Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Former Patrician Brother Michael Stanton has recently been sentenced to 23 years jail for child sexual abuse offences. These crimes relate to incidents that occurred during the 1980s during his time at Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown.

I, together with Greg Whitby the Executive Director of Schools Diocese of Parramatta, the Parish Priest Blacktown, Fr Peter Confeggi, and Patrician Brothers’ College Principal, Santo Passarello, and the Provincial of the Patrician Brothers, Br Peter Ryan, am deeply saddened by the hurt and pain caused to our former students and their families.

For this pain and hurt, we are sorry.

All abuse against children is a sin and a crime which must not be tolerated by the Church.

As the Catholic Church in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the safety of children and other vulnerable people is our priority.

I encourage anyone with concerns or allegations of a criminal nature to report them directly to NSW Police through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

The Office for Safeguarding and Professional Standards for the Diocese of Parramatta maintains oversight of all Diocesan agencies to maintain robust systems of accountability and support to keep children and other vulnerable people safe. This office continues to work with the NSW Police and other law enforcement authorities on these matters and can be contacted on 02 8838 3419 or safeguarding@parra.catholic.org.au.

Anyone needing professional counselling or support may contact, CatholicCare Social Services on 02 9933 0233.

Please keep our former students and their families in your prayers so that they find healing and justice.

Yours in Christ,

Very Reverend Peter G Williams
Diocesan Administrator

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