Scottish Catholic Observer

by Peter Diamond

The diocesan Administrator, Bishop Joe Toal, (above) said safeguarding was a very important issue for the Church and this was an opportunity to pray for children and those who protect them.

“As we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Our lord, we hear the story of Mary and Joseph as loving parents presenting the Child Jesus to God in the temple according to the Jewish tradition,” he said. “It is a good day then to pray for all who care for children and to renew our commitment to protect them from any possible harm. In our Evening Prayer we express our desire as a Church to safeguard fully children and vulnerable adults and we ask God’s blessing on the clergy and lay faithful who have special responsibilities in carrying out this essential service in our parishes and church organisations.”

Tina Campbell, National Safeguarding Coordinator for the Catholic Church in Scotland, said the work of ensuring the safety of children relied on volunteers, and this Mass would recognise their efforts.

“Throughout Scotland a considerable amount of the work of safeguarding in each Diocese is dependent on many volunteers who give generously of their time as Parish Safeguarding Coordinators, as well as Trainers who deliver the Awareness and Safety Programme and Counter signatories and ID checkers who implement the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Scheme,” she said. “This work represents a huge commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of everyone in the Church and I am delighted it is being recognized in this way. An important aspect of our safeguarding work is to place all we do into the hands of God both for His protection and guidance.”

Mrs Campbell, who was appointed to her national role a few months ago, said she had ‘been encouraging each Diocesan Safeguarding Team to consider the Dedication and Commissioning of all who share in this important work of Safeguarding’.

“The first such service will take place on Sunday February 2nd in the Diocese of Motherwell,” she said. “All who share in the work of safeguarding in the Diocese will gather at the Cathedral for Solemn Vespers. The principal celebrant will be Bishop Joseph Toal and priests and Deacons throughout the Diocese have been invited to join him. During Vespers, everyone will be invited to take part in the Act of Dedication and also to say the Prayer of Dedication and Commissioning together. This will be a very powerful witness to the good work which is taking place in our parishes and a clear sign of the importance given to the work of safeguarding.”

The service will take place during Solemn Vespers at Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, Motherwell at 5pm, with a similar service to take place in Dunkeld, on March and other similar Masses to follow in other dioceses.