Sydney Archdiocese’s Safeguarding and Ministerial Integrity Office has hosted its first “Tea and Talk” event, welcoming personnel from more than 26 parishes and communities across the archdiocese.
As the archdiocese continues to strengthen its commitment to the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, the event offered opportunity for connection, learning, and hope.
“The intention was to host an informal ‘meet and greet’ that created a safe and welcoming environment, where people could feel connected to the archdiocese, recognise they’re part of a broader mission, and see how they fit within the bigger picture,” safeguarding director Jennifer Orre said.
“Above all, it was an opportunity to connect face-to-face with others across the team and strengthen collaboration.”
Thanks to the sustained efforts of the safeguarding office, a measurable cultural transformation has occurred across the archdiocese.
Parish compliance with safeguarding requirements has risen considerably in the past year, a testament to the hard work and collaboration of the office with parishes and communities.
“Everyone should be making sure our parishes are safe,” Fr Simon Kitimbo, who attended from the Good Shepherd parish in Hoxton Park with his safeguarding officer, said.
For Agatha Nicol, safeguarding officer at St Joseph’s, Belmore, these moments of gathering are deeply personal and profoundly missionary.
“We’re the ones that are on the front line,” Ms Nicol said when asked about her role at St Joseph’s. “So, it’s good to meet with other parishes, reach out to and find out what they’re doing and what works in their parish.”
Her dedication is born from lived experience as a survivor of abuse within the Church. Rather than allowing that suffering to define her, she has allowed God’s grace to transform it into a source of empathy, strength, and service in her current role.
“Having lived through it, you know what it’s like, to heal from all of that and to sit on the other side and to experience God’s love. It makes doing this work so much easier and so much more important,” she explained.
Ms Orre said the inaugural gathering reflects the office’s commitment to nurturing strong, respectful relationships with the parish and chaplaincy communities it serves.
FULL STORY
Archdiocese launches ‘Tea and Talk’ to strengthen parish safeguarding (By Darren Ally, The Catholic Weekly)
