Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Last weekend I spoke about the Parish Pastoral Council, thanking those parishioners who have served the parish community by being active members for many years. A call was made to parishioners to participate in a renewed PPC, and I am happy to say that some are seriously considering their participation. If you believe you can serve the parish community in this way, please come forward. I also encourage young adults to consider forming part of the PPC. The parish needs your youthfulness!
On another, but similar note, these last couple of months we have also renewed our Safeguarding Committee, and this has seen Cassandra Xuereb and Justin Gatt join Amanda Browne, Joyce Cutajar and me in this responsibility. A first meeting was held on the 9th of October 2024 with Hailey Elkington who is the Safeguarding Officer for the Western Region of our Archdiocese.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne states clearly that “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility... and we consider the safety and wellbeing of all persons to be our highest priority” (https://melbournecatholic.org/safeguarding).
We all acknowledge that children, young people, and adults at risk may require additional safeguards to promote their participation, wellbeing and safety in church, and everywhere.
For this reason, a Safeguarding Committee is a must in every parish. Such a committee works collaboratively with the parish priest and parish leadership to promote the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This it does through the implementation of the requirements of the Safeguarding Children and Young People policy and relevant procedures and practices.
Policies, practices and procedures help with the prevention of abuse, and an appropriate and effective response if this, God forbid, occurs. Very importantly, priests, employees and volunteers are committed to upholding the right to safety of all persons. A culture of safety needs to be created and adhered to.
God bless you
Fr Silvio
