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VIRTUS & Child Protection

SERVE — SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL
Every child and vulnerable person in our parish deserves to feel safe. VIRTUS training is how we make that promise real.
Register with SKD on VIRTUS

Why VIRTUS?

Safety Is an Act of Love

Saint Katharine Drexel, through the leadership of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, is committed to creating a safe environment for every member of our parish community — especially our children, youth, and vulnerable populations.

VIRTUS is our online volunteer management system and the Archdiocese-wide standard for child and youth protection. All employees and volunteers — whether or not they have substantial contact with children — are required to complete registration and training through VIRTUS.

This isn’t just a policy requirement. It’s how we keep our promise to the families who trust us with their most precious people.

Find Your Track

Which Path Is Right for You?

Every volunteer at Saint Katharine Drexel follows one of three tracks based on their age and the nature of their ministry. Find your track below and follow the steps to get started.

Track 1

Adult Volunteers
No Substantial Contact

This track is for you if:

You are an adult volunteer (18+) whose ministry does not involve substantial direct contact with children or vulnerable populations — such as office help, hospitality, facilities, or administrative roles.

Steps to complete:

  1. Register through the SKD VIRTUS link below
  2. Once logged in, review the Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth
  3. Review the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel

Both documents are found inside your VIRTUS profile — not as separate downloads.

Track 2

Adult Volunteers
Substantial Contact

This track is for you if:

You are an adult volunteer (18+) whose ministry involves direct, substantial contact with children or vulnerable populations — such as religious education, youth ministry, children's liturgy, or care ministries.

Steps to complete:

  1. Register through the SKD VIRTUS link below
  2. Enter contact information for 3 references and submit completed reference forms to Carol Mull
  3. Complete a Criminal Background Check through VIRTUS
  4. Review the Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth
  5. Review the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel
  6. Complete the online training module

All steps are completed inside your VIRTUS profile.

Track 3

Youth Volunteers
Ages 14–17

This track is for you if:

You are a youth volunteer between the ages of 14 and 17. Youth volunteers do not register online through VIRTUS — the process is entirely in-person and paper-based.

Steps to complete:

  1. Sign up for an in-person Worthy of the Call training session using the link below
  2. Complete a paper volunteer application form signed by the youth and a parent or guardian
  3. Submit three completed reference forms to Carol Mull
  4. Review the Statement of Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth
  5. Review the Code of Conduct for Church Personnel

Worthy of the Call is only available as an in-person session — it cannot be completed online.

Already Trained Elsewhere?

Transferring Your Training

We accept VIRTUS training and background checks completed at other parishes and schools within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

To transfer your training to Saint Katharine Drexel simply log into your existing VIRTUS account and designate Saint Katharine Drexel as one of your locations.

Please note we do not substitute training or criminal history screening completed outside of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Archdiocesan Resources

Additional Information

Additional information on the Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth is available through the Archdiocese of Baltimore. These documents are also available at the Information Center and in the Parish Office.

Visit

Archdiocese of Baltimore
Child & Youth Protection Procedures for Church Personnel including Volunteers

Important

  • Always register through the SKD-specific VIRTUS link — not the generic VIRTUS website — to ensure your registration is connected to our parish
  • Background checks and VIRTUS or Worthy of the Call training must be completed before beginning service in any ministry involving substantial contact with children
  • We accept training and background checks completed at other Archdiocese of Baltimore parishes and schools — simply designate Saint Katharine Drexel as a location in your VIRTUS account
  • We do not substitute other training or criminal history screening from outside the Archdiocese
  • Adults without a Social Security number will need fingerprinting in place of a background check

Questions?

Contact Carol

If you have any questions or problems regarding online registration, training, or any of the required documents — Carol is here to help.

Carol Mull
Screening Coordinator
carol.mull@saintdrexel.org
301-360-9581