Share and Strengthen Faith Through Conversations

CSO and school-based staff from the Diocese of Lismore recently attended the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Assembly in Townsville and the CSNSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander State Education Conference in the Blue Mountains. (19-23 September/11-13 October 2022)

Catholic Schools Office (CSO) and school-based staff from across the Diocese of Lismore relished the opportunity to deepen their understanding and share unique perspectives on practices that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families to thrive.

For three days in early October, staff embedded themselves in cross-cultural perspectives at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Education NSW State Conference hosted by the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.

Under the shade of the misty Blue Mountains in Ngurra Country of the Darkinjung, Darug, Dharawal, Gundungurra, Wanaruah and Wiradjuri peoples, staff enjoyed a wealth of inspiring ‘on country’ experiences in the heartland of the bush, yarning circles, tasty bush tucker, weaving, healing and reconciliation through art, and studying aboriginal texts including engaging sessions on school case studies.

The NATSICC Assembly was held for three days in late September in the coastal city of Townsville on the land of the Bindal and Wulgurukaba Peoples. Staff experienced an enriching display of faith and culture that symbolised the theme of the gathering ‘Holy Spirit in this Land!’ Mission Services Education Officer Matt Brown, a descendant of the Wailwan people of Western NSW, was invited to present a keynote address at the conference. 

‘It was an honour to be asked to speak on Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, which calls us to better care for our common home. As my co-presenter Sr Liz and I began to look at the content, we soon realised that our task was not to try and teach Indigenous people about caring for Country. Instead, we wanted to highlight how the Vatican document affirms and recognises the wisdom our First Nations peoples have always had in caring for the land, animals and waters. Our Indigenous peoples have an incredibly deep connection to God's spirit, and it was a great gift to be able to share how this aligns with the wisdom of Pope Francis,’ said Matt.

At both events, staff reflected on the importance of Reconciliation, urging colleagues to talk about the upcoming National Referendum to establish an Indigenous Voice in the Australian Parliament. As Catholic Educators in the Diocese of Lismore, we continue to walk together in partnership and play an active role in strengthening networks and reconciliation, so all our students flourish.