Sacraments 2020

Enrolments for the Sacramental program for Reconciliation and Eucharist 2020 should have been finalised in December 2019. If you have not enrolled your child for Reconciliation and Holy Communion there is one final chance on Thursday 20 February, 6:00 pm at the Xavier Centre Wollongong. Please see Cathy Zamroz at the Lumen Christi Pastoral Region Office, 36 Harbour Street, Wollongong for information and enrolment forms or email cathy.zamroz@lumenchristi.org.au

On 13th February, we commemorate the Australian Parliament’s Apology to the Stolen Generations. This marks a day of great significance in the history of our nation. On the 13th February 2008, the Australian Federal Government made an apology to the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It was a moment of solidarity and empathy that could be shared by everybody who heard it.

National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. This apology was a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

18 February - Charles Perkins' Freedom Rides (1965)

In 1965 students from the University of Sydney took action to draw attention to the racism that was rife in New South Wales country towns.

The Ride included a survey of Aboriginal living conditions, a direct challenge to a ban against Aboriginal ex-servicemen at the Walgett Returned Services League, and a demonstration against local laws barring Aboriginal children from the Moree and Kempsey swimming pools.

And so we pray….

Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, God of this ancient land, you see the good in all your people; we thank you for the gift of our many cultures. We come to you with our hearts open to your Spirit of peace and healing. We ask you to fill us with the love and understanding that can help us to accept the wrongs that have been done to our brothers and sisters. Help us to do all we can to be one in your love and peace. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus who is our hope of healing. Amen