Action Requested:

The Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD) has asked that all parishioners who serve as volunteers at parish events complete VIRTUS training.  Some have completed this training in the past, but everyone is being asked to complete the updated training which has been expanded to include the topic of abuse as it relates to vulnerable adults as well as children.  As members of the AOD, our parish and K of C Council are leading the effort to ensure that all volunteer members are trained and certified as soon as possible.  Our K of C Chaplain, Father Susai, has requested that we complete this training by August 31, 2023 in support of the AOD’s efforts to train all its volunteers.  Because of the number of volunteers involved and the nature of our busy schedules, it is understood that this will be no easy task.  That said, we must do our best to meet with our Worthy Chaplain’s request.

Forms of Training:

There are three means by which to complete the requested training: 1) individual online training using an electronic device such as your home computer, 2) webinar training which is completed as a group but still uses an electronic device as an interface to a Zoom session, or 3) in-person training at designated locations.  Since in-person training is limited to specific dates and locations, online and webinar training are considered the preferred methods for completing the training.

1.     Online Training – This can be completed at any time (24/7), is self-paced, and can be done in a single session or split up into multiple sessions.  This training takes approximately 120 – 150 minutes in total to complete.  If you are a first-time registrant to the site, you will need to create an account before you are able to access and complete the training.  When registering, please identify yourself as a member of the Archdiocese of Detroit and of St. Colette Parish in Livonia.  In this way, it will be easier for the parish to monitor the completion status of this training.  Registration & training can be completed by going to the following link: www.virtus.org.  Attached is a file containing some screen shots that should provide helpful guidance relative to the registration process.

2.     Webinar Training – Much like the Online Training which is accessed using the VIRTUS site, you will need to go to www.virtus.org to pre-register for a designated session.  Each session is three hours in duration and you will be required to participate from start to finish to get credit for your participation.  There are quite a few sessions offered but, unlike the Online Training, they are only available at prescribed times.

3.     In-Person Training – There are even fewer of these sessions than with the Webinar Training, and some will require you to travel some distance (an hour or more in many cases).  The St. Colette Parish Staff is looking into scheduling one or two sessions here at St. Colette, but this is still uncertain due to limitations on available trainers.  In the meantime, dates and times for in-person training at other locations can again be found at www.virtus.org.  Below are the locations that were on the site at the time I composed this note.