In a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and community, staff and students from our college joined the wider Catholic community at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday. The Mass, held in honour of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Sunday, was a powerful testament to the strength of partnership of our Catholic community, which our college is a special part of.
Led by Bishop Tim and co-celebrated by Father Liam, the celebration embraced this year’s theme, “Sent Forth in Strength and Hope.” The Missa Kimberley Mass, beautifully accompanied by the OLQP Parish Choir, echoed the deep spirituality of the Kimberley region and the enduring faith of its people. The liturgy invited all present to walk together in unity, grounded in the Gospel and enriched by the wisdom and traditions of First Nations Peoples.
The sacredness of the celebration was brought to life through the leadership of cultural elders and community members. Special thanks were extended to our very own Collie Cox and Carlene Smith, whose dedication and cultural guidance ensured a setting that honoured both the sacred and the cultural. Their contributions reflected the deep spiritual connection to land, language, and community that lies at the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity.
The partnership were evident throughout the celebration – not only in shared worship but in the shared commitment to reconciliation, justice, and cultural respect. As Saint John Paul II once affirmed, “The Church herself is enriched by the development of different forms of culture… she takes them up in her evangelising mission and adopts them.” This celebration was a living example of that mission in action.
As a College community, we give thanks for the opportunity to walk this journey together with our Parish community. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in building a future rooted in faith, strengthened by culture, and inspired by this year of hope.
