Weekend of 9th October
With the good news that our churches are open, safeguarding checks continue to take place to ensure and maintain safe environment, as well as the yearly Parish Safeguarding Audits which are being sent out to the Parish Priest and Parish Safeguarding reps in the next few weeks.
As we welcome people back, we offer our continued reassurance of our commitment to safeguarding in the Parish and in the Diocese.
Weekend of 16th October
‘SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY’.
To safeguard those most vulnerable, we all have a part to play. If we have a concern for the safety / wellbeing of anybody, we must report this to the appropriate authority, whether that be, Gardai, HSE, Tusla, GP or Church Authority. The Diocesean Designated Liaison persons are not only available to you for church related concerns, but can offer you advice on how to report any concerns in the wider context.
Please feel free to contact Cleo Yates or Fr. Alan O’Leary at safeguarding@corkandross.org
Weekend of 23rd October
An ‘Adult Safeguarding Policy, Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse ‘ has been written and implemented for all the Dioceses in Munster.
‘Inspired by gospel values, the commitment of Pope Francis, and in compliance with law we will strive to ensure the participation and welfare of all adults who may be vulnerable in the life of the Church. We are committed to fostering a safeguarding culture characterised by empowerment, collaboration and zero tolerance of abuse.’
You can find a copy of the policy at www.corkandross.org /safeguarding
Weekend of 30 October
One of the impacts of Covid was a rise in the amount of “screen time”. Finding ourselves spending more time ‘looking down than looking up’. This is especially worrying for our children.
Please check out these useful websites with resources for keeping our children safe online.
Office for internet Safety; Webwise; That’s not cool; Think you know; Net lingo; Translate it; Laya Healthcare Online Safety; Screen Time app; Connect Safely; Google Family Safety Centre; PEGI Rating System; Kid Rex (safe search); YouTube Policy & safety; ICIA’S Parents Guide to Mobile Phones Irish Mobile Phone Operators Code of Practice. (Courtesy of Dr Maureen Griffin)
Safeguarding Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Hear our voices as we pray for your care and protection.
Strengthen and guide us as we strive to make our Catholic communities a safe place for all.
We especially ask that the children and vulnerable adults you entrust to our care are protected.
Give us the wisdom and courage to listen with open hearts, see with open eyes, and speak out to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe, loved, respected, and cared for.
May we also pray for those who have been harmed. Give them the courage to seek the truth and to heal.
Lord, you call us to walk with integrity in the service of others. May we all strive to understand our collective responsibility to work together to safeguard our Catholic communities.
Guide us as we build a community that fosters everyone to flourish and be safe.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Diocesan Safeguarding Committee
