Mass for Healing and Justice – NRW 2024

This year, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo had the honour of hosting the Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd annual Mass for Healing and Justice, held during National Reconciliation Week at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Precinct on Friday 31 May.

Ms Kate Fogarty, Executive Director, Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd said, “We are proud to come together as a community, fully committed to walking alongside our nation’s First People. Reconciliation Week shines the spotlight on the work we can do towards healing as our schools, workplaces and communities engage in meaningful conversations and activities.”

“Beyond National Reconciliation Week, the journey toward reconciliation remains crucial. The theme, ‘Now more than ever’, calls us to continue to seek understanding, to show respect, and to act, not just today, but every day. Catholic Schools in the Sandhurst Diocese are committed to working toward healing and justice as active participants, recognising that reconciliation is an ongoing process that requires collective effort.”

The NRW 2024 theme ‘Now More Than Ever’ was woven through the beautiful Mass and thought-provoking addresses.

Around 1200 people attended the Mass, including students and staff from Catholic primary and secondary schools around Bendigo, Sandhurst priests, Sisters of Mercy and invited guests. The Mass was also live streamed, to primary and secondary schools throughout the Sandhurst Diocese.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst with concelebrants Fr Brian Boyle, Fr Denib Suguitan and Fr Junray Rayna.

Troy Firebrace  (Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung) opened with the Welcome to Country, followed by an introduction from Mrs Cara Pawsey, Assistant Principal Faith, Mission and Community, Catherine McAuley College Bendigo.

“We are deeply grateful to the First Nations people who have contributed over time to our collective Australian identity. Across every generation, our Elders have played and continue to play an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.”

The Reflection was given by Michelie Chavart from Australians Together and the Homily by Bishop Shane Mackinlay.

Students representing all schools present played leading roles in the Mass, including procession of the symbols and flags, reading, dancing, singing, playing didgeridoo and clap sticks.

Thank you to the numerous individuals and organisations in our community who gave their time and talents to bring Sandhurst Catholic schools together for the Mass, both in person and live-streamed across the Diocese, during this significant week.