Welcome
A message from the Provincial of the Irish Capuchin Province
Message from the Provincial
“We need to see each child as a gift, to be welcomed, cherished and protected….” (Pope Francis [2015])
We, the Irish Capuchins, are committed to creating and maintaining safe environments for all children and young people with whom we come in contact or who become involved in any of our ministries, or who make use of our facilities. As “brothers to all” we, friars, are called to have respect for the dignity and worth of every human being including children.
As a constituent member of the Catholic Church in Ireland, we recognise and uphold the dignity and rights of all children, are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being, and will work in partnership with parents/guardians to do this. We recognise each child as a Gift from God, and we value and encourage the participation of children in all activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional, intellectual and social development.
We aim to ensure that the children and young people with whom we are in contact and have ministries with, are not only safe but feel safe. In ensuring we achieve this, we have safeguarding policies and procedures in place governing the formation of friars, the recruitment of staff and volunteers, codes of behaviour, responding to child protection concerns and promotion of best practice in working with children and young people.
The implementation of our safeguarding policies, procedures and practices is subject to regular review, and assessed annually by the Provincial Capuchin Safeguarding Committee, who may make recommendations and suggestions to the Provincial Minister and Council. This allows us to ensure a safe environment for children, young people, their families, and Capuchin friars to explore and celebrate our Christian faith, through prayer, activity and community.
It is important, with the support of the parents/carers of the children and young people, we continue to engage with children and young people in our varied Capuchin ministries.
Fr Sean Kelly, ofmcap
Provincial Minister
Date: 17th October 2024
I invite anyone who may have safeguarding concerns regarding Capuchin friars to contact our Designated Liaison Person, Ms. Claire Tobin Phone: (089) 6149313. Email: dlpcap@capuchins.ie
Our Child Safeguarding Statement: Child Safeguarding Statement of the Irish Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Order 2021