The new platform for getting compliant is up and running at Virtus.org. By clicking on this link, NEW volunteers only can register by clicking New Registration. You will select the Diocese of Pittsburgh and use the access code protect to get started.
If you have been volunteering, your file was automatically moved over to Virtus on March 1 for me to manage. You do not need to do anything at this time. Please respond in a timely manner if you are emailed by Virtus to update your Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Fingerprinting, or FBI Waiver and re-certification of Protecting God’s Children. In the past, I would send out your renewal application 60 days prior to your expiration date for these clearances. Virtus will be doing this now. I am here to help you and will still have a paper application in the office for the FBI Waiver and Child Abuse History Clearance if you do not want to do those online or you do not have an email address. Many of you who do not have an email used my office email. So for this group, I will be sending out your paper applications. I am still able to accept clearances you use for work or other volunteering for your Safe Environment file as long as they are within five (5) years.
Since 2003 the Protecting God’s Children Certification was introduced, and it is required by all volunteers and employees. Recertification every three (3) years is now required. This new certification will include an area that was never addressed, Vulnerable Adults. You will be contacted by email that you are due for the recertification by Virtus. You will be given detailed instructions in the email on how to do this recertification.
If your email has changed in the last five (5) years, please let me know so I can update your records in the Virtus System.
Thank you all for your cooperation as we move forward to keeping everyone safe at all times at St. John XXIII Parish.