PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN

 All parishes must adhere to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (USCCB) requirement by providing training and screening of parish volunteers and employees so as to prevent harm to young people and vulnerable adults. The requirements apply to all volunteers at any parish event. Whether or not the vulunteer interacts directly with children or vulnerable adults, all play a role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our parish community.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING EXPLANATION (pdf)

As our Pierogi Festival quickly approaches, it is IMPORTANT that all volunteers meet the training and screening requirements. The AOD uses VIRTUS, an online platform for all training, monitoring, and data collection.  All information shared with VIRTUS is secure and encrypted for online security. Use the link below to log into your existing Virtus account or to set up a new account. If you have taken Protecting God’s Children in the past, do not create a new account.  If you do not remember your username or password, Virtus offers a username and password recovery option. 

YOUR “TO DO” LIST to prepare to volunteer for church events:

  1. Register for a VIRTUS ACCOUNT **

  2. Authorize a background check.

  3. Read and sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct

  4. Sign up and Attend a Protecting God’s Children Training Session ***

RESOURCES & FURTHER INFORMATION

VIRTUS Online Log-In
Criminal Background Check Authorization Form

Upon registering with VIRTUS, new users will provide their date of birth, gender, race, and confirm their Michigan residency for the past 7 years, followed by signing and authorizing a background check. Your VIRTUS account will show the check as cleared once it has been reviewed by Father Greg in strict confideniality. The form is provided here, but can also be completed through VIRTUS.

SIGN UP FOR A SESSON!

Protecting God’s Children is a 3-hour awareness session that educates adults on how to recognize inappropriate or predatory behavior, take steps to prevent abuse, and report concerns responsibly. First time participants must attend a “live” session. These sessions can be either in-person, or virtual/online (Zoom). The button above will take you to the AOD website with a list of in person or virtual sessions.

For your convenience, and to provide the opportunity for as many of our volunteers as possible to complete the training, we will be hosting two sessions at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in the social hall. Sessions will be:

  • Saturday, June 20: 9am to 12pm.

  • Wednesday, July 22: 6pm to 89pm.

Both of these sessions will be available by clicking the button above.

** If you work or volunteer at another AOD location and have an existing Virtus account, please log into your account, click on the "My Info" box, scroll down to "+Add Role and Location", select your role at the parish and select “Mother of Divine Mercy” as a location. 

*** Recertification is required every three years and that retraining usually last only about 30 minutes.

 


Our goal is to empower children, youth and adultsto avoid and report unsafe or harmful situations. As Catholics, we are called to respect the life and dignity of every human person form conception to natural death. Our calling furthers the Gospel message of Christ.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in protecting God’s Children!