Parish News
Social Justice Statement 2023-2024
On this Social Justice Sunday, Australia’s Bishops are asking us to renew our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In their Social Justice Statement, Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, they join with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) to call on us to develop relationships of humility and love with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The statement tells us about the painful experiences of many First Nations people. It is very challenging reading in parts. We are followers of Christ whose central message is that love is the way.
Prominent Aboriginal lawyer, Noel Pearson, is quoted in the statement as saying that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel unloved. How difficult must that be? We can’t just turn a blind eye to this. We are going to vote in the Voice referendum before the end of the year. NATSICC supports a Yes vote, but the Bishops will not tell us how to vote. However, they do urge us to inform ourselves about the issues and to engage in respectful dialogue about the issues, especially with First Nations People. This is one moment when we can try harder to listen to First Nations People and learn from them about their experiences and hopes.
The referendum is an important moment in our history. Just as important is what happens in the months and years following. As the Bishops and NATSICC say, we, in the Church, can model how Jesus’ way of love can make a difference. On this Social Justice Sunday, let’s commit ourselves to reaching out to First Nations people in love and humility. Let’s try to listen to them and learn from them and walk the journey of healing together – first in relation to the referendum and, then, in the period that follows. Resources are available in the Church Foyer.
Priests Retirement Foundation
The Priests’ Retirement Foundation will be held next weekend 2nd & 3rd September. Also known as the Father’s Day Appeal, each year our Archdiocese hosts this annually to support retired priests and thank our Fathers for their wonderful service to our community. Your gift is a ‘thank you’ to our priests who’ve contributed in many ways in your life. They are friends who’ve counselled, comforted and provided spiritual nourishment through their wisdom and willingness to teach. Give generously. Your tax-deductible gift will make a big difference to our retired Fathers who need our care. The Archdiocese will match every donation two-for-one. For example, if you give $100, the Archdiocese will add another $200, making your contribution worth $300. Thank you. Donate at www.ourfaithourworks/prf or complete the parish envelope.
First Holy Communion
Please continue to pray for the candidates who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Sunday 3rd September and Sunday 10th during special Masses at 12.00 noon. May our Lord watch over them on their faith journey.
Child Protection Week 3rd-10th September
This year National Child Protection Week will continue to champion the message ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’. This message captures the essence of National Child Protection Week which aims to promote a safe and supported life for every child, now and into the future.
2024 Bible Diaries
2024 Bible Diaries are now available to purchase in the Church Foyer (limited stock). They are designed to help you to keep the Word of God close to your heart in your daily life. A companion on the journey to pray, to share, to grow in God's love and be nourished by the Word of God make these an ideal gift. $20 each (rrp $21.95) Cash payments only.
Please do not use the tap’ n’ go machines.
