Catholic Identity

Reconciliation Week 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

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.

To celebrate and recognise National Reconciliation Week, Uncle Darren Wighton has created a unique artwork to compliment a prayer created by Catholic Education staff in the Wagga Wagga Diocese.

Walk Together With Courage – A Prayer for Reconciliation

Creator God, God for all peoples who was there in the beginning, planting our footprints on this sacred land, being an invisible presence in the visible creation.May you continue to speak to your people through the land; its stories and cultures.

Guard us as we walk together with courage to honour the work of our brothers and sisters who before us fanned the flames of reconciliation. May you continue to guide us, grounded in truth, through the reconciling work of your son, Jesus.

Empower us, through the Holy Spirit to be people of action that work to respect the dignity of all human beings in our communities.

Grant us Your love until this Great SouthLand is fully aflame with your unifying love and it may truly be said that Your healing reconciliation is finally on earth as it is in heaven.

We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen

(Prayer by Uncle Darren Wighton, Aunty Mary Atkinson, Kelly Humphrey, Paul Chigwidden)

Pentecost

Pentecost was celebrated last Sunday.

Pentecost is a significant Christian holiday celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' disciples. According to the Bible, this event empowered them to spread the teachings of Jesus to people from diverse backgrounds and languages. It marked the birth of the early Christian Church. Pentecost is often associated with symbols of fire and doves, representing the Spirit's presence and guidance. It is a time of joy, renewal, and spiritual awakening, emphasizing the unity and transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.