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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 7th March 2010

 

Pastoral Council Meeting

1. At the Pastoral Council Meeting of 8th Sept, it was agreed that as preparation for the World Eucharistic Congress to be hosted in Dublin in 2012 that each area of our Parish would host the Celebration of the Eucharist in St Mary’s Church. It was also agreed that after each area Mass, there would be light refreshments in the Pastoral Centre.

These Masses would be celebrated between now and 2012. The next Area Mass would be for the Altnagelvin/Daly’s Pk, Grovemount, Ashgrove, Ardlough Rd, Church Rd, Church Brae area on Wednesday 28th October (meeting in preparation for this Monday 19th Oct) and the following Area Mass would be for Glenmore Area on Tuesday 17th November. (Meeting of residents on 5th November)

2. It was also agreed to encourage Parishioners to attend the Eucharistic Adoration in St Mary’s on the First Fridays from 2pm– 7.15pm.

3.The Offertory Gifts would be brought up at the 6pm Vigil and 11amMass beginning next weekend 19th/20th September
6pm Vigil Mass Donnnelly Family. Knockbrack Pk
11am Sunday Mass Boyle Family Altnagelvin Pk

(Our thanks to all who volunteered. If you would like to volunteer please Tel 71349490 with name, address Tel and Mass preference to present the offertory Gifts)

4. Mass for Deceased parishioners at 7.30pm on the 6th November in St Mary’s.

5. ‘Do this in Memory Programme’ in preparation for First Holy Communicants was also encouraged. Meeting of all Parents/Guardians of First Communion Children would take place in St Mary’s on Tuesday 22nd September in Pastoral Centre.

6. The Pastoral Council would like to encourage all Year 13 Students to enrol for the John Paul II award. A meeting for all Year 13 pupils from the Parish will take place in the Pastoral Centre on Monday 21st September at 7pm. All Welcome.

Next Pastoral Council Meeting Tuesday 29th September at 7pm.

 

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
   
   

 


 

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