Turning conversations into action for Safeguarding Sunday
Events
Each year, Safeguarding Sunday provides an opportunity for Catholic communities across Australia to reflect on our shared commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all people, especially children, young people, and adults at risk.
More than an annual observance, Safeguarding Sunday reminds us that safeguarding is at the heart of who we are as a Church community.
This year’s theme, ‘Every conversation matters – shifting conversations to action,’ highlights the powerful role that conversations play in building a culture of safeguarding. Conversations about wellbeing, respect, inclusion, boundaries and concerns can open doors to understanding, strengthen trust and encourage people to speak up when something does not feel right.
Yet safeguarding does not end with conversation. Real change happens when those conversations inspire action. When we choose to listen, include, support and respond, we create environments where everyone feels respected and protected. Every conversation has the potential to make a difference, and every action helps build stronger, safer environments for all.
Safeguarding is not simply a policy, a procedure, or a training requirement. It is about ensuring that every person who participates in the life of the Church feels safe, valued, heard, respected, and protected. Whether through parish ministries, sacramental programs, youth activities, pastoral care, or community events, creating safe environments is a responsibility shared by all members of the Church.
To support parish engagement this year, the Archdiocese of Adelaide is inviting parishes, schools, and diocesan departments to participate in a safeguarding commitment wall competition. This initiative encourages children, young people, and adults to write or draw a personal commitment to safeguarding on a hand-shaped template to create a visible reminder that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
These commitments may be simple but meaningful promises, such as:
- “I will treat others with respect.”
- “I will listen when someone needs help.”
- “I will include people who feel left out.”
- “I will speak up if I am worried about someone’s safety.”
The activity provides an opportunity for people of all ages to reflect on the role they play in fostering safe, inclusive, and hope-filled communities. It also reflects this year’s theme by encouraging individuals to move beyond conversation and make a personal commitment to action.
All the decorated hands will be displayed together to create a Safeguarding Commitment Wall/poster. Parishes and schools are to take a photo of their completed display and submit it to the Archdiocese Safeguarding Operations Team via caasafeoperations@adelaide.catholic.org.au as their competition entry by 30 September 2026. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, as well as for the Most Creative Entry.
We look forward to seeing your creative displays and the commitments your community makes to keeping everyone safe. The winners will be selected and notified.
Safeguarding Sunday will also provide an opportunity for parishes to formally commission their safeguarding contact persons during Mass. Safeguarding contact persons play an important role in parish life by promoting safeguarding awareness, supporting parish communities, and serving as a local point of contact for safeguarding matters. This commissioning recognises their valuable contribution and highlights the important role they play in helping to create and maintain safe environments across the Archdiocese.
Schools throughout the Archdiocese will also be invited to participate in Safeguarding Sunday. Through the commitment wall Initiative, students, teachers, and school communities will have the opportunity to reflect on the values of dignity, respect, inclusion, and safety. By engaging children and young people in these conversations, we empower them to contribute to creating safe and supportive environments both within their schools and the wider community.
The Archdiocese is also exploring opportunities to bring together safeguarding contact persons and parish representatives for a safeguarding forum later in 2026, to be held in the cathedral hall. Such gatherings provide valuable opportunities to share experiences, provide feedback, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, ensure a consistent safeguarding approach and strengthen our collective commitment to safeguarding. Open dialogue and collaboration are essential in building communities that continually strive to improve their safeguarding practices.
The work of safeguarding reflects the Gospel itself. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated particular concern for those who were vulnerable, marginalised, and in need of protection. As followers of Christ, we are called to continue this mission by ensuring our communities are places where every person is treated with dignity and respect.
As we mark Safeguarding Sunday 2026, let us turn conversation into action and continue building parish communities where every person is safe, valued, respected, and supported.
The Integrity and Safeguarding Department thanks all parishes, schools, ministries, diocesan departments, safeguarding contact persons, volunteers, and community members for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding and for helping create environments where trust, dignity, and care flourish.
Safeguarding Sunday is on 13 September 2026.
