The safety, wellbeing and dignity of children and vulnerable adults will again be in the spotlight during this year’s National Child Protection Week (6-12 September) and Safeguarding Sunday (13 September).
In the Diocese of Parramatta, safeguarding underpins all that we do, so that everyone in our parishes, agencies, ministries and church groups can thrive.
This was spelled out by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta in 2020 when he delivered the Diocese’s Statement of Commitment to Safeguarding.
“We have a zero tolerance to abuse of any form,” Bishop Vincent said.
“We are committed to ensuring that all children and vulnerable adults under our care are safe, protected and enabled to flourish.”
This year’s theme for Safeguarding Sunday, “Love Protects”, reinforces this message that for Catholics around Australia safeguarding is a practical expression of Christian love, which is at the heart of the Gospel.
“Genuine love is demonstrated through action,” said Bishop Greg Bennet, the chair of the Bishops’ Commission for Professional Standards and Safeguarding, which is part of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC).
“Safeguarding is an essential part of our mission and ministry. It calls each of us to be attentive, accountable and committed to ensuring that every person can participate in the life of the Church safely and with confidence.”
Wendy Nehme, the Parish Engagement & Development Specialist from the Office for Safeguarding in the Diocese of Parramatta, said safeguarding was about creating a Church where every child and adult felt they were valued, had a strong sense of belonging, and could participate safely in ministry.
“We do this by being attentive to one another, listening and responding to concerns, following safe practices and never assuming that safeguarding is someone else’s responsibility,” Wendy said.
“It is through our shared commitment and actions that we create parishes where everyone feels safe, respected and protected, demonstrating that love truly protects.”
One of the practical ways the Diocese of Parramatta is continuing to promote a shared responsibility for safeguarding is through the development of its Sitepass platform – an easy, digital check-in tool for clergy and guest speakers ministering outside their parish. Wendy is the co-lead of the Sitepass Project Management Team.
“Sitepass is a great example of ‘safeguarding meeting innovation’. It gives the Diocese another practical way to strengthen accountability and create a safe culture across our parishes,” she said.
Fr Peter Williams AM, Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta, said Sitepass was “designed to support our commitment to safeguarding by making it simple, secure and efficient for clergy to check in when ministering in other parishes, and for visiting clergy from other Australian dioceses and overseas to meet our safeguarding and ministry requirements”.
This active commitment to keeping everyone safe, especially the most vulnerable, is also at the heart of this year’s National Child Protection Week, with its theme of “Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action”.
It highlights that children and young people deserve to have their voices heard, their concerns taken seriously and their wellbeing placed at the forefront of decision-making. By listening carefully, speaking up when concerns arise and supporting families and communities, everyone can play a part in helping children grow up safe and supported.
During National Child Protection Week and Safeguarding Sunday, may we renew our commitment to building a culture of care, vigilance and accountability. By working together and placing the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults at the heart of our communities, we can help ensure that every child is safe, valued and able to thrive.
The commitment to safeguarding is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objective of being A Humble and Healing Church, and the priority of Listening, Dialogue and Discernment. Visit Synodality to learn more.
