About

One Commitment, Many Contexts: Fostering Cultures of Safety and Spiritual Integrity

Conference: March 15-18

Retreat: March 18-19

Safeguarding ministry in religious life is rooted in a common commitment to protect children and vulnerable adults. Yet this work increasingly unfolds across diverse cultural, national, and ecclesial contexts, requiring safeguarding professionals to understand how diverse perceptions of authority, boundaries, vulnerability, disclosure, and prevention shape safeguarding. 

This year’s Safeguarding Ministry Conference will bring together those engaged in safeguarding within communities of male religious to strengthen core competencies in the prevention of child sexual abuse while also exploring the particular challenges of international safeguarding.

Through shared learning, practical formation, and dialogue, participants will consider how common safeguarding principles can be implemented effectively and sensitively in the varied contexts in which religious communities live and minister.

Click here to access the schedule for the Safeguarding Ministry Conference.

Lodging 

• The Bethany Center in Lutz, FL, has limited lodging. All rooms are single occupancy, with a queen bed, linens, and private bath. If you are interested in staying at the retreat center, register early to ensure you get a room.
• There also are several nearby hotels once the Center is full or for those who don't wish to attend the Retreat. If you are not staying at Bethany Center, choose “Commuter” when registering. The Residence Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway has special rates for those attending events at Bethany: click here for the reservation link.  

Online Workshop

For those who cannot travel to Lutz, we are offering a limited virtual conference:

• The same plenary sessions as the in-person conference
• 2 breakout sessions - titles and times coming soon!
• No panel discussion or retreat

Airport 

The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport. The Bethany Center is a short drive away by rental car or Uber.

Letters of Suitability 

Mass will be celebrated daily. All priests are invited to concelebrate. If you would like to concelebrate, you will need to provide a letter of good standing. It can be emailed to Greta David at [email protected]. CMSM will compile the letters and share them with the local Ordinary. Please note all concelebrants must also bring their own alb and stole. 

The letter should be addressed to:

Most Reverend Archbishop Gregory Parkes

Diocese of St. Petersburg

PO Box 40200

St. Petersburg, FL 33743-0200

Cancellation policy

Refunds will be given for cancellations made by Feburary 27, 2027, less a $100 non-refundable cancellation fee. No refunds will be available after that time.

We look forward to seeing you. If you have questions, please contact Greta David, Director of Communications, at [email protected] or (240) 394-1851.