‘The Holy Spirit is in this Land’ is the theme for the 2009 NATSICC assembly – which will be held on the traditional lands of the Turrbal people – at the Bardon conference centre in Brisbane from the 20th – the 25th of September.
The keynote address will be provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma.
The 2009 NATSICC Assembly aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people move forward in their Catholic faith, and support youth on their journey.
In attendance will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ministries, clergy, religious, community groups, Catholic Education groups, Aboriginal youth groups and others with an interest in Aboriginal ministries.
NATSICC Assemblies are held every three years at the culmination of the Council’s term. The previous Assembly celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1986. The Assembly was held in Alice Springs and had 700 delegates.
NATSICC Chairperson Elsie Heiss is looking forward to the Assembly, citing it as a special time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
“We’re planning to encourage our youth. The Assembly this year is based around youth,” she said.
“This year, we also are honouring the Elders with an honour roll ‘Celebrating the Spirit’. Many of these Elders have been around in support of NATSICC for a long time. This particular year, we are looking at past NATSICC Councillors. We are acknowledging them, and giving them a badge for their work over the years.
“Also, we’re trying to revive Catholicism in our communities. We are coming together to celebrate who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. It’s the one occasion when we can all come together in song and worship. It is also a chance to meet friends and who we don’t see as often.”
Released by The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference