This requirement applies to all members of the Knights of Columbus who choose to be on parish property within the Galveston Houston Archdiocese, whether in a church, school or parish in the name of the Knights of Columbus.

Your certification in VIRTUS is good for 5 years. 
Once you have reached your 5 year mark, you will be required to take a refresher course. This online training requirement must be completed within three (3) months from the 5-year anniversary date. If you fail to complete the online training within the 3-month grace period, the VIRTUS system will automatically default your account and require you to attend another live “Protecting God’s Children” workshop.

VIRTUS Protecting God's Children® Adult Awareness Session is a three-hour in person training that helps all understand the facts and myths about child sexual abuse; how perpetrators operate; and how caring adults can take five important steps to keep children safe. 

This education component helps prevent child sexual abuse by first making every adult aware of the issues surrounding child sexual abuse. This includes awareness of the many ways sexual abuse harms it victims, their families, the parish, and the community. The awareness session also helps adults learn to recognize the warning signs of abuse and shows them the appropriate way to respond to suspicious behavior. Finally, the awareness session empowers each person with five steps to help prevent child sexual abuse.

Sessions are held throughout the year at various parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese and are free of charge to all participants. Click the links on the right side of this page to learn more.