The Delargey Awards are named in honour of Cardinal Reginald Delargey (1914-79) who was noted for his work for young Catholics.

They are presented by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference every two years to recognise outstanding involvement in Catholic Youth Ministry.

The 2020 winners are:

• Antje Duda of Christchurch, in the Justice and Service category of the awards, for her "remarkable impact" on the Catholic Cathedral College community, particularly in supporting students in valuing service, justice and their faith.
• Susana Fiu-Fetalai, of Auckland, in the Pastoral Care category, for her work with the Mother of Divine Mercy Refuge and Project Hope and her "remarkable commitment to supporting families and helping young people discover their God-gifted talents and create change in their lives."
• Jennifer Martinez and Sam Mano of Auckland, (pictured above) jointly, in the Pastoral Care and Leadership Development categories, for dedicating many years of service to Catholic youth in New Zealand through the Marist youth development project Logos, inspiring and encouraging youth through retreats and other programmes.
• Dave Mullin of Palmerston North, in the Advocacy category, for his many years of involvement in diocesan youth and young adult ministry, including chairing the bishops' Council for Young People from 2017 to 2019 and organising and attending World Youth Days.

As part of the award, the winners will we be recognised at Takirua 2020, the youth and marriage ministry conference, which is yet to be rescheduled because of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bishop of Auckland Patrick Dunn, President of the NZCBC, congratulated the winners for their dedicated work with young people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

"The awards are an opportunity to acknowledge the work of the many wonderful people in our parishes and dioceses who tirelessly support young people in many different ways," said Bishop Dunn.

Source:

Supplied: Communications Adviser, NZ Catholic Bishops
Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa

NZ Catholic Bishops Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa

He will also go through the process himself.

Archbishop Dew, Tuesday, wrote to all priests and deacons in the Archdiocese saying that following recent incidents throughout the country, the Education Review Office requires police vetting for all volunteers who visit schools regularly.

The Archbishop said the question was raised because priests work in schools, and often attend school camps, picnics, sports days etc.

The Archbishop told CathNews that priests and deacons should be like all other volunteers who visit schools regularly.

"As pastors and chaplains we are in a privileged, sacred and trusted position. Therefore it is essential that we are open, transparent in undertaking a police vet which is required for all other volunteers who visit a school regularly.

"Undertaking to complete the vetting process is one way that we can honour our commitment to learning from our past and providing transparency and reassurance to those who trust us," he said.

Archbishop Dew is confident priests will respond positively to his request.

"Priests have already indicated to me that they appreciate the request to do so because it offers another opportunity to reassure people that we have the wellbeing and safety of our children as our first priority," he told CathNews.

He is also asking that parish volunteers and employees also go through the vetting process.

When asked what impact he thought this might have on volunteers, for example helping coach sport in a school, the Archbishop was clear that we are living in different times, and that he sees police vetting as becoming a normal part of ministry, of working with young people.

In an attached "Consent to disclosure of information" form, the archdiocese points out the police vetting process is not a complete background check.

It says the police vetting involves a check for convictions and a search of other information held by the police, including whether a person, even if not convicted, has any record of violent or sexual behaviour.

The Archdiocese says strict procedures are in place to protect the privacy of those being vetted to avoid inappropriate information being released by either the New Zealand Police or the Archdiocese.

The archbishop has appointed Mr David Mullin as the Archdiocesan Vetting Officer who will receive a summary of the police report.

Police vetting status lasts only for three years. Priests and youth workers who continue working with young people need to complete the vetting process every three years.

The police vetting process is free.

On Tuesday, CathNews reported that in Pope Francis' first public statement on clerical sex abuse he called for decisive action in the promotion of measures for child protection.

Sources

• CathNews
• Image: Caritas

"Ola Fou", meaning "new life" is a project of the Youth Cultures and Community Trust, a charitable organization registered in New Zealand.

The course is funded by NZAid to assist 16 youth workers from Tonga, eight from Fiji and six from Samoa to attend a series of block courses over 15 months to complete qualifications at the Certificate and Diploma level.

It is aimed at supporting Pacific-based youth workers to develop their leadership skills and gain qualifications to work with young people in their individual communities.

Matangi Tonga Online
Image: Matangi Tonga Online