Open Letter to VIRTUS Coordinators, Facilitators and Participants

For nearly two years it has been my pleasure to serve as Director of VIRTUS Programs and Services.  My goal in February of 2002 was to take VIRTUS from concept to success and today I can write with some pride that 77 dioceses use the VIRTUS programs. VIRTUS is thriving and well ahead of schedule not only in growth, but in development of new programs to help children, parishes and other Church organizations.

Having met my charge a full year ahead of schedule, beginning this year, I will no longer serve as Director of VIRTUS Programs and Services, but will transition to a strategic advisory role including providing guidance to Mr. Michael Bemi, President of The National Catholic Risk Retention Group. I will also continue to offer my expertise wherever it is necessary or to whomever requests it, including you.  I will also be here to lend an encouraging ear and open mind if you want to talk about VIRTUS.

In performing my duties I met many wonderful people many of whom are reading this letter. I applaud each of you from the facilitators, to the VIRTUS Coordinators, to all of the people that chose VIRTUS to help protect children.  Although the travel, skill and just plain hard work needed to make VIRTUS successful was the most difficult challenge I have faced in my life to date, your hard work to make a positive change inspired me.

Many of you who knew my schedule asked how my position affected my personal life. I could not have done this job without the strong support of my family and friends. In particular, I would like to acknowledge my wife, Cynthia, who was left alone many nights and weekends, but understood what I was doing was very important for the Church.  I am looking forward to spending less time in hotel rooms, terminals and airplanes and more time with her this year.

As for my successor, the AGOS Group will now manage the program on behalf of National Catholic.  I founded AGOS nearly ten years ago and many of you know that organization’s very fine work. You are in excellent hands and I will be there as they need me to help them move forward with the program.

Although I am relieved to have some sense of normalcy again in my life, I am saddened that I will not interact with you as I did in the past.  I want all of you to know that you are in my prayers and thoughts and I wish you the best with your ministry to protect children. I will always look upon my time with VIRTUS and my relationships with each of you with great affection and pride.

God bless,

Jack McCalmon, Esq.

Senior Consultant and Strategic Advisor to the VIRTUS Programs