Tom Johnson, former Hennepin County Attorney, has been named the ombudsperson and will serve as an advocate for clergy abuse victims.
Media coverage of this announcement can be found here.
A requirement for all adult parish volunteers who work with children and/or vulnerable adults. This three hour workship is a requirement and registration can be completed on the Archdioceses' website at (link)
We believe that every human person has dignity and is made in the image of God. Each person is loved by God and is deserving of respect. This is especially true of all children and vulnerable adults who deserve to be kept safe and protected from abuse.
In order to make sure children and vulnerable adults will be safe in our parishes, our Archdiocese has established the Essential Three as mandatory for all volunteers who work with minors and or vulnerable adults.
The Essential Three consists of VIRTUS Training, the Signing of the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct, and a Background Check. In addition, all volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults must renew their Essential Three every three years. To complete or renew the Essential Three volunteers should go to www.virtusonline.com. VIRTUS Training is offered throughout the year at parishes throughout the Archdiocese including Our Lady of Lourdes.
New volunteers who will be working with children or vulnerable adults need also to complete the Volunteer Application form.