The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (“The Charter”), promulgated by the Bishops of the United States in 2002, outlines specific practices and guidelines providing standards of safety in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. As directed by The Charter, the Diocese of Rockville Centre requires all employees, clergy, and volunteers to complete three requirements within thirty days of employment or volunteering:

• Attend Protecting God’s Children Program (Virtus);
• Sign the Codes of Conduct;
• Complete a background screen application. The Diocese requires all those who remain in active ministry be re-screened at 5 yr. intervals.

A Word on Background Screening of Volunteers

The Office for the Protection of Children and Young People (OFPCYP) has streamlined the volunteer application process, enabling volunteers to complete the three safe environment requirements listed above in one step. Individuals wishing to volunteer in a parish or school:

1. Register to attend a Protecting God’s Children class and create a Virtus account on the Virtus website: www.Virtus.org
2. Electronically acknowledge the Diocesan Code of Conduct—provided during the Virtus registration process.
3. Follow the instructions to complete the Sterling Volunteers background screening application offered during the Virtus registration process.

Active Volunteers

If you are active in a parish ministry, have already attended Virtus and have been background screened you may be at—or beyond—the 5 yr. re-screening requirement. If this is the case, you will receive an email from Sterling Volunteers asking you to complete the background screening application online. You may access the background screening application by following the prompt in the email or by logging into your Virtus account. Please be aware: this is not a scam nor has your e-mail been hacked. The OFPCYP has been working with your parish to update the Safe Environment records and noted it is time for you to be re-screened. You may also be prompted to electronically resign the Code of Conduct when you log into your Virtus account.

Edit Your Virtus Account

To access your Virtus account, go to www.Virtus.org. You will need your Username and Password. If you need assistance, please contact Virtus: 1-888-847-8870 or go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Once in your account, review your account information— particularly your e-mail address. If your account requires updating, please click the TOOLBOX tab at the top of the screen. On the left side of your screen in the green column click “Update My Account.” You will be able to make any necessary changes. Please remember to hit the SAVE button at the bottom of the screen.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact:

Many, many thanks to all who give so generously of themselves in any form of parish ministry!