St John Bosco Parish Engadine has taken a significant step in the reconciliation journey
To mark NAIDOC Week (July 7-14), the parish held a special service for the annual commemoration that recognises the contributions made to Australia by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Lachlan Ting from Kamileroi Country summoned the congregation with his powerful playing of the Didjeridoo. Aunt Deanna Schreiber, Wiradjuri/ Wonnarua Woman and community Elder, commenced the service with a Welcome to Country.
Young and old parishioners, Indigenous and non-Indigenous families, came together to celebrate the mass.
They also gathered to bless the NATISCC Acknowledgement Plaques, endorsed by the Australian Catholic Bishops for use in Catholic schools, parishes and organisations.
These plaques acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and recognise spiritual attachment.
Students from St John Bosco College and the primary school previously participated in a workshop with Aunt Deanna Schreiber, decorating plaque frames with motifs that represented the natural environment.
The plaques will be displayed at the schools, surrounding churches and in the parish.
