Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council Ministry - 2004 |
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In the early 1960’s, the leaders of the Aboriginal and Islander Peoples strongly supported by Father Michael Hayes, launched the “Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council” (AICC). Its aims were to support our indigenous people, to enable them to take their rightful part in the life of the Diocese and to advocate for them, justice and acknowledgement in the Australian Community. This Council brought forth remarkable leadership among our Aboriginal and Islander people and, in turn, it spread to other dioceses and states. In fact, the present advisory body to the Australian Bishops conference, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) owes it origins to this same Rockhampton, Queensland model. After a long history of successes and struggles AICC Rockhampton was reformed to become AICCM, with a strong emphasis on ‘ministry’. This ministry includes preparation of children and adults for the Sacraments of Initiation, spiritual formation through Prayer and Scripture and visitation of elderly and sick indigenous people, especially in their homes and in hospitals. At the same time, we discerned a Council of Elders to guide the vision of the AICCM and appointed a Coordinator, Mrs Barbara Trevaskis who was employed part time to further the ministry. Barbara’s husband Ernie has always worked with her to share in the work, and together they have visited many parishes and gatherings of teachers to share an understanding of indigenous culture and spirituality. In fact, because of the special gifts they bring, they were invited to speak at the International Family Conference in Manilla last year and to the national gathering of families in Sydney, just after Easter this year. Our AICCM seeks to have contact with all communities in this Diocese, yet time and resources are often limited. The dream is to be in contact with indigenous people at Woorabinda and all our major centres, with Barbara and Ernie so generous in their support of all. It is also the hope of the AICCM to be able to share the riches of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and spirituality with parish communities, our schools and colleges and all people who would like to build bridges. Students in our Catholic Schools have a network of care through the presence of indigenous aides offering support and guidance. Our responsibility as a Diocese is to promote Reconciliation among all people in Australia. There is still much racism, discrimination, and injustice towards indigenous people, and we have a duty, in Jesus name, to help overcome it. As Pope John Paul said in his address to the Aboriginal people during his visit to Alice Springs in 1986 “You are part of Australia, and Australia is part of you. The Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others”. I am proud of our AICCM, the Council of Elders and Barbara and Ernie Trevaskis who have an office in the Pastoral Services Department at our Bishops House opposite St Joseph’s Cathedral. They can be contacted there by phone on 49 313632, or email aiccm@rok.catholic.net.au or PO Box 611, Rockhampton Qld 4700. I am very honoured to be a brother to so many wonderful Aboriginal and Islander people whom I have come to know in Central Queensland and throughout Australia. I am honoured to be a member of the Australian Bishops Committee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, a Committee who seek to listen to the voices often unheeded. As we celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday on 4th July this year, may we hear with true openness of heart Jesus’ words “By this shall everyone know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (John 13:35). God bless us with unity and peace. Yours sincerely + Brian Heenan 09 June 2004
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