As Safe Parishes Week draws to a close in the Diocese of Parramatta, parishes are continuing to cultivate a culture of safeguarding, opening up their work to external auditors.
This journey commenced in 2021 and in 2023 the Diocese of Parramatta became the first Catholic entity to be accredited as a safe environment for children and adults at risk.
The Chancery Office participated in Quality Innovation Performance’s (QIP) Standards for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults pilot program. The Chancery was audited against measurable standards based on the 10 principles for child-safe organisations recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
And now, the next phase of this program is to undertake a comprehensive safeguarding audit of parishes.
In April, all parishes in the Diocese undertook a desktop audit and of those 18 parishes, 1 chaplaincy and the Chancery office will undergo external audit in July.
QIP is Australia’s most comprehensive not-for-profit accreditation, certification and verification agency, with expertise across the entire health and human services spaces. Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said it is important to have external auditing.
“The decision to engage with QIP sprang from our deep belief that the Church should not be overseeing itself, especially in this vital area,” he said.
“Safeguarding is a litmus test for the credibility of the Church and everything that we do.
“Our commitment to zero tolerance of abuse in any shape or form will enable us to be a credible conduit for the Gospel of justice, love and life flourishing that we proclaim,” he said.
Diocese of Parramatta Safeguarding champions are seen during an event during Safe Parishes Week in June 2022. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Any type of audit requires significant time and input. But parishes are seeing this as an opportunity for renewal and growth.
“This external audit by QIP will help to ensure that safeguarding is not just a “hot topic” but a cultural term that ought to be regularly spoken about and lived within a parish community,” said Anthony Saliba Safeguarding Champion and Finance Manager at Mary Immaculate Parish Quakers Hill.
“They will help us by drawing attention to the good processes we are now implementing and draw attention to some things that we may need to continue to develop. The hope is that their audit will help develop consistent processes across the diocese for parishes to be aware of and to follow to help keep our parishes safe,” he said.
The journey has been a long one, but one filled with many fruits.
“Diocesan and Parish communities have been working towards this goal for over four years now,” said Maria Kervin, Safeguarding Specialist and Parish Engagement Officer.
“Each Parish has a story of their safeguarding journey. Every person, priest, office employee, safeguarding champion and volunteer in ministry has helped to shape our strong safeguarding practices in their parish community.
“I believe we are ready to share our story of where we are at today, and how we have come to know how to embed practices that ensure our children and adults at risk feel safe to participate in their faith community.
“There will always be work to be done but this Audit offers us an opportunity to reflect on our commitment and efforts to date,” she said.
The five-year anniversary of Safe Parishes Week has seen parishes around the Diocese get involved in activities, training, prayerful reflection and conversations about safety.
Safe Parishes Week stands as a reminder that safeguarding is a shared mission. Every parishioner has a role to play in building communities where safety, dignity and respect are not aspirations but lived reality.
The QIP Safeguarding Audit and Safe Parishes Week is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objective to be a Humble and Healing Church, and the Diocesan priority of Listening, Dialogue and Discernment. Visit Synodality to learn more.
