Mission
NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 27 MAY - 3 JUNE 2019
Next Monday, marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, an important time in our Social Justice Calendar. This year’s theme ‘Grounded in Truth, Walk Together with Courage’ speaks of acknowledging the hurt of our shared past and moving forward with spirit and hope for change.
The relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians has been wounded by injustice and misunderstanding. This relationship continues to need healing, so that we can build a better future together, this is what the process of reconciliation is all about.
The mission of the Catholic Church also supports active reconciliation, in fact, it is a deeply Christian concept. Our theology and the Sacrament of Reconciliation provide us valuable insights into the power of forgiveness and the impact of restoring relationships, utilising the model and example of Jesus Christ. These gospel truths help us to better understand what is needed if the process of reconciliation in Australia is to be truly authentic.
Reconciliation Australia are an active presence in this space and seek to raise awareness of the heart of reconciliation being, the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds. Whether you’re engaging in challenging conversations or unlearning and relearning what you know, this journey requires all of us to walk together with courage. Next week our students will be engaged in learning and prayer in Homegroup about Reconciliation Week, please join us in prayer and action, towards Reconciliation:
Lord, open up our hearts so that we may hear the message
you teach of a world in which the
wrongs of the past are recognised.
A world in which a reconciled people walk together in courage
sharing stories that are grounded in truth;
a world in which all burn with the desire to have your
peace and justice reign.
May our awareness of the journey so far be awakened,
so that the Spirit moves us to walk the talk and see through what has been started.
We ask this in Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Red Shield Appeal occurs this Sunday 26 May in Wagga Wagga. This is The Salvation Army's signature fundraising drive which helps to fund the vast network of social and community services it offers our Community. The Red Shield Appeal began in 1965 and is promoted under their most recognisable symbol – the red shield. Each year, The Salvation Army appeals to the Australian community for donations to ensure they can continue to give hope where it is needed most, through; shelter for the homeless, assisting families in crisis through practical support and financial counselling, to guiding people with addictions through to a clean, healthy lifestyle.
Who does the Red Shield Appeal support?
Using money raised through the Red Shield Appeal, across Australia, The Salvation Army provides:
- Accommodation for over 2000 people per night
- Over 36,000 people assisted by homelessness services, by way of case management support
- Over 100,000 people assisted with hospitality, in-kind and personal assistance in disaster affected situations by Salvation Army Emergency Services
- Support to over 14,000 people by Financial Counsellors (Moneycare)
- Over 27,000 significant contacts made by Chaplains
- Support to over 3,000 by Aged Care services
The Salvation Army invites students and their families to offer their time in volunteering at the Lake Albert Supermarket collection point between 11.00am and 2.00pm on Sunday 26 May.
As this is a weekend activity, it will not be managed as School Excursion, therefor parents/carers are responsible for the direct supervision of their children. Please consider this opportunity for becoming involved in a local service initiative!
Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission