The Diocese of Parramatta’s 47 parishes across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have united to build a Church that is humble, healing, and safe for all, as they mark the fourth annual Safe Parishes Week (2–8 June 2025).
About Safe Parishes Week
More than a campaign, Safe Parishes Week began in 2021 as a shared moment of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to keeping all people safe in the Diocese. It affirms our identity as Christ-centred communities where each person, especially children and vulnerable adults, are welcomed, protected, and upheld with dignity.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has made a public commitment to this mission:
“In all of our works, ministries and activities, we respond to the call of the Gospel to protect those who are vulnerable by fostering culture, education, systems, processes and environments where the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people is paramount,” Bishop Vincent said.
What we’re doing
This year’s safeguarding initiatives build on the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2024–2028, which responds to the resolutions of the 2023 Synod Assembly. These include offering “unreserved and deepest apologies” to those who have been harmed through sexual or other forms of abuse in the Church, along with a firm commitment to ongoing safeguarding, healing, and support.
The Diocesan Pastoral Plan also calls for renewal in ministry, particularly through deeper formation and the smarter use of technology. Recent initiatives that have aimed to deliver this purpose include:
- Ministry App: A new tool being introduced to all parishes in the Diocese, to support quick and easy check-ins for visiting clergy and religious.
- Safeguarding the Elderly: This new program aims to help protect older members of our community from abuse and neglect. In its first phase, we have taken a listening-based approach, inviting older parishioners and those who care for them to share their experiences and ideas. Through a series of informal Morning Teas, we’ve created a welcoming space for open conversation. The suggestions gathered will help us find ways to make parish life more inclusive and supportive – and will guide us in developing practical steps to better safeguard the elderly in our community.
- Mandatory safeguarding training: Online and face-to-face sessions, which are offered for all clergy, staff and volunteers in parishes, chaplaincies, agencies, ministries and councils in line with Diocese’s Safeguarding Policy, the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian Child Safe Standards and The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards.
Mike Schembri, Pastoral Plan Lead, said the Diocese’s commitment to safeguarding, healing, and support is not simply symbolic, but central to parish life.
“Our commitment to safeguarding is not simply procedural – it is deeply pastoral,” Mike said.
“Every new step we take to protect the vulnerable in our community strengthens our commitment outlined in the Pastoral Plan, and is a step towards being a more humble and healing Church.”
Maria Kervin, Manager, Prevention, Healing and Support, said the Church in the Diocese of Parramatta is called to follow Christ’s example – building welcoming parish communities that care for all people, especially our children and adults at risk. And with this welcome comes responsibility – and a zero tolerance for abuse of any kind.
“Inspired by the Gospel, we recognise those with particular vulnerabilities – children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds,” she said.
“Our goal is to ensure that safeguarding practices are embedded in every aspect of ministry.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe in our parishes. We all have a role to play in ensuring that safety is a lived reality.”
As we observe Safe Parishes Week, may we each take up our role with humility and purpose, walking together in trust as stewards of healing and agents of Christ’s compassion.
To find out more, visit Safeguarding or learn more about Safeguarding Training.
