Photo: Supplied
WelCom March 2022
Sr Catherine Jones smsm
I am grateful to the parishes and safeguarding administrators for welcoming me on my visits late in 2021 as I began my service as Safeguarding Adviser for the archdiocese. I look forward to continuing these visits once Covid-19 restrictions permit.
Meanwhile, to reflect, let’s ask: ‘What is Safeguarding?’
Safeguarding has been defined among some parishioners as:
‘looking out for the safety of our children and elders’;
‘to avoid, limit, prevent relationships that are damaging or exploitative’;
‘commitment to a code of conduct in our ministries’.
These reflections indicate safeguarding is understood and being implemented in our parishes.
Exploring Samoan concepts of tulou and va is also deepening the understanding of the dignity of the human person in society.
Another safeguarding definition is from the Ateneo de Manila [Jesuit university in Quezon City, Philippines]: ‘…to create a culture of relational safety in persons and institutions…[becoming]…an intentional part of the daily life of every Catholic’.
To create a culture of relational safety – this is a priority in the work of safeguarding in our archdiocese this year, through parish visits, workshops and formation.
An intentional part of the daily life of every Catholic – we are called to live gospel values of dignity, justice and love in all our relationships; this is built on a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus, we can say ‘safeguarding is a spirituality before it is a strategy’.
Formation
Te Kupenga Catholic Institute offers a course on safeguarding. Several parish administrators and others involved in archdiocesan ministries with family, children and vulnerable adults have enrolled for this course, and registration is still open. Contact Te Kupenga Catholic Institute at office@ctc.ac.nz for further information and registration.
Sr Catherine Jones smsm, Safeguarding Adviser, Archdiocese of Wellington, can be contacted at: c.jones@wn.catholic.org.nz