
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”

Letter from the Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia
The Parramatta Way of Safeguarding is to...
Act with Justice, and state that we have a zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children or any person
Act with justice and ensure that laws and obligations are upheld, and safety is paramount
And it is to
Love tenderly, as we accept all who come to the Diocese of Parramatta from all walks of life, cultures, and abilities
Love tenderly, as we accept any person for who they are and where they are at in their lives
Love tenderly, as we look after and prioritise children and care for those who may be in a difficult situation or at risk of harm for whatever reason
Love tenderly, as we are servants of the Church, and our role is to walk beside you and support you
And acknowledge
The traditional custodians of the land in which the Diocese of Parramatta sits – the Darug and Gundungurra people
The lifelong trauma of abuse victims and those failures of the Church to protect children and all adults at risk
The diversity of many cultural groups that reside in Parramatta creating a kaleidoscope of diversity and beliefs that are valued and respected
And celebrate the talents and gifts of the community and families of all abilities
And promote
The principles of Catholic social teaching of dignity, respect, association, participation, support for the vulnerable, solidarity, stewardship, subsidiarity, equality and the principle of the common good.
"This is what the Lord asks of you: only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.”
(Micah 6:8)
Children and Young People’s Participation in Catholic Communities
Celebrating National Protection Week

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

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.