VIRTUS - Protecting God's Children

What are the VIRTUS® programs? 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People requires that each employee and/or volunteer within every parish be trained and screened if they have contact with or minister to children.  The program in the Archdiocese of Chicago is called VIRTUS or Protecting God's Children for Adults. 

Protecting God's Children

The VIRTUS - Protecting All God's Children® program has been adopted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure safe environments for children and youth
in all parishes, schools and diocesan programs. For information and registration
for the next VIRTUS training session in our area, please visit http://www.virtus.org/.

The workshop educates clergy, staff and volunteers who work with children, about the ways to create safe environments for children. The workshop includes videos and facilitated discussions that focus on the prevention of abuse and the protection of children.

Who Should Attend the Workshop?

All those who interact and are involved in ministry, both as paid employees and as volunteers working with children in our parish, will be trained to assure a safe, healthy and secure environment for our children.  Background screening will be conducted for each individual as a component of application to serve in ministry.  Though this program might be viewed as an additional burden and time consuming, it is essential for the welfare and safety of our children.

How Do I Attend the Workshop?

This training is offered at St. Michael several times each year as well as in many locations in the Archdiocese. 

Please check back to see a list of scheduled sessions.

Who Can I Contact With Questions?

For more information, contact :
Parish Office at (708) 349-0903,
School at (708) 349-0068;
Religious Education Office at 708-349-0769; or
Youth Ministry Office at (708) 873-4650.

You may also contact Susan O'Connell at (708) 403-7203 or via email at soconnell@saintmike.com.