Dear Sisters and Brothers, 

Grace and peace, I hope this note find you well. 

An important initiative of the Church in Australia is Safeguarding Sunday which takes place at the conclusion of National Child Protection Week on 10th September 2023. 

Safeguarding Sunday provides the opportunity to not only reaffirm child safe practices and protocols but to celebrate the presence of children and young people in our parishes and communities, as we continue to create and maintain a safe environment for all. It also invites people to pray for those harmed by abuse directly and indirectly and recognises the importance of change to ensure children grow up safe and supported by the Church.  

The Archdiocese of Adelaide is committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of our children and young people as led and guided by the Child Protection Unit (CPU). 

By now you will have received promotional items from the CPU to distribute to children and young people in your Parishes and Communities on Safeguarding Sunday. The branded highlighters raise awareness of the importance of giving children a voice and advocating for their rights as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. A guide on how to celebrate Safeguarding Sunday and initiatives from the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect have also been sent. 

In addition, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has a variety of resources for liturgical celebrations on Safeguarding Sunday on their website www.catholic.au/s/article/safeguardingsunday2023 They include bulletin notices, prayers of intercession, prayer slides, PowerPoint template background, A5 prayer card and social media graphics. 

For more information about Safeguarding Sunday, please contact Sally Wellington, Manager of the Child Protection Unit, at swellington@adelaide.catholic.org.au 

Thank you for sharing the resources through your respective networks. 

In Domino
Patrick O'Regan, Archbishop of Adelaide