The Vision
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council promotes and celebrates the cultural identity of our Peoples across the Nation by living and expressing, in all its endeavours, the spirituality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Peoples. Through this expression and recognition of our cultural identity we will find our rightful place within the Catholic Church in Australia
NEWS
NAIDOC Week is celebrated each year on the first week of July. Together with our nation, the Catholic Church dedicated the First Sunday of July to a liturgical celebration of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
This year, NAIDOC week marks a powerful milestone, 50years of honouring and elevating Indigenous Voices, Culture and Resilience.
The 2025 theme: “The next Generation – Strength, Vision & legacy”
We remember with pride and thanksgiving all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have served and now serve in the Australian Defence Force. We particularly remember NORFORCE ( North-West Mobile Force ), recruiting mainly from remote communities, members who serve across the Top End and who provide a rick heritage of service.
Blessings and Benediction at the recent Reconciliation Commemoration Ceremony - 30 May 2025
Chaplain Clinton McGoldrick of the Australian Army support during this commemoration in Reconciliation Week, showcases the importance of indigenous veterans in our community – past, present and future.
2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemoration Service - Reconciliation Week
Offering of the Blessings and Benediction at the recent ceremony held on 30 May 2025 at the Anzac Memorial
This week our ADF service members participated in the ceremonies for Reconciliation Week around Australia. Chaplain Clinton McGoldrick of the Australian Army, and part of the Catholic Military Ordinariate, had the opportunity as a fellow Australian Aboriginal to take part in one of the official ceremonies held in Sydney at the ANZAC Memorial.
It was encouraging to see such a large turnout for the 19th annual service, including the many school students in attendance. The service was livestreamed allowing community members and students across all of NSW the opportunity to pay their respects in person or via the livestream to the service and sacrifice of our indigenous servicemen and women. You can watch the livestream below.
Support shown by Australian Defence Force personnel such as Chaplain McGoldrick during this commemoration in Reconciliation Week, showcases the importance of indigenous veterans in our community – past, present and future.
NATSICC NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 'PILGRIMS OF HOPE'
Cross Cultural Sports Program
Background
The CCSP was created in response to feedback from our councillors that many States and Territories are experiencing tension between Indigenous and Refugee Youth. Upon further investigation, misunderstanding and misconception formed the basis for much of the tension. There was simply no means for the two groups to interact in a safe and friendly environment.
The CCSP was initially only planned as a one off program, but the outcomes and enthusiasm achieved in Indigenous and Refugee communities has been unexpected. As the program grows, so do the numbers and the positive changes in young people’s lives. We have been very lucky to be able to secure the services of several highly qualified and respected people in the Indigenous, refugee and footballing arenas, in particular Brian Corcoran (Formerly Player Assessment Manager - Port Adelaide Power and Assistant coach of N.T Thunder under 18 Representative side), Rasoul Ahmady (Afghani Refugee, Soccer Coach and representative Volleyballer) and John Lochowiak (Deputy Director Indgenous Sporting Academy Rostrevor).
To find out more, go to: https://www.natsicc.org.au/cross-cultural-sporting-program.html
Formation of council creates new voice for Church in Kimberley
History was made on the last weekend in March as a new Kimberley Aboriginal Catholic Pastoral Council was formed.
Meeting at Notre Dame University Australia (Broome Campus) people travelled from all corners of the Diocese.
People represented Balgo and desert communities, Wyndham / Kununurra in the East Kimberley to the Dampier Peninsula and Western Australia’s largest Aboriginal community, Bidyadanga. Members were also drawn from the towns of Broome and Derby.
At the 2024 Pentecost Celebration in the East Kimberley representatives from NATSICC presented models of Ministry giving voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics.
Building on this a group of Aboriginal Church leaders began to develop some Terms of Reference. From this, with the endorsement of Bishop Tim Norton, the council was formed. Shirley Quaresimin – Deputy Chair of NATSICC and Chair of the Kimberley Aboriginal Catholic Pastoral Council stated: “today is a milestone for us in the Catholic church in the Kimberley. This has long been a dream for our people. It is a way that we can strengthen our faith and share culturally our place in the Catholic church”.
Bishop Tim celebrated Mass with the Council using the Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti, a liturgy which was born in Bidyadanga and is widely used in the Kimberley. During this Mass the Councillors were commissioned to be witnesses to the Gospel, to nurture and be of service to all and to encourage people to strengthen their relationship with God and each other. Bishop Tim Norton – Diocese of Broome “I’m delighted that this body has come to fruition, and I look forward to working together in the Diocese. I thank them for sharing their wisdom and spirituality and will seek their guidance as we work to build the Reign of God in the Kimberley”.
For more information contact Naomi Martin, Director of Mission and Pastoral Life, Diocese of Broome. Ph: 0408018682 E: pastoralprojects@broomediocese.org
(Media Release from Diocese of Broome)
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC)
CONNECTING WITH YOUR LOCAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITY
To enhance your Liturgy, and to avail your parishioners of the gifts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, NATSICC suggests that you involve your local Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Ministry (AICM) in planning your celebration. Visit ‘About NATSICC’ at www.natsicc.org.au and click on your State or Territory to find your local AICM. These Ministries work very hard to serve local Indigenous Catholics and do a lot of good in the Community. You may be able to work together in preparing the Liturgy, sourcing speakers or presenters or learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics in your area and ultimately build a relationship that will benefit the Parish.
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