Welcome from Archbishop Francis
Cuirim fáilte romhat chuig leathanach idirlíne Cosaint Leanaí in Ard-Deoise Thuama.
Pope Francis has set the Church in the twenty-first century on what is described as The Synodal Pathway. In essence, this is a way of living and acting in the Church that includes everyone and excludes no one. It has its starting point in the fact that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and, as such, has dignity and is deserving of respect. Synodality is a way of behaving in the Church that recognises human dignity and the unique giftedness of each one, and invites them to collaborate and be co-responsible for important tasks that can be worked on and brought to completion together for the good of all.
Safeguarding is one such important task. In the Archdiocese of Tuam the approach to safeguarding practice has been “synodal” from long before the word became fashionable. People in every parish – lay men and women, members of religious congregations, and clergy have worked diligently and faithfully in such a way as to ensure that the work of safeguarding is now firmly embedded in the life of the Archdiocese of Tuam. That being said, we cannot ever become complacent. We must regularly review and update our safeguarding policies and practices in order to maintain standards of best practice.
The publication by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) of the revised policy, A Safe and Welcoming Church (2024) is, therefore, to be warmly welcomed. It affords us an opportunity at local level, then, to review and update our policies and procedures, and to update the safeguarding section of our diocesan website.
In order to promote and maintain safeguarding best practice, the Archdiocese relies on the cooperation and support of all who engage in the life and ministry of the Archdiocese and its parishes. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work being done by Local Safeguarding Representatives, the members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Committee, the Safeguarding Trainers, the Advisors and Support Persons, the DLPs, the diocesan clergy, and all others who assist in any way. Everything being done by these people endeavours to ensure that children may engage and participate fully in the life of the Church.
Cuirim na daoine óga atá faoin ár gcúram, agus obair chosaint leanaí na hArd-Deoise, faoi choimirce na Maighdine Muire, Máthair Dé.
+ Francis Duffy
Archbishop of Tuam
12 June 2024
