The Diocese of Cleveland has selected a program called VIRTUS, “Protecting God’s Children,” as a comprehensive means to educate all staff and youth-serving volunteers in the diocese to prevent the sexual abuse of minors and to implement the proper response when abuse may be indicated.

I am deeply grateful for the time and energy you already give to the children and youth of St. Basil’s. I am sensitive to the feelings you may have about sacrificing additional family and personal time to participate in the VIRTUS training and monthly online follow-up which is required for all parish volunteers and staff who work with young people more than four hours a month. Because of your generosity and caring concern for our young people, I am respectfully requesting your continued cooperation and participation in the VIRTUS program. I know your lives are full. But we do need you and our children and young people need you.

I thank you for reading our diocesan “Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse” and returning your signed acknowledgement form. The next step is to attend the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children Awareness Session”, which is designed to train everyone on how to become part of the solution to the problem of child sexual abuse in our homes, parishes and communities. Sister Lorraine Durkalski will be the facilitator for the sessions.