When talking with the students this week on their return to school, I can’t help but feel privileged to have meaningful relationships with these young people who have such rich life experiences. The strength of relationships within any organisation, including school, is crucial. A network of strong relationships contributes to wellbeing and reduces mental wellbeing issues. My prayer is that the students not only continue to be grateful for their experiences and show kindness to each other but that they continue to have enquiring minds and to seek God’s wisdom in their lives. 

NAIDOC Week celebrations take place across the month of July. This year’s theme is “Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s Work Together.” On Monday, we will receive a visit from Kristie Peters, a Wiradjuri woman and local artist together with her team from Yarrudhamarra Creations. Kristie and her team will be working together with us to understand aboriginal art symbols and culture and helping our students to paint our new yarning circle and story poles in our garden spaces.

I would like to share with you a prayer prepared by aboriginal people for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Alice Springs in 1986. Although it is over thirty years old, it is strong in its simplicity and clarity of message.

PRAYER OF THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE

Father of all, You gave us the Dreaming,

You have spoken to us through our beliefs,

You then made Your love clear to us in the person of Jesus,

We thank You for Your care.

You own us, You are our hope.

Make us strong as we face the problems of change.

We ask You to help the people of Australia listen to us and respect our culture.

Make the knowledge of You grow strong in all people,

So that You can be at home in us and we can make a home for everyone in our land.

Amen

Class Masses

A couple of dates for the diary! It would be lovely to see as many families and friends there as possible to welcome Fr Trenton, the new administrator at the Cathedral.

Mary of the Cross Mass, 8 August -  2pm in the Hall (hosted by Year 4)

Assumption Mass, 15 August -  2pm in the Hall (hosted by Year 3)