National Child Protection Week and Safeguarding Sunday

This Sunday marks the beginning of National Child Protection Week which runs from 1- 7 September.  Sunday, 8 September has been declared Safeguarding Sunday by the Australian Catholic Bishop’s Conference.

The theme for this year’s National Child Protection Week is, Every Conversation Matters.  This theme builds on the overall message that every child in every community needs a fair go.  During this week we are all invited to have a conversation with someone about what keeps children safe and allows them to flourish.

This week may also be a good opportunity for parishioners who have not completed their online Safeguarding Essentials training module to do so.  This must be completed every three years.  This training is compulsory for all those involved in any parish Ministry from readers, eucharistic ministers, cantors, choir members, parish life team members through to parish staff and priests.  We are launching a September Safeguarding Essentials Challenge to ensure that all our parishioners involved in any ministry have the opportunity to complete this module.  Completing this module will, in itself, create the type of conversations that National Child Protection Week is calling for.  Why not complete the module with a family member or a friend.  That would be a great way to start a conversation around what makes children safe.

We will update you throughout September as the challenge is taken up!  So, click on the link above and get started!  You will need to enter your current Working with Children’s number to begin.  The Parish will be notified when you have completed the module!

By Fr Brendan Reed

Published: 30 August 2024