A simple cup of tea can be a powerful act of care – especially when it’s shared with listening ears and open hearts.
As the Diocese of Parramatta marks Safe Parishes Week 2025, parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are celebrating initiatives that put safeguarding into action. One such initiative is the ongoing series of Morning Teas for Safeguarding the Elderly – a listening-focused approach that invites older parishioners and ministry leaders to come together in conversation, reflection, and care.
A Caring Conversation
Safeguarding the Elderly is a listening-based approach that brings together elderly parishioners and ministry leaders for intentional dialogue, reflection and pastoral care. The first stage of this program was hosting informal morning teas, where parishes created warm and welcoming spaces – where older voices were not only heard, but valued.
For these morning teas, around 100 participants contributed their insights across six locations, including five parishes, one group of lay associates, a Diocesan listening session with 12 participants from five parishes, and two individual submissions.
The feedback gathered through these conversations will inform the next steps in developing practical, community-based strategies to ensure older parishioners feel safe, supported and connected.
Shared feedback
Across the listening sessions, several common themes emerged. Many participants agreed that the parish is often the first place that people turn to when in need of support. One recurring concern was transport, with elderly parishioners frequently facing difficulties getting to Mass. A practical suggestion was to maintain a list of those needing assistance, to better coordinate support.
Participants also reflected on the unique contributions older parishioners bring to the life of the Church – particularly their rich personal histories and deep knowledge of early Catholic traditions and practices.
However, the sessions also revealed some sobering realities. Many shared that isolation, loneliness, a lack of regular visitors, and declining mobility are major challenges facing the elderly today – concerns that call for a compassionate and coordinated pastoral response.
A positive experience
At Christ the King Parish, North Rocks, the atmosphere was one of warmth, gratitude and openness.
“Our morning tea was a great opportunity to listen to those who work in ministries involving the elderly and to our elder parishioners,” said Sarah Cook, Parishioner of Christ the King and Teacher Librarian.
“It was wonderful to acknowledge the good things that are happening in our community and important to identify our needs for the future.”
The morning teas align closely with the Diocese’s new Pastoral Plan 2024–2028, which commits to building a more humble, healing and Christ-centred Church. One of the plan’s key actions is a deepened focus on safeguarding – not only of children but also of vulnerable adults, including the elderly.
Tracy McLeod-Howe, Head of People & Culture (including Office of Safeguarding), said the listening model helps parish leaders better understand how to care for ageing parishioners with dignity and compassion.
“Listening is the first step in any genuine safeguarding effort,” Tracy said.
“These morning teas are about more than hospitality – they’re about hearing the wisdom, concerns and hopes of our elders, and then acting together to ensure their wellbeing.”
The insights and suggestions gathered through the morning teas will help shape the next stage of the safeguarding program, with parishes working to implement practical steps that make parish life more inclusive and safe for all.
Maria Kervin, Manager, Prevention, Healing and Support, said safeguarding must be a shared mission, lived out in every parish and ministry for the inclusion and wellbeing of all.
“This is an exciting new phase for our Prevention, Healing and Support Team as we broaden our focus to ensure that all people, including children and adults at risk are able to flourish in our parishes.
“We hope that the actions we develop in response to these suggestions will also help to minimise the risk of harm to our older parishioners.”
Safe Parishes Week, now in its fourth year, is a Diocesan-wide invitation to renew our shared commitment to being a Church where everyone feels welcomed, valued and protected. Through listening, healing and safeguarding, we walk together in the way of Christ – with care for the most vulnerable at the heart of our mission.
To learn more, visit Safeguarding on the Diocese of Parramatta website.
