Vaal Deanery Celebrates Child Safeguarding Launch

by Admin · Published July 22, 2024 · Updated July 22, 2024

Vaal Deanery Child safeguarding launch at Emmanuel Parish in Sebokeng

By Tebogo Mokwena – The Catholic Vaal Deanery united to celebrate the official launch of its Child Safeguarding programme on July 13. The momentous occasion began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Joseph Cassidy M.Afr from the Archdiocese of Johannesburg Child Safeguarding Committee, assisted by Fr Kirba Kifle MCCJ, the newly appointed Dean of the Vaal, Fr Nkosinathi Njongo OFM, Chaplain of Child Safeguarding, Fr Lucas Bambezela OFM and Fr Tshepo Maseko from St Francis Xavier in Small-Farms, Evaton.

In his homily, Fr Cassidy emphasised the importance of creating a safe environment for children in our parishes, stressing that this is a fundamental aspect of our faith. He highlighted the need for child safeguarding committees in our parishes to prevent abuse and ensure the well-being of our children.

“Every child is a child of God, and we are all chosen as reflected in the Gospel. We are chosen before we are born. As a small child, you are chosen. As a teenager, you are chosen.”

Fr Cassidy spoke in glowing terms about the Vaal Deanery’s event.

“I’m going to go back with great joy and say “Do not worry about the Vaal Deanery. They’re alive. They’re fully alive. And it’s beautiful to see this life, and I know you’re praying for this great reality of safety in our churches,” he emphatically added.

Fr Peter Joseph Cassidy M.Afr, Archdiocese of Johannesburg Child Safeguarding Committee

The event featured a special guest, Mme Nthabiseng Sebusi, a social worker from Childline, Sebokeng, who addressed both children and parents about the dangers of abuse. She encouraged children to reach out to the Childline helpline in situations of threat or abuse and shared information about the services offered by Childline.

The launch also included a fun-filled programme for children from the Catherine Robson Child & Youth Centre. They enjoyed a delicious meal that the Emmanuel parish CWL members prepared and had a blast on the jumping castle. The youth from Emmanuel Parish entertained the gathering with a vibrant Kofifi dance performance. Mme Tinah Musa and Dr Pulenyane Mosolodi contributed to the event’s success.

Mme Matilda Dube and Ntate Zakhele Lengoati Snr were interviewed about the event. Ms Dube praised the choir’s lively singing as their hymns went up like a fragrance to the Lord before the Blessed Supper of the Eucharist. During the interview, they both emphasised the great need for the initiative as per the direction from His Holiness Pope Francis and His Grace Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI. The Vaal Deanery extends its gratitude to all contributors and donors and thanks Emmanuel parish in Sebokeng for hosting the event.