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
Bishops approve Mass of the land of the Holy Spirit
Australia’s Catholic bishops have formally approved a liturgy that integrates Aboriginal languages and cultural elements, titled the Mass of the Land of the Holy Spirit (Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti). This approval occurred at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s recent plenary meeting in Sydney, earmarking the Mass for exclusive use in the Diocese of Broome, Western Australia. This decision paves the way for the Mass to be submitted to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship for official recognition, a process known as “recognitio.”
The Mass of the Land of the Holy Spirit has been an active part of the local liturgical practice in the Diocese of Broome for over 50 years, celebrated in various Aboriginal languages. It stands as a testament to the Catholic Church’s commitment to embracing Aboriginal cultural heritage within its liturgical framework, ensuring that the spiritual expressions of Aboriginal Communities are acknowledged and incorporated into worship.
The development of this Mass involved significant collaboration between Fr. Kevin McKelson, other clergy, and Aboriginal Elders from the Kimberley region. They worked together to translate and adapt the traditional Roman Rite into five local languages, making it relevant and accessible to the Aboriginal Communities. This effort was not merely a translation but a Cultural adaptation that respected and reflected the rich traditions and spiritual insights of the local Aboriginal people. This liturgy not only preserves the Sacred Elements of the Catholic Faith but also celebrates the unique cultural contributions of Aboriginal Communities to the Church’s life in Australia. It serves as a powerful example of how the Church seeks to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect for the diverse Spiritual and Cultural dimensions of all its members
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.
Reach out and get in touch
A person is brought into full communion with the Catholic Church through reception of the three sacraments of Christian initiation—baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist—but the process by w
Sacramental records are those records created when individuals receive one of the seven sacraments – Baptism, Penance and Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrim
Our Diocese is spread out all of over the country
with Chapels located in each State, served by dedicated Chaplains.