Speaking at the annual conference of the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin took the opportunity to thank the parish volunteers who “help to translate the words and aspirations on the pages of our safeguarding manuals into action and change on the ground”.
Speaking to the 220 delegates attending the two-day conference, which took place in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Archbishop Martin said: “Risk to children, young people and the vulnerable is minimised when there is a pervasive ‘culture’ of safeguarding with everyone playing their part at every level of Church life. You represent the many hundreds of volunteers who care enough about children and their Church to become involved in this essential task. As designated persons, training facilitators, local and diocesan safeguarding representatives and Committee members, you are exercising your baptismal calling by bringing your gifts and expertise to the service of your local parish, diocese, religious community or congregation. It is your active commitment and vigilance, with the support of clear standards in Safeguarding and Guidance materials, which helps to maintain an environment that is as safe as possible for our children and young people.”
The two-day conference was attended by 220 delegates from throughout Ireland, North and South, and included bishops, priests, members of religious congregations, safeguarding liaison personnel and voluntary parish representatives.
ENDS
