Safeguarding

Welcome to the Safeguarding page of the Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance for the monks' monasteries on the island of Ireland.

The communities of the Order of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.  The Constitutions of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance include the following:

C.  30 bis: Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

Each community and each member of the Order, attentive to the respect and dignity of each person, in particular minors and fragile persons, is vigilant in the prevention of all forms of abuse of power, of conscience and of sexual aggression.

Child Safeguarding

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN POLICY STATEMENT

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.

The Order of the Cistericans of the Strict Observance in Ireland 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 CHILDREN COMMITMENT

The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, as part of the Catholic Church in Ireland, commit to:

 • Safeguarding children by agreeing to follow this Safeguarding Children Policy

 • Supporting Church personnel in my Church body to follow all aspects of this policy

 • Accepting our responsibilities for creating a culture of safety; building safe environments for children; and ensuring that children are welcome, involved in ministry and free from harm

 • Responding to and managing allegations of abuse with compassion and fairness and in line with civil and canonical requirements

 • The superiors accepting their overall responsibility as a Church authority to uphold safeguarding as a core ministry in the Catholic Church in Ireland.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN PROCEDURES & GUIDANCE

We have 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 here.

Adult Safeguarding

We have in place a Safeguarding Policy for Adults at risk of abuse. The policy can be found here.

Contact Details

If you have any concerns about the welfare and safety of children or adults at risk of abuse please contact:

Ms Cleo Yates

Safeguarding Manager 

Cistercian Order (Ireland & Northern Ireland) 

Telephone: +353 87 3553024

Email: safeguarding@ocso.ie