Protecting God's Children (PGC) is a prevention and awareness training program required by the Archdiocese for all adults at the parish level. PGC was developed by the National Catholic Risk Retention Group, along with other VIRTUS training programs. One-time attendance at a PGC training session is required for all clergy, staff, catechists, and liturgical ministers serving at St. Ignatius but anyone is invited to attend. The parish offers a session each fall, or you can find sessions offered throughout the Archdiocese here.

 

PGC is conducted by VIRTUS-certified facilitators on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training makes participants aware of the signs of abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and five easy steps one can use to prevent child abuse. Two videos are the centerpiece of the training: A Time to Protect God's Children and A Plan to Protect God's Children. The facilitators incorporate policies and procedures into the training defining child abuse, addressing the reporting of child abuse, the screening and selection of employees and volunteers, and victim advocacy.