Creating safe and welcoming spaces in the festive season
Local
As Christmas approaches, parishes and communities across South Australia come alive with festive spirit.
Families prepare to reunite, neighbours exchange greetings and local groups organise events that bring people together.Amid the lights, music and laughter, this season invites us to reflect on something deeper; how we can make our celebrations not only joyful but also safe and welcoming for everyone.
For the Integrity and Safeguarding Department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide, Christmas is a reminder that safeguarding is not just about policy or compliance: it is about people. It is about building communities where everyone, especially the vulnerable, feels valued, respected and protected.
At its heart, Christmas is about welcome, about kindness, generosity and opening our hearts to others. Whether celebrated through faith, family or community, the message is universal: every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
When we make sure that gatherings are inclusive, that children, young people and adults at risk are safe, and that no one is left feeling isolated or unheard, we reflect the compassion and care that sit at the centre of this season.
While many experience joy at Christmas, others may be facing loneliness, loss, hardship or uncertainty. Some may be far from family or struggling in silence.
A simple act of connection: a visit, a conversation or an invitation to join a community meal can make an immeasurable difference. Real safeguarding begins with awareness: noticing those around us, offering support and ensuring that everyone can participate safely and freely in community life.
Throughout the year, the Integrity and Safeguarding Department has worked closely with parish and community leaders to ensure that our churches and gatherings are places of trust and protection.
Across the Archdiocese of Adelaide, Safeguarding Contact Persons have been appointed in every parish. These dedicated volunteers provide a local, approachable point of contact. Someone who is always available to listen, offer guidance, and respond when concerns arise. Their presence is a vital sign of our duty of care for one another.
This commitment to safety is supported through the department’s ongoing education and training. The Safeguarding Essentials Course has been rolled out to clergy, parish leadership, employees and volunteers to build awareness, recognise signs of harm, strengthen accountability and ensure that everyone who serves within the Archdiocese understands their responsibility to create and maintain safe environments. This shared learning has helped reinforce a culture where safety and respect are embedded in all aspects of community life.
In many parishes and communities, this spirit of care is expressed in simple yet powerful ways. Free Christmas lunches are offered to those who might otherwise spend the day alone, such as at the Aldinga Community Centre where Centacare participates and donates (bookings required through 8215-6310, look for Tamika). There are craft-making activities where children create welcome banners for new members and multicultural carols that celebrate the beauty of diversity.
These moments of connection remind us that safeguarding is not separate from community life; it is woven into every act of welcome, every word of kindness and every gesture of inclusion.
As schools, workplaces and local groups host their Christmas events, there is also an opportunity to think intentionally about how we celebrate. Creating safe and inclusive environments means ensuring our spaces are accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds, being mindful of respectful behaviour and fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.
When we look out for one another, we strengthen the fabric of our communities and reflect the light of compassion that lies at the heart of this season.
The Integrity and Safeguarding Department will continue to work hand in hand with our parishes and communities across the Archdiocese to embed good safeguarding practices and normalise safeguarding in everything we do.
From all of us at the Integrity and Safeguarding Department, we wish everyone a joyful, peaceful and safe Christmas. May this season remind us that every act of care, respect and inclusion brings us closer to the kind of world we all hope for, one where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe.
For more information or support contact the Integrity and Safeguarding Department on (08) 8210 8150 or visit adelaide.catholic.org.au.
