This week I attended an information day on ‘Child Safety’. This was not a new topic as we have been very pro-active not only in the diocese but throughout the Catholic Church.
Priests were required to attend one of two days to be further informed of what is happening and needs to be followed through, in our parishes.
Much of what we heard was a good reminder such as what are the new crimes: grooming, failure to protect and failure to report.
The session was presented by Kevin Lalor from the Catholic Education Office. He gave an excellent presentation. What he shared as a power point presentation he also handed out as hard copy.
We have received so much information and so much that we have had to do with our parishioners which will in time change the whole culture of how we see ‘child safety’ that it will hopefully become second nature to all.
The structures in place now, as Kevin explained will assist us priests if we ever need assistance. This hard copy with highlighted sections will remain on our notice board and, please God, never to be used.
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest
30th November 2018
