www.therecord.com.au
28 SEPTEMBER 2023
Edition #452
WALKING TOGETHER - ARCHBISHOP TIM'S WEEKLY THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION FROM THE SYNOD Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bunbury has this week written the first in a series of weekly reflections from the Synod. Archbishop Costelloe is also a member of the Preparatory Commission for the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The Weekly Reflection is published in Full with this week's edition of The eRecord.
PROFOUND IMPACT OF CHILDHOOD EMPHASISED DURING CHILD PROTECTION WEEK The Archdiocese of Perth in conjunction with its dedicated Safeguarding Office has this month observed Child Protection Week, 3 to 10 September. The week-long commemoration aligned with the nationwide theme, "Every child, in every community, needs a fair go," reaffirming the Archdiocese's unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of every child. Child Protection Week Theme: "Where We Start Matters" The theme for this year's National Child Protection Week echoed the sentiments of the previous year: "Every child, in every community, needs a fair go." However, it was further enriched with the phrase "Where We Start Matters." The theme emphasised the profound impact that the starting point in a child's life has on their future, including where they live, how they live, and the environment in which they grow. In line with this theme, the Archdiocese of Perth recognised the pivotal role it plays as a faith-filled
community in providing a safe haven for all, emphasising that "Where we start as a faith-filled community in providing a safe place for all - matters." A Commitment to Safeguarding Children Safeguarding Office Acting Director Barbara Blayney spoke about this year’s Child Protection Week theme within the context of the Archdiocese of Perth’s strong commitment to safeguarding children. “We all know that children thrive in safe and supported communities, but the reality is – as statistics tell us – one in four children in Australia experience more than one form of abuse every year,” Ms Blayney said. “As a church community, we can make a difference. We can continue to model in the best possible way, through who we are and what we do, that we are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to children and adults.” “What that looks like in our everyday is by develop1