The Eucharist celebrating the begining of NAIDOC week was held at St. Francis Church at 11 am on Sunday 6 July. The Presider was Fr. Graeme Duro SSS, the Homilist was Fr. Ed Ryan, CSsR, Didgeridoo player was Troy Brickell, readers and water bearers were members of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry.

The theme for 2003 is "The time for rebirth is now", and is most fitting as our nation continues to address the burning issue of reconciliation in our land, in our time. Furthermore it is a call today and everyday, to open our hearts and minds to God and invite the Holy Spirit to change us that our way of living be that of peace, unity and reconciliation with God and one another.

"Aboriginal Sunday is a time for celebration of a unique and beautiful culture and a time to recognize that much still has to happen in our nation for true recognition of that culture and for a real and lasting justice for all people. Within the framework of celebration and our faith, let us bring together all peoples to once again unite in the struggle to recognize affirm and celebrate Australia's Indegenous peoples and culture. We cannot afford to let the efforts of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation fade into the distance before any real and lasting change has been effected, the struggle must continue... Let us make Aboriginal Sunday 2003 the re-birth of this movement to bring us together as a nation".

Vicki Walker
NATSICC Chairperson