We deliver services to the agencies
and ministries of the Diocese of Parramatta
Statement of Commitment from our Bishop
Most Reverend Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv DD STL
“The Diocese is committed to being a community of safeguarding. This means we have zero tolerance of abuse in any form. We promise to do everything we can so no child or other person in our care is harmed again. As part of this, our job is to make sure everyone who works or acts for the Church understands and recognises the Standards as an integral part of their understanding of what it means to be engaged in the life of the Church”
A definition of Safeguarding
The Diocese of Parramatta is committed to being a community of safeguarding that actively promotes the dignity and rights of children and of all other persons, particularly those who may be at risk.
The Safeguarding Office delivers advice and support to the parishes, agencies and ministries of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta to ensure the Diocese is safe for all people. The Office also receives and manages concerns, reports or complaints regarding the conduct of people who are responsible for leading ministry or providing services in the Diocese.
In all of our works, ministries and activities, we respond to the call of the Gospel to protect those who are vulnerable by fostering culture, education, systems, processes and environments where the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable people is paramount.
Acknowledgement of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Parramatta sits, the land of the Darug and Gundungurra people.
We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders past, present and future for they hold the traditions, memories and wisdom of Mother Earth on which we place our feet upon today.
Artwork by Joshua Sly
Aboriginal Education Assistant and Biripi Artist.
Acknowledgement to survivors of abuse
We acknowledge the lifelong trauma of abuse victims, survivors and their families, the failure of churches in Australia to protect, believe and respond to children and vulnerable adults, and the consequent breaches of community trust (CPSL).
News & Events
Keep up to date with news and upcoming events
Office for Safeguarding and Professional Standards Newsletter Issue 3
Office for Safeguarding and Professional Standards Newsletter Issue 2
Creating a Safe Church From within – Two Days with Fr Hans Zollner SJ Summary Report
Office for Safeguarding and Professional Standards Newsletter
Promoting Sunny
National Catholic Safeguarding Standards (Safeguarding Standards)
Journaling is a useful tool for assessing and tracking what’s happening in your relationship.
The records you keep in the Iris app can help you talk to someone about what you are experiencing, how you can work out what is best for your relationship and most importantly assist in your journey to safety.
Telling somebody is the first step
- Abuse in never OK - no matter who is doing it or what they do in the Church community.
- Abuse is never your fault- no matter where it happened in the Church community or how it happened.
Telling somebody is the first step. If you don't get help at first, then don't give up- tell someone else you can trust until you get the help you need.
Telling somebody is the first step
If you're being hurt by someone at Church, it's OK to tell somebody. No matter what you might be going through, no matter how alone or worried you feel, it is super important that you tell, text, message, email somebody what is happening. Abuse is sometimes not talked about out of fear that you will get into trouble, that you somehow caused it to happen or that you won't be believed.
- Abuse in never OK - no matter who is doing it or what they do in the Church community.
- Abuse is never your fault- no matter where it happened in the Church community or how it happened.
Telling somebody is the first step. If you don't get help at first, then don't give up- tell someone else you can trust until you get the help you need.
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