Protecting God’s Children

 

“Educating the whole child in the values of Jesus and Mary.”

 J.M.J.

 

October 25, 2006

 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 

In response to the statistics of sexual abuse of children in our society the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) established a charter to safeguard children at their meeting in Dallas in June of 2002.  This charter mandates (1) ongoing education programs in all U.S. dioceses regarding child abuse and (2) an audit of each diocese by the national lay review board to ensure compliance with the charter.

 

In keeping with this charter, Bishop Dale Melczek has determined that the VIRTUS (a Latin word meaning moral strength) program will be used throughout the Diocese of Gary. The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc developed this program, widely used throughout the country.

 

Bishop Melczek has mandated that ALL adults who have any contact with children in our parishes and schools (teachers, aides, volunteers, group leaders, coaches, drivers for field trips, et cetera) must participate in the VIRTUS program. The components of the program include (1) a criminal background check, (2) acknowledgment and affirmation of the policy of the Diocese of Gary (Sexual Misconduct Toward Minors and Others at Risk), (3) participation in the VIRTUS education program on child abuse, (4) as well as ongoing online VIRTUS education program.

 

At an intensive training session which took place on August 11, 12 and 13, of 2002 all school Principals and Directors of Religious Education at that time were trained to be facilitators and have the responsibility for presenting the VIRTUS program in our parishes and schools.

 

The next VIRTUS meeting to be held at Queen of All Saints will be on November 28, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be held in the cafeteria.

 

Depending on the participation and questions from the group, we anticipate the program to take approximately two hours.  Bishop Melczek and the Diocese of Gary mandate this program for anyone (employee or volunteer) who works, volunteers, or even plans to volunteer around children. This, for example, includes the parent who even plans to attend only one field trip with children during the year. Anyone who does not complete the VIRTUS education program which will be explained at the meeting on the 20th will not be permitted to work or volunteer with children.

 

Why all of this? In short, to do all that we can to ensure the safety of all children. If, through this program, we can save even one child from abuse, the time and energy that is required of all of us will be worth it.  

And what could possibly be more important than this?

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Mrs. Anita L. Peters                                                                      Mrs. Kathy Moskovich

Principal                                                                                        Director of Religious Education

Queen of All Saints School                                                            Queen of All Saints Parish

 

Mary, Queen of All Saints, pray for us.                  Venerable Father Moreau, pray for us.