Child Safeguarding Statement of Glenstal Abbey
The Gospel teaches the importance of ensuring that the Catholic Church community is a warm, welcoming and safe place for children.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Mark 10:14-15)
Children are gifts from God, to be cherished and recognised for the joyful contribution they make as valued members of the Church.
Our challenge is to follow the example of Jesus in cherishing them. Safeguarding is key to this important task and should be seen, not as a burden, but as an opportunity to embrace and encourage children’s ministry, following the example of Jesus Christ.
This Church body pledges to safeguard children and young people from harm and to support them in their development as valued and integral members of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Church’s ministry will be inclusive and will uphold their rights.
Consistent with Gospel values, and with civil and criminal law, those who minister will do so with dignity and integrity, honouring their calling to ensure that children and young people are welcomed, cherished and protected, following the example set by Jesus.
This Safeguarding Children Policy will be honoured and complied with by all ordained clerics, by vowed female and male religious, and by all lay staff and volunteers in the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Safeguarding Procedures
Glenstal Abbey has adopted the Procedures and Guidance published by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland. These Procedures and Guidance are available on the NBSCCCI website.
Publication of Second Review of Safeguarding Practice
The second Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Benedictine Community of Glenstal Abbey undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) was carried out in May 2018. The report, which was published in August 2018, can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
Report on Previous Review of Safeguarding Practice
The first Review of Safeguarding Practice in the Benedictine Community of Glenstal Abbey undertaken by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCCI) was carried out in November 2013. The report, which was published in May 2014, can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
Mr Pat Brosnan & Fr Senan Furlong OSB
Bruff Garda Station
Child and Family Agency – Tusla (St Camillus Hospital, Limerick)
Safeguarding Children Policy
Glenstal Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks in County Limerick, Ireland, and is a place of prayer, work, education and hospitality. The monastery sits alongside a popular guesthouse and a boarding school for boys, housed within a 19th century Normanesque castle amidst five hundred magnificent acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams. more
