Catholic communities across Australia will mark Safeguarding Sunday on 13 September, concluding National Child Protection Week.

This year’s theme, “Love Protects”, reminds us that genuine Christian love is active. It protects those who are vulnerable, listens when concerns are raised, speaks truthfully and never allows silence to take the place of safety.

On Safeguarding Sunday, we pray for all who have experienced abuse, together with their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm caused within Church settings and renew our commitment to creating communities in which every person is safe, heard, respected and included.

Safeguarding is more than policies, training and compliance. It is a Gospel responsibility expressed in our relationships, ministries, leadership and everyday actions. A safe Church is one where children, young people and adults at risk can participate fully, speak openly and know they will be taken seriously.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Each of us helps create a safer culture by remaining attentive, respecting appropriate boundaries, listening carefully and responding properly when concerns arise.

Safeguarding Sunday is not the conclusion of this work. It is a reminder of our continuing responsibility to make every parish, school, ministry and agency a place where people are cherished, protected and treated with dignity.

Further information and support contacts are available here.