Protecting Children

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued its Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. The Charter mandates that all dioceses in the US establish safe environment programs both for adults and children. The Archdiocese of Boston selected the VIRTUS (adults) and Talking about Touch (children) programs to address this requirement.

The VIRTUS program is offered to adult volunteers over the age of 18. Its focus is to raise the consciousness of adults in how to identify and prevent child abuse. All volunteers (and staff) who work with children or the elderly are required to attend a VIRTUS session and must complete a Criminal Offender Record Inquiry (CORI).

Additionally, Holy Name Parish is involved with the Archdiocesan child abruse prevention program, Protecting God's Children. This program educates and trains adults about the dangers of abuse, the warning signs of abuse and the methods for properly reporting suspiciions. As mandated by the Archdiocese and the Attorney General's Office, anyone involved with children at the parish and school  is required to attend.

Vistit www.virtusonline.org

1. Click "First time registrant
2. The next page click "Begin the registration process"
3. Select "Boston" from the drop down list of dioceses
4. Complete the registration process

Once registrtion is complete you will be directed to an online PGC training through VIRTUS. Upon completion of that training, individuals will be directed to a link to an addition online training on mandated report in Massachusetts. Both online trainings must be completed to bea in compliance with child protection requirements.

Parental involvement is essential to the success of the parish and school. We are truly grateful to the parents, grandparents, family members, and numerous volunteers who willingly give of their time to the various programs at Holy Name Parish and School. Anyone involved with children (e.g., lunch duties, field trips, Bernardines dances, Room Parents duties, Resource Parents, Scouts, Religious Education, etc.) must complete one session of the Virtus training and annually complete the CORI process.