A new booklet launched today encourages workers in Catholic communities to support and engage, listen and communicate with young people.
Children and Young People’s Participation in Catholic Communities is co-published by the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay and the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Bishops Anthony Randazzo DD JCL, Vincent Long OFM Conv and Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, state their zero tolerance to any attitude and activity making children and young people unsafe.
“As leaders of the Catholic Church, we endorse the underlying principles and practices of participation expressed in this document. Our Catholic communities have a responsibility to all our children and young people to help them reach their full potential”, they write in the booklet.
The booklet explains the need to empower children and young people, respect and affirm them and links this to the Catholic concept of subsidiarity, where children and young people can participate in Church communities which also allow their voices to be heard.
It encourages ministries, services and programs that are relevant for children and young people and enhanced relationships between leaders, community members and children and young people.