CHARLOTTE — Starting this month, the Diocese of Charlotte is launching a new training program for clergy, employees and volunteers to enhance efforts to protect children and young people in all of its churches, schools and ministries.
The new program, called CMG Connect, replaces the VIRTUS Online training program, which the diocese has used to provide mandatory Safe Environment training since 2002.
CMG Connect streamlines the diocese’s extensive Safe Environment program – combining background screening, onboarding and training processes on one platform for all priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, lay employees and adult volunteers who serve at the diocese’s 92 parishes, 20 schools and 50-plus agencies and ministries.
“CMG Connect’s user-friendly, online program better equips us for today’s issues and needs, with an updated curriculum, the latest technology, and robust background screening protocols,” said David Vasquez, the diocese’s Safe Environment coordinator.
The diocese’s Safe Environment Office oversees compliance with the U.S. bishops’ 2002 “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” which established nationally prescribed child protection procedures to address the Church’s commitment to respond effectively, appropriately and compassionately to cases of abuse of minors by clergy or other Church personnel.
More than 63,000 people have been trained since the diocese’s Safe Environment program began in 2002.
“For over 20 years, the Charlotte diocese has been a leader in abuse prevention, protection and accountability,” Vasquez said. “CMG Connect is the latest investment in our ongoing commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone.”
Program features
VasquezCMG Connect is a service of Catholic Mutual Group, the leading provider of insurance to more than 125 (arch)dioceses in North America, including the Charlotte diocese. Since its launch in 2016, CMG Connect has trained and certified 1 million people.
CMG Connect’s web-based curriculum, called “Safe Haven,” teaches best practices for recognizing and preventing child abuse in any context. With content in English and Spanish, it also features training on protecting vulnerable adults, as well as internet, workplace and school safety.
CMG Connect’s training modules require an individual to demonstrate understanding through testing, Vasquez said, and everyone must be recertified annually, with video training and acknowledgement of the diocese’s Safe Environment policies.
A new, comprehensive training library on current topics such as human trafficking, cyberbullying and tech training for parents is also available to everyone.
The program also enhances background screening: After an initial screening for new personnel and volunteers, background checks will be conducted quarterly.
— Catholic News Herald
I’m a volunteer at my parish or with the diocese. What do I need to do?
The diocese is now in the process of moving 18,208 active user records of Virtus users to CMG Connect. In the coming weeks, Virtus users who provided their email address will receive instructions on how to access their new CMG Connect account. Users will need to log in, confirm their information, and complete any training sections that might be needed.
If you do not receive this email by March 1, 2024, please contact your local Safe Environment coordinator or contact David Vasquez at 704-370-3222 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..