SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

For all ministries who work/volunteer with youth and/or vulnerable persons. 
 
Effective February 1, 2016, the Archdiocese of San Antonio has discontinued the OVASE - Safe Environment training program; both the regular and refresher trainings.  Consequently, the 2016 OVASE yearly calendar which we have been publishing in the parish bulletin and posting on the parish web site has been removed.
 
All OVASE training is being replaced with a program referred to as " Virtus" training. "Virtus" is a Latin word meaning: Valor, Moral Strength, Excellence and Courage.  The new training has two components: "Protecting God's Children for Adults," and "A Plan to Protect God's Children."  Each component will be supported by a video and include prayer, readings, reflection and personal/group discussions.
 
One specific advantage of the Virtus training program is that participants may continue to attend scheduled training in person on site (as in the past), but now they may register in advance and complete scheduled training on-line from any computer with access to the internet.  Virtus training will be good for a 3-year period. Refresher training will be eliminated.  Criminal Background Checks (CBCs) will still be required to coincide with the Virtus training.
 
After our parish has had sufficient time to review the details of the training manual and workbook, and is certain of the requirements and administration of the Virtus training, additional information, including a revised 2016 training schedule, will be published in the parish bulletin and on this page.