Religion News: Celebrate NAIDOC Week

Sunday 7th of July – 14^th of July

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Each year, the NAIDOC Week theme is chosen to highlight matters of importance, create awareness and to recognise the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The NAIDOC Week theme for 2024 –Keep the Fire Burning!  Blak, Loud  and Proud (this is not a spelling mistake from me), encourages all of us to champion and drive institutional, structural, and collaborative change while also acknowledging and celebrating those who for generations have driven positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-theme

Aboriginal Blessing by Brooke Prentis

May our footsteps, on these ancient lands, 

remind us of creation and connectedness, in our search for truth.

May the Gum Tree, from its roots to its branches, 

remind us to dig deep and reach high, in our action for justice.

May the Eagle, who soars in the sky, 

remind us of the power, in our call for love.

May the expanse of the lands and seas, of the sky and stars, 

remind us of God’s timing in our faith in hope.

May the Holy three, Creator Spirit, Lord God, Papa Jesus, 

remind us of community.

So with grace, mercy, and peace, go in truth, justice, love and hope.

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday the 28^th of July.  We pray for Jikaya, Inara, Cassie and Peter as they prepare for this special Sacrament.

Kind Regards,

Sue Benc