Religious Education and Social Justice

National Reconciliation Week

Wednesday 27th May marks the beginning of National Reconciliation Week. At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australia’s colonial history is characterised by devastating land dispossession, violence and racism. Over the last half-century, however, many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.

The theme for this year is In This Together.This theme was chosen long before the current pandemic.  It is very fitting that  whether in a crisis or in reconciliation we are all #InThisTogether.

So during this week we recall the injustices committed against Aboriginal people in the past and pray that Australia’s future is one of unity and peace.

Prayer for Reconciliation

God of justice and forgiveness, 

guide us as we continue on our journey

 of reconciliation and healing. 

May we acknowledge the wrongs of the past and commit to a future of equality, 

respect and understanding. 

Help us to see through each other’s eyes, 

to listen to the stories of our indigenous brothers and sisters, 

to feel with a heart of compassion. 

We make this prayer

 in the name of our Creator God.

Amen

Sunday Mass Activities for Children

This Sunday we celebrated the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven. The message of the Ascension is a powerful one. It reminds us that Jesus, the human incarnation of God on earth, was limited to a specific time and place in history. Despite the physical limitations of his life on earth, Jesus ensured that his message and ministry would continue through those he had taught. Knowing that the disciples would need time to grieve and come to terms with all that had occurred in a relatively short space of time, Jesus promised that the Spirit would come upon them in the days to come. That visiting of the Spirit upon the disciples at Pentecost was the motivation to set about doing what Jesus had charged them to do. 

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven he had an important mission to give to his disciples.

By clicking on the link below you will be taken to the CathFamily website:

https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-ascension-a/

Explore the reading by clicking on the following tabs located on the main screen:

• The Word: video of the reading
• Look Closer: brief exploration of the reading in child friendly language
• Ponder: some questions to ponder or wonder about related to the Gospel and our lives
• Respond: an activity is provided to further give children the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel of the week
• Pray: a short prayer service for families to participate in.

May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader