Dear sisters and brothers,

Re: Safeguarding Sunday 

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 8th September 2024.

Safeguarding Sunday provides the opportunity to not only reaffirm child safe practices and protocols but also to celebrate the presences 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 and young people 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 led and guided by the newly formed Integrity and Safeguarding Department.

By now, your Child Safe Contact Persons will have received the template for the colouring in competition that children and young people in your Parishes and Communities are invited to participate in on Safeguarding Sunday. Children often express themselves through their art and it is a creative way for children to find their voice. As we know, every conversation matters, no matter how it starts. We strive to continually 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 -  Safeguarding Sunday 2024 Resources (catholic.au). 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 Annette Troiani, Manager Safeguarding Operations, at atroiani@adelaide.catholic.org.au

I encourage you to share amongst your Parish, Schools and Communities. With renewed thanks,

In Domino,
+Patrick O’Regan
Archbishop of Adelaide