

Our Local Safe Environment Coordinator is Diane Russo.