This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Safeguarding Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. We recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. We are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and others at risk in our community. May our message be that child protection and the dignity of every person is the responsibility of every adult.
You can find out more about the Church’s work in this area at: www.catholic.org.au/safeguardingsunday If you wish to order the story book titled “You are God’s Marvellous Creation’, (created by the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Safeguarding office and aimed at children aged 3-8 years), please complete an order form and return to Father or the parish office by Sunday, 26th September. The storybook is an age-appropriate tool to educated children in the home, in churches or in the classroom. It teaches children that when it comes to their bodies, God created boundaries and assures them that it is OK to tell a trusted adult if someone touches them inappropriately.