VIRTUS
What are the VIRTUS® programs?
VIRTUS is the brand name that identifies best practices
programs designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote "rightdoing"
within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower
organizations and people to better control risk and improve the
lives of all those who interact with the Church.
Who created the VIRTUS programs?
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (National
Catholic) created the programs. Monsignor Kevin McCoy, past
board chairman of National Catholic, asked whether child sexual
abuse could be prevented and, if so, how? In March of 1998,
National Catholic invited prominent national experts—experts in
many disciplines—to discuss these questions at a forum in
Washington, D.C. From those discussions, the initiative for the
VIRTUS programs was created. The National Catholic Board of
Directors selected an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee development of
the programs. The Ad Hoc Committee was assisted by a steering
committee of nationally known experts and program and service
providers.
Why did National Catholic select VIRTUS as the brand name
for the programs?
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.
Safe Environment Program VIRTUS Training
Upcoming VIRTUS training sessions in the Diocese of Memphis. Participants should call and register for the class they
are interested in.
Check the current VIRTUS Diocese of Memphis schedule.
(Also visit for more information VIRTUS Online, click
HERE.)
In order to continue to comply with the U.S. Bishops' Charter and Norms for the Protection of Children, everyone in the diocese who interacts
with children on a regular basis must attend a
VIRTUS© training session.
There will be various opportunities for training over the next few months. Updated class listings will be posted on the diocesan website
at www.cdom.org and regularly printed in The West Tennessee
Catholic. If you wish to attend classes and have not yet registered, call
your parish.
