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.

Anyone who wishes to chaperone, volunteer at school, coach, etc. must be VIRTUS trained.  This training is offered throughout the year.

The Diocese of Cleveland's March 1, 2003 Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters Regarding Sexual Abuse states that every Parish (church or school) employee and every volunteer 18 and older who has contact with or access to children is required to do the following:

1. Complete an employment or volunteer application (pdf), provide references and be interviewed by a member of the Parish Staff;
2. Obtain a copy of the Diocese of Cleveland's Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse (pdf), and sign and submit the accompanying acknowledgment form;
3. Attend a 3-hour VIRTUS Training Session and complete a one-year tutorial (either online or by mail);
4. Go to www.dioceseofcleveland.org and follow these 3 steps:
   • Read the Standards of Conduct Policy (pdf)
   • Download, print and sign the Standards of Conduct Acknowledgment Form (pdf).
   • Submit the Acknowledgment Form to the appropriate person at the Parish or School for which you are employed or volunteer; and
5. Complete a successful Background Check (pdf) through the State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (for those who have been an Ohio resident the last 5 years) and an FBI background check (for those who have not been a resident of Ohio the last 5 years). A background check is obtained by presenting a valid Ohio Driver's License and having fingerprints scanned electronically or printed with ink.

   The Holy Family Parish Office, 3450 Sycamore Drive in Stow is equipped to scan fingerprints electronically during business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 9 pm, Sat 9 am to 6:30 pm, Sun 8:30 am to 2 pm). Employees and volunteers must complete a background check annually.

If you are a Parish (Church or School) employee or, a volunteer who has contact with or access to children, you are required to complete the above steps PRIOR to beginning employment or volunteering. If you plan on ever being a Parish employee or volunteer, the above will be required.

3-hour VIRTUS Training Sessions

The word "virtus" derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth.

Those who have access to the Internet can register to attend a 3-hour VIRTUS Training Session. Registration is not required to attend a session.

How to register for a VIRTUS Training Session:

1. Go to www.virtus.org
2. Click on the yellow link labeled "Registration"
3. Choose the "Diocese of Cleveland"
4. Create and remember a user id and password
5. Proceed with registration instructions

If you have any questions, call Sister Mary Kay Cmolik at 330.929.8361 ext. 11 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it