Beginning this Saturday, is National Reconciliation Week (NRW). It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in all Australians’ hearts, minds, and actions as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part, we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Before many of our meetings or gatherings, we acknowledge the Country in which we live, learn and work.

We acknowledge all the Country in which we minister in Catholic education in this Diocese. Those of us in Ballarat are in Wudawurrung Country, and all of us are located in culturally significant lands.

We acknowledge our first people who have nurtured and cared for Country for tens of thousands of years, and we acknowledge that they have managed to survive and thrive, demonstrating their strength, resilience, and adaptability.

We also acknowledge their elders as custodians of this land that was taken from them without consent, without compensation, without treaty, but not without resistance.

We commit to the work of truth-telling and reconciliation in our nation.

We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Tuesday 23/5 was the one year anniversary of our colleague Jeff Simpson’s passing. For those who don’t know Jeff or had the absolute privilege of meeting Simmo, he was a long-term staff member and a valued member of our community. We pray for Jeff’s family and all those in our community experiencing grief and loss. We offer our condolences to all those going through hardship, that we may or may not be aware of. The College Chapel has been open for quiet reflection and prayer for staff and students to attend.

Dear God, hold all those who grieve and suffer close to your heart. Comfort them and equip me with peace and with strength. Guide me, Loving God, our comforter, and our friend. AMEN

This week is Catholic Education Week, which is an opportunity to celebrate and enhance the reality of this identity, to dialogue with the Catholic faith tradition and the world in which we live to interpret and proclaim the good news. Our communities are beautiful places that can and do enrich the mystery of Christ's identity and enable his way to be continually raised up in and by the community. We pray that our communities inspire from within to be people of peace, hope and love in these times of displacement, anxiety and concern for Earth as our common home: to realise each unique community's intimate connection in proclaiming who Jesus is and what it means to follow in the light of the gospel for these times.

We are hosting the DOBCEL Leadership Dinner this Friday in the Damascus Events Centre, where all schools in the diocese come together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of staff who have 30 Years of Service to Catholic Education. Being recognised for Damascus College is Leigh Denning. Leigh began his teaching career at Xavier College, Kew in 1980, and is currently support Damascus College in various Teaching roles…A fantastic 42 Year teaching achievement and involvement in Catholic Education. Congratulations Leigh!

Chris