The annual CMSM Safeguarding Ministry Conference next month offers our members and their safeguarding teams the opportunity to learn from experts and resource one another. Safeguarding ministry has evolved over the last two decades. There are many policies and procedures in place regarding the safeguarding of minors, especially through the use of the Praesidium Standards. We need continued development related to the vulnerability of adults, the appropriate use of power, and proper spiritual care.
This year at the Safeguarding Ministry Conference, we will have several sessions that will address boundaries and misconduct with adults. We have resources on these areas in our Member Content, but the Safeguarding Ministry Conference is a good opportunity to learn the latest in effective practices and learn from other leaders and safeguarding ministers.
Our Augustinian brother, Pope Leo XIV, offers this challenge to us all;
“[It is necessary to] radicate throughout the Church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse: abuse of power or authority, of conscience or spirituality, of sexual abuse.”
A “culture of prevention” comes through continual learning and consistent doing. We should not expect that at some point we will be finished with safeguarding. We need to see this ministry through the lens of metanoia. It is a process of ongoing conversion since those that we are responsible for are Christ in our midst. Safeguarding all our brothers and sisters, children and adults, serves them and serves Christ.
In prayerful solidarity,
Frank Donio, SAC
Executive Director
This is an excerpt from the September 2025 Items of Note. Items of Note is a monthly email for CMSM members and partners. If you are not receiving Items of Note once a month via email, please email contact@cmsm.org.