National Reconciliation Week

Now More Than Ever

National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held from May 27 – June 3 including Sorry Day (May 26) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

Parishes and schools around the diocese take time to acknowledge this week:

St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill – read here.

Damascus College Ballarat – read here.

St Patrick’s Primary School Port Fairy – read here.

Josh Lourensz, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Victoria reflects:

Reconciliation is at the heart of the Gospel

National Reconciliation Week in Australia kicks off this week. It started as the Week of Prayer for Reconciliation back in 1993, which was the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples — and was supported by Australia’s major faith communities. This makes sense to me, because reconciliation as a concept is at the heart of the Judeo-Christian tradition, and probably also at the heart of many other faith traditions that I know less about.

Resources are available:

Resources for Reconciliation Week 2024 from Catholic Social Services Victoria

Download the resource document here

National Reconciliation Week website

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -