May Safeguarding Awareness

Ms. Mary Freeman, Secretary, Lourdes Pilgrimage Committee

Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe

Safeguarding Month of May. It is only fitting at this time to remind ourselves of Pope Francis vision, teaching and commitment to ensuring our Churches are a safe place for both children and Vulnerable adults.

Sunday 4^th May.

Safeguarding. Our generation must show that it can rise to the promise found in each [child and] young person when we know how to give them space. This means that we have to create the material and spiritual conditions for their full development, to give them a solid basis on which to build their lives; to guarantee their safety and their education to be everything they can be; to pass on to them lasting values that make life worth living; to give them a transcendent horizon for their thirst for authentic happiness and their creativity for the good; to give them the legacy of a world worthy of human life; and to awaken in them their greatest potential as builders of their own destiny, sharing responsibility for the future of everyone. If we can do all this today, we anticipate the future that enters the world through the window of the young.

Pope Francis (2013).

Sunday 11^th May

Safeguarding. Pope Francis reminded us that, ‘in the Confiteor, we ask forgiveness not only for the wrong we have done, but also for the good we have failed to do’

 In the past, the Catholic Church in Ireland failed in its duty to protect children and young people.  Church policies have focused on establishing consistent standards to prevent abuse and assist the Church on its journey to learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that children’s safety is a core part of its mission.

Sunday 18^th May

Safeguarding. In the Churches Safeguarding Policy  ‘A Safe and welcoming Church’ June 2024 , Bishop Fintan Monahan pledges that the Diocese will  safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church’s ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights. Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.

Sunday 25^th May

Safeguarding. “ Even when the path forward is difficult and demanding, I urge you not to get bogged down; keep reaching out, keep trying to instil confidence in those you meet and who share with you this common cause. Do not grow discouraged when it seems that little is changing for the better. Persevere and keep moving forwards!”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ words, this new child safeguarding policy builds on the foundations of past learning and experiences. The policy provides a new focus on leadership and governance to embed a culture of safeguarding.

Parish Safeguarding Representatives.

We have produced a more detailed guide for Safeguarding Representatives re role etc. And will go through this at the support sessions.  I attach the final draft for any comments etc.

The support meetings dates are as below. Tea and coffee from 6.30pm

Garda Vetting

We will be introducing a new Munster Garda Vetting guidance during the summer.

The main changes will be around the following;

-How we accept vetting forms, all vetting forms will need to be sent via post, we will no longer accept email / scan copies of vetting forms.

-Retention of Vetting forms.

-Dedicated vetting email address for parish and sharing of disclosures.

Training.

We are holding the following training sessions for those ministering with children

Wednesday 14th May. 6.30-8.30pm. Kilrush Golf Club

Saturday 24th May. 11am-1pm. Obama plazza, Moneygall