Keep the fire burning
To help celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday on 7 July 2024, new resources have been made available for parishes, schools, and organisations. These materials aim to foster understanding and recognition of the unique perspectives and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, encouraging communities to ‘Keep the Fire Burning – Strong in Faith’.
The Gospel reading for the day, Mark 6:1-6, recounts Jesus returning to his hometown, only to face scepticism and disbelief. This story mirrors the experiences of many First Australians, whose voices often go unheard and contributions unrecognised.
This observance serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to and valuing the wisdom and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring their voices are embraced and their faith remains strong.
Educational resources bring women’s football trailblazers to classrooms
A new program, based on the Trailblazers film, features 15 lessons for students in grades 5 to 10. Cool.org and MECCA’s social change initiative, MECCA M-POWER, have partnered to introduce ‘Trailblazers of Women’s Football’ to classrooms.
The curriculum addresses themes of gender equality, media bias, and representation through the lens of the Australian Women’s Football Team’s fight for equitable treatment. By exploring the team’s challenges, students gain insights into broader social justice issues, empowering them to become future trailblazers.
Find out more.
Providing hope amid global crises
As humanitarian crises escalate around the world, two urgent appeals for support highlight the critical need for generosity and compassion.
In Myanmar, the situation worsens daily following the 2021 military coup. Compulsory conscription has fuelled violence, displacing more than three million people.
Jesuit Mission Australia is urgently seeking donations by 30 June to provide immediate aid. To support this cause, visit the Jesuit Mission website.
Meanwhile, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the Don Bosco Caring Centre continues its life-saving work. Established in 2003, the centre offers a loving home for children living on the streets of the world’s coldest capital, where an estimated 4000 children are homeless. Namdag Ivgeelt, a social worker at the centre since 2021, emphasises its profound impact: ‘For children abandoned or rejected by their parents, our centre becomes their second home.’ The centre not only provides shelter but also a chance for a brighter future. Donations help create a safe environment for vulnerable children, ensuring their growth and safety. To support this life-giving work, visit the Catholic Mission site.
Support Seafarers on Sea Sundays
Catholics across Australia are called to support seafarers on Sea Sundays, 21 and 28 July. ‘Without seafarers, we would not have most of the items we rely on for daily living,’ Stella Maris chairman Ray Collins said. Stella Maris, the Catholic Church’s maritime welfare agency, now operates in more than 300 ports worldwide.
Stella Maris, supported by clergy and the St Vincent de Paul Society, has centres in every Australian state and territory, providing spiritual, social, and material support to seafarers. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online.
What’s on
Formation for Mission Catholic Educators Gathering: Diocesan directors and leaders of formation, mission and religious education across Catholic education (both in Diocesan and RI & MPJP school authorities) will come together to share practice in a range of areas related to formation for mission.
Date: 13-14 August 2024.
Register here.
Download the brochure.
Introduction to mission: Catholic Mission and BBI-TAITE offer the eight-week online course, starting 22 July. It’s designed for leaders, teachers, and volunteers in Catholic organisations, with one-hour modules released weekly until 16 September.
Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day: Join thousands across Australia in planting trees to support the environment and promote sustainability. Organised by Planet Ark
Schools Tree Day: Friday, 26 July 2024
National Tree Day: Sunday, 28 July 2024
Busking for change 2024: Students will learn and perform a song in a First Nations language, performing it on Indigenous Literacy Day, 4 September to raise funds to support remote Indigenous communities. Schools raising at least $50 will receive a book pack with bilingual children’s books. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) invites primary schools to register now. #BuskingForChange #BFC2024
Watch the video: Busking for Change.
2024 NATSICC Spirituality and Formation Retreat: ‘Lord, teach us how to Pray, Proclaim the Good News’ is the theme for the retreat which will be hosted at St Clement’s Retreat Centre in Galong, NSW from 9-12 September.