SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT

We marked Social Justice Sunday on 27 August 2023 and the new Australia’s Catholic Bishops Council (ACBC) Social Justice Statement, Listen, Learn, Love: A New Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is the focus for the year ahead. 

ACBC have called on the nation to seek “a new engagement” with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in their annual Social Justice Statement. It is an important year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and, indeed, for all Australians. It’s the year when we vote on a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution.

Both the Bishops and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) speak to us in this year’s statement. They see the referendum as an opportunity for the Church to begin a new engagement with the First Peoples of our land.

As Australian Catholics, we are once again being urged to consider a vital matter relating to social justice; in doing so, we will be participating in a new engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

Australia’s Catholic bishops, in their 2023 Social Justice Statement Listen, Learn, Love, reiterate their support for the Uluru Statement of the Heart. The Uluru Statement calls for a Voice to Parliament that represents the indigenous peoples of our land. Bishop Long has said, “Whatever the outcome of this year’s referendum, we ask the Church in Australia to make efforts to lead the way for our fellow Australians”, as we pursue true reconciliation.

As we draw near to the referendum date of October 14 2023, we are encouraged to enter into informed and respectful discussions. A more just and equitable Australia is the outcome to which we all surely aspire. In the history of our nation this referendum could be a turning point for the welfare and wellbeing of our indigenous peoples and an opportunity to do justice and bring healing as the world watches on. 

The Australian bishops encourage us to… 

• Listen and learn from what you hear.
• Let love guide you in making a decision that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to find justice. 

We hope for an end to the pain, the hurt and the injustice that has burdened the First Peoples of this land for far too long.

Kathy Uroda - Principal

  FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

We congratulate the following students who received, for the first time, Jesus in First Holy Communion. May Jesus, who gives himself to us in the Eucharist,  teach us with his words, nourish us with Holy Communion, and help us to serve others as he did. 

Mia M, Jude C, Charlotte F, Finn D, Grace H, Jonas T, Isla R, Maya I, Logan A, Veronica A, Hayde R, Hannah J, Vita K, Flynn D, Ella D, Jacob M and Sophie RM

I would sincerely like to thank the parents for allowing us to walk with you and your child on this faith journey. In addition, I’d like to especially thank Mrs Hobbs, Mrs Alysha Lavelle, and Mrs Carey-Barr (Year 3 teachers) for the preparation of the students and the many organisational matters that were capably attended to. Thank you also to Mrs Benoit and the wonderful St Brigid’s staff for their support and attendance at each of the Masses. To the Parish musicians, who accompanied me at the 3 Parish Communion Masses, thank you for sharing your gifts and talents and for generously giving of your time to rehearse the music.

Kathy Uroda - Principal