Saint Anthony of Padua
Roman Catholic Church
East Northport, NY 11731
Roman Catholic Church
East Northport, NY 11731
What are the VIRTUS® programs?
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.
Who created the VIRTUS programs?
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (National Catholic) created the programs. Monsignor Kevin McCoy,
past board chairman of National Catholic, asked whether child sexual abuse could be prevented and, if so, how? In
March of 1998, National Catholic invited prominent national experts—experts in many disciplines—to discuss these
questions at a forum in Washington, D.C. From those discussions, the initiative for the VIRTUS programs was
created. The National Catholic Board of Directors selected an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee development of the
programs. The Ad Hoc Committee was assisted by a steering committee of nationally known experts and program and
service providers.
Why did National Catholic select VIRTUS as the brand name for the programs?
The word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth. In ancient times, virtus
denoted a way of life and manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes of people and
aspects of human interaction.
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.
Who created the VIRTUS programs?
The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. (National Catholic) created the programs. Monsignor Kevin McCoy,
past board chairman of National Catholic, asked whether child sexual abuse could be prevented and, if so, how? In
March of 1998, National Catholic invited prominent national experts—experts in many disciplines—to discuss these
questions at a forum in Washington, D.C. From those discussions, the initiative for the VIRTUS programs was
created. The National Catholic Board of Directors selected an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee development of the
programs. The Ad Hoc Committee was assisted by a steering committee of nationally known experts and program and
service providers.
Why did National Catholic select VIRTUS as the brand name for the programs?
The word virtus derives from Latin, and means valor, moral strength, excellence, and worth. In ancient times, virtus
denoted a way of life and manner of behavior that always aspired to the highest, most positive attributes of people and
aspects of human interaction.
As you know, all employees and volunteers are required to attend one of these sessions. Please register online. All sessions are open to anyone in the diocese. To register, go to www.virtus.org , click onto the tab labeled "Registration" and follow the directions. The name of our organization is "Rockville Centre NY (Diocese)." Our location is "St. Anthony of Padua R. C. C. (East Northport)". If you need help with registering, please call the Religious Education Office. PLEASE VISIT THE VIRTUS WEBSITE FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF LOCATIONS OFFERING THE TRAINING SESSIONS |