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Derry Diocese Child Protection Annual Update


A lot of work has been accomplished in the area of Child Protection in the Derry Diocese over the past number of years due to the commitment at all levels in the diocese, from the Bishop to the representatives working on the ground in all parishes. The diocese will continue to be put in place those structures, personnel, policies and procedures in a manner consistent with statutory requirements and Church guidelines. In the light of teaching of the Church, Civil, Legislation and Guidance, every part of the Church community must be committed to taking the necessary steps to:

• Demonstrate that the right of the child to protection from harm is paramount
• Cherish and safeguard children and young people
• Foster best practice
• Support Church Organisations and personnel in safeguarding children
• Establish safe recruitment and vetting practices– aimed at preventing those who pose a risk to children from holding positions of trust.
• Maintain codes of behaviour– having clear guidelines that set out what is and is not acceptable behaviour as an essential part of keeping children safe.

The Diocese now has a Child Protection Committee, Diocesan Coordinator, 2 Diocesan Trainers and a network of Parish Representatives.

The Trainers deliver info on' best practice’ and raise awareness of child protection issues; they also provide support to parishes within the Diocese. In turn the Parish Representatives will pass on this information and raise awareness within their local parish communities.
Notices are displayed in our churches which include the Diocesan Policy Statement, contact number for statutory authorities for anyone with a concern in relation to child protection or who wishes to make an allegation as well as the names and contact numbers of the diocesan delegates.

 

 
Latest Update : Sunday 29th August 2010

 


Parish Draw Winners for July
1st Prize No 029– J & N Carlin, Promotor G Carlin
2nd Prize No 433– D Quinn, Promoter, C Cregan
3rd Prize No 208–B & Z Harkin, Promoter, B Hetherington

 

 

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting 7th June, 2010

1 Parish Treasure Hunt Friday 25th June, 6.30pm– 7.15pm from Pastoral Centre. Light refreshments afterwards in Pastoral Centre.

2 Parish Festival day on Sunday 27th June in Pastoral Centre and grounds beginning 3.30pm– 6pm.

3 Youth Pilgrimage (age 16-35). One day Lough Derg Island Pilgrimage. Mid August, details to follow.

4 Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2011. Departure date to be around July 23rd 2011, 5 days. Price £625 or slightly less. Details later. Names should be given to Parish office if interested in travelling.

5 80th Anniversary of St Mary’s Church. Marking the occasion: Parish Volunteers celebration night in the Pastoral Centre Friday 29th October. Sat 30th– Sun 31st Oct 4pm-6pm. Pictorial or written records of Parish Life to be displayed in Pastoral Centre and after Mass on both days. Committee Members to seek if any parishioner is willing to lend their photographs of Parish Life in the keeping. Be it deceased family members or locations in Parish past. Or any photo they deem of note for others to see and rekindle memories of the 20thC. Each persons who give will have them returned. Triduum to be held from Vigil Mass of 30th Oct-2nd Nov. Speaker for Youth to be invited on Thursday evening 4th Nov. Mass for the deceased of past year on Friday 6th Nov. Feast of all Saints Ireland.

6 Parish Mission to be held on one of the first three weeks of May 2011. The Dominicans will give the Parish Retreat.

7 Parish Mass Rock at Birchwood. It is hoped to have Mass celebrated at the Birchwood Mass Rock on Thursday evening 1st July 2010.

Complaints again received from Parishioners about cars parking on the Main Ardmore Rd outside chapel, especially before Vigil Mass on Saturday evening. Sunday Morning car parking better observed.

 

 

New Experience for Survivors of Trauma.

(NEST)

Are you burdened by feelings of guilt or shame? Do you suffer from depression, anxiety and/or low self esteem? If you were able to break free from the pain of what has happened to you, would your life be different? The NEST Programme will enable you to do just that and also give you resources to deal with present and future life tasks. For more details telephone The Pastoral Centre, Maghera 02879642983 or Derry 02871347220 for assessment for the Autumn course, September 2009.

Disability Action’s Advice Service has put together a leaflet and standard letter for anyone who feels they may wish to challenge their bank or building society regarding excessive penalty charges to their account. Please call in for a leaflet to Disability Action, 58 Strand Road or telephone to make an appointment to discuss your concerns or telephone 71360811 and ask for Claire-Marie or Patricia.

NEXUS Counselling Service offers support to anyone who has been sexually abused, sexually assaulted or raped at any time in their life and are now 17 years old or over. NEXUS believe that the survivor is never to blame, regardless of the circumstances. NEXUS offers workshops for survivors of sexual abuse on a variety of topics including anger management, stress management, self-awareness and assertiveness. Family Education and Support Groups are offered for family members, parents and partners or survivors who may also need support. Contact NEXUS in confidence at 71260566.

ACCORD is a voluntary Catholic organisation that aims to promote a deeper understanding of Christian marriage and to offer people the means to safeguard and nourish their marriage and family relationships.

Tel : 7136 2475

http://www.accord.ie

   

If you or anyone you know has a child protection concern or wishes to report an allegation of child abuse directly to the Church authorities in relation to any member of Church personnel, please contact one of the following diocesan designated persons.

Rev John Farren : 00353 74 938 4037

Rev Seamus Farrelly : 00353 74 937 4104

Mrs Mary McCafferty : 028 7136 2475

   
Youth 2000 is an international initiative of young people called to spread the good news of the Catholic faith. We pray together, we organise retreats and other spiritual events to help others to know and love God.

Contact : Yvonne Murray : 028 7962 8244