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PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN (VIRTUS)

Do you, in connection with the staff or volunteer work you do for our parish (or school), interact with children, even if only occasionally?

If the answer to this question is YES, you should select one of the fall 2007 dates for the VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” presentation. This presentation, which is mandated by the Archdiocese, helps all of us become aware of the dangers relating to child abuse.

This fall the program will be offered by all of the parishes that serve Medford. If you are a volunteer or staff member that has not yet attended a Protecting God’s Children presentation you may attend any one of the following scheduled sessions:

Sept. 13, 7:00 PM - Saint Joseph Parish

(Contact: 781 396-0423, Joe Feltz or Betty Guerra)

 

Sept. 27, 7:00 PM - Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
(Contact: 781 396-3400, Fran Mavko)

 

Oct 27, 9:00 AM. – Immaculate Conception Parish
(Contact: 781 324-4941, Sr. Margo Shea or Elaine Connelly)
 

Oct. 29, 7:00 PM – Saint Raphael Parish
(Contact: 781 483-1139, Ginny McCabe or Margo Malone)

 

Nov. 1, 10:00 AM – Saint Clements Parish
Contact: 781 393-5600 x17, Lucia Papile)

It is necessary that you call and pre-register at the location you plan to attend. Allow a minimum of two hours for the presentation. Each attendee will receive a certificate evidencing attendance.

Members of the Saint Joseph CAP (Child Abuse Prevention) team all have received special training and are qualified to facilitate Protecting God’s Children presentations.

“Protecting God’s Children” is a VIRTUS program promoted by the Archdiocese of Boston to train and educate parish adults to become more aware of the dangers of child abuse, the signs of abuse, the ways to prevent abuse, and the methods to properly report suspicions of abuse.

The program consists of the viewing of two videos, followed by discussions of each. Normally a “refreshment break” is included. The entire program usually lasts from two to two and one half hours.

“Protecting God’s Children” presentations are conducted by members of the parish who have gone through a two-day facilitators training program.

All adult parish and school employees, and all adult parish and school volunteers who interact with children, no matter how minimal, are required to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” session.

Usually sessions are conducted co-operatively in each of the area parishes in the Fall and the Spring. The locations, dates, and times of presentations in the Medford area will be published in the parish bulletin, the parish web site, and Archdiocesan web site, when known.

Should you have specific questions about the “Protecting God’s Children” program… or should you wish to consider becoming a trained facilitator… contact Joe Feltz at jhfeltz@comcast.net or at the parish office (781) 396-0423.The trained facilitators at Saint Joseph are Joe Feltz and Nancy Carney.

Links: Archdiocese of Boston Office of Child Advocacy: www.RCAB.org

Virtus:  www.virtusonline.org

 

 

 

 

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