National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day is this Thursday 26 May. It is a day on which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remember the many years of forcible removal of children from their families and its immense cost individually and communally. Sorry Day ceremonies will be held this week at Stolen Generations plaque sites around Brisbane:
· Sherwood Arboretum, Joseph Street, Sherwood, Thursday 26 May, 7:00 – 8:00 AM,
· Teralba Park, cnr. Osborne Rd. & Pullen Rd., Everton Park (entry via Pullen Rd), Thursday 26 May, 6:50 Am for 7:00 AM start, bring flowers to put on the plaque, free breakfast follows.
· Breakwater Park, Wynnum Foreshore, Thursday 26 May, 7:00 AM, free breakfast follows
· Kalinga Park, via Park Rd. entrance, Thursday 26 May, 9:00 Am elders’ morning tea, ceremony 10:00 AM, BBQ from 11:00 AM.
· Orleigh Park, West End, Friday 27 May, 8 – 10 AM, ceremony and free breakfast hosted by Link-Up Qld.
National Reconciliation Week is from 27 May to June 3. It’s a time to renew our commitment to build stronger relationships of respect and trust between First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. The theme for this year is Be Brave. Make Change. We are encouraged to make a commitment to deal with unfinished business so that change is possible.
An ecumenical reconciliation service will take place at St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s Parish, 30 Eldorado Street, Bracken Ridge, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, this Friday 27 May. All are welcome.
Don’t Forget to Register for the Signs of Our times Launch!
If you haven’t already registered for the on-line launch of Signs of Our Times by Archbishop Mark Coleridge on Tuesday 31 May, 6:00 – 7:00 PM, make sure you do so this week. Signs of Our Times is a collaboration between the Commission and the ACBC Office for Justice Ecology and Peace. It provides resources and support for Catholics to embrace a culture of encounter in their social action. It also encourages social action which is firmly grounded in scripture, tradition and prayer. During the launch, we will announce some opportunities for you to get a practical experience of what Signs of Our Times is all about. Register here.
Join Us for the Luminous Lantern Parade Welcoming Migrants and Refugees
Once again, the Commission is a community sponsor of the wonderful Luminous Lantern Parade. The parade will take place on Friday 10 June at Southbank Parklands (starting at Little Stanley Street). It kicks off at 6:00 PM, but contingents begin forming from 5:00 PM. For 15 years, we have been part of the parade which is a public expression of welcome to migrants and refugees. We encourage Catholics to join our contingent and help to carry our banner and lantern. Please register your interest in participating in the parade by e-mailing us at cjpc@bne.catholic.net.au.
Refugee Week 2022
Refugee Week 2022 is June 19 – 25. This year’s theme is Healing. You can find information and resources for Refugee Week at:
You can also find lots of information about refugee policy in Australia and much more at the web site of the Refugee Council of Australia
Urgent Help Wanted for Refugee Family
The Asylum Seeker and Refugee Assistance Program is urgently seeking donations to help a number of refugee families who have or will soon be evicted. Some do not have work rights. So, their situation is dire.
Donations can be paid to Communify: Direct deposit to the Communify Qld Gift Account: Reference: Asylum Seeker/rent BSB: 064123 Account: 10123138
Please email Communify’s Finance Team to request a tax-deductible receipt if you choose this method: janetp@communify.org.au
Laudato Si’
Laudato Si’ Week is currently being celebrated in Australia – 16 – 24 May. The Office for Justice Ecology and Peace has produced some resources for you to use each day for prayer, reflection and action. You can use these at any time during the year:
In other parts of the world, Laudato Si’ Week is just getting started. You can find information about resources and events in which you can get involved, including a series of webinars, at:
Season of Creation 2022
The Season of Creation begins on the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, 1 September, and concludes on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, 4 October. This year’s theme is Listen to the Voice of Creation. You can find out more and start planning what you will do on the website
Listening to the Voices of the Pacific
There are two opportunities this week for you to listen to the voices of the peoples of the Pacific. In both cases, the General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Rev. James Bhagwan, will feature:
*A Pacific Islands Council of Queensland look at relations between Pacific countries and Australia. Register here.
*Talanoa 2022, an NCCA Assembly with the Pacific Ecumenical Community with Rev. James Bhagwan in Sydney or on-line. Register here.
Brisbane Laudato Si’ Action Plan
We’ve kept some of the best news till last! The Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Laudato Si’ Action Plan will be launched on World Environment Day, 5 June. The plan aligns with the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and will be the first of seven years of action to respond to Pope Francis for ecological conversion. Stay tuned for more soon!
This newsletter is authorised by the Commission Chair, Ms. Maree Rose.
Catholic Justice and Peace Commission of Brisbane 