Virtus and safety
In its ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable individuals, the Diocese of Cleveland has revised its “Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse.” They have also issued a “Revised Standards of Conduct for Ministry.” In Bp. Malesic’s November 1, 2026 Pastoral Letter that accompanied the release of the revised standards, he said the “Standards establish the expectations for personal and professional conduct applicable to those who serve in the Church.” This includes not just clergy and employees, but anyone AND everyone who serves in any ministerial or volunteer capacity including, but not limited to:
• Extraordinary Ministers of Communion
• Servers
• Lectors
• Choristers, musicians, and directors
• Greeters and Ushers
• PSR Catechists
The implementation of these Standards requires everyone wishing to remain active in their ministry or volunteer position to:
| • submit a signed form acknowledging a thorough review of each revised Standard |
A video about the VIRTUS experience… |
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| • participate in VIRTUS training (if not already completed), and | ||
| • consent toand initiate a background check through SELECTION.com (accessible through the VIRTUS website) |
While the Diocese envisions a roll-out of the new Standards throughout 2027, accomplishing tasks sooner (rather than later) will ensure your eligibility to continue to minister and/or volunteer in the ways you have in the past.
| DOCUMENTS TO READ (click to download/read) | DOCUMENTS TO SIGN (click to download) | |
| Policy for the Protection of Children (Revised 2026) | Acknowledgment Form for POC 2026 | |
| Standards of Conduct for Ministry (Revised 2026) | Acknowledgment Form for CFM 2026 |
If you have yet to participate in the VIRTUS program, visit the VIRTUS website (virtus.org) and click on “First Time Registrant.” Then, click on “view a list of sessions” … and select “Cleveland Diocese.” With the number of people who are likely to need VIRTUS training, sessions will likely be offered at both Sacred Heart (Oberlin) and St. Patrick (Wellington) as well as in neighboring parishes of the Cleveland diocese.
Within the VIRTUS website is the option to participate in the SELECTION background check program. Please follow the prompts, provide the requisite personal information, and submit.