VIRTUS

CURRENT VIRTUS TRAINING SCHEDULE DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS

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.

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.