Each year the Church celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their great contributions to the Australian Catholic Church. The 2024 theme for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is, Keep the Fire Burning - Strong in Faith.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday takes place on July 7th, which marks the start of NAIDOC Week (7th - 14th July.) Each year, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) prepare liturgical resources for parishes and encourages open conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parishioners in preparation for their Mass.
This year the gospel reading for 7th July, Mark 6:1-6, in which Jesus, upon returning to His hometown is met with disbelief, finds resonance with the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who often find their voices go unheard and their contributions not embraced. Whilst the outcome of the 2023 Voice referendum was not what many hoped for, NATSICC says it has strengthened resolve and commitment. “Like Jesus, who persevered in His mission despite the obstacles, we too remain committed to our Culture, our Land, our Church, and our communities with unwavering hope and determination.”[1]
[1] Keep the Fire Burning: Strong in Faith, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Kit National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council, 7th July 2024
