Virtus Training Schedule

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Virtus Training Schedule

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.

One of the greatest things about Annunciation is the wonderful volunteers who give so generously of their time, talents and gifts to the youth of our community. These volunteers are a true blessing to this community and deserve our thanks for providing so many opportunities for the youth in our school, religious education programs, youth group and athletic teams.

The VIRTUS training program assists the Church in being a safe haven for children and a messenger for preventing child sexual abuse within the Church and society in general. We seek to achieve this lofty goal through the child sexual abuse prevention program: PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN. Child sexual abuse is a worldwide public health issue. Child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, is reprehensible—especially when the wrongdoer is affiliated with the Church.

The Protecting All God’s Children Program requires all volunteers, in regular contact with youth, to have completed the following:

  1. Completed a criminal background check
  2. Attend Virtus Training
  3. Sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct

In an effort to make Virtus Training the most convenient to all Annunciation volunteers who have not yet attended, training sessions are offered at Annunciation twice per year (Spring and Fall).

  • This fall Annunciation is hosting a VIRTUS training session on Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. You must pre-register for the training online.
  • You are welcome to attend a session held at neighboring parishes as well.
  • Annunciation will also host a training in the Spring 2020.  Date TBA.

The Protecting God’s Children program helps prevent child sexual abuse by first making every adult employee and volunteer aware of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse. This includes awareness of the many ways that sexual abuse harms its victims, their families, the parish, and the community. The training session also helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse, and shows them the appropriate way to respond to suspicious behavior. Finally, the training session empowers each person with five steps to help prevent child sexual abuse. A trained facilitator leads each session.

How do I register to attend a session?

  1. Go to www.virtus.org
  2. Click on “First-time Registrant”
  3. Click “View a list of sessions”
  4. Select “Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Archdiocese)” from the drop-down box
  5. Start Registration (participants will create their own “User ID” and “Password”)
  6. Follow the screen prompts to continue the on-line registration.

How do I register if I do not have internet access?

If you do NOT have internet access, you may have someone else register you on-line. Registration requires personal - not confidential - information. This could also be done at your local public library, community center, school or anywhere there is access to the internet.

What if I cannot attend the training session at Annunciation?

You may attend another VIRTUS training session held at another church on a day that is convenient to your schedule. To find other training dates opportunities and locations.

  1. Go to www.virtus.org
  2. Click on “First-time Registrant”
  3. Click “View a list of sessions”
  4. Select “Saint Paul and Minneapolis (Archdiocese)” from the drop-down box
  5. Start Registration (participants will create their own “User ID” and “Password”)
  6. Follow the screen prompts to continue the on-line registration.

Where do I go if I have any additional questions or concerns?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Protection of Children and Youth Initiative that are not addressed above, please contact the office of:

Office for the Protection of Children and Youth
777 Forest Street
St. Paul, MN 55106-3857

On behalf of the youth in our community I want to thank you for your cooperation and support for this important training and to help ensure the Protection of All God’s Children.

Nicole Bettini
Safe Environment Coordinator
612-824-9993  ext. 251
nbettini@annunciationmsp.org