Faith in Action: Caring for Our Common Home and Each Other

As we reflect during Laudato Si’ Week and National Reconciliation Week, we are reminded that our Catholic faith calls us to be stewards of creation and champions of justice. These two important observances – one global, one uniquely Australian – invite us to live out Gospel values in real, practical ways.

Laudato Si’ Week: Caring for Our Common Home

Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, this week encourages us to reflect on how we care for the earth, our shared home. Pope Francis challenges us to recognise that creation is not just a backdrop to human life, but a sacred gift from God that is deeply interconnected with every living thing.

This year’s Laudato Si’ Week theme, ‘Seeds of Hope’, urges young people to plant seeds – both literal and spiritual – that will grow into a future rooted in sustainability, peace and justice. Whether it’s reducing waste, advocating for climate action, or simply spending time in nature with gratitude, every action counts.

We have had a week of wonderful activities in recognition of this week, including a whole school assembly. Our thanks to all students and staff who have worked so hard this week to raise awareness and facilitate change in fun and unique ways.

National Reconciliation Week: Bridging Now to Next

At the same time, we commemorate National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a time to learn about and celebrate indigenous cultures, histories and achievements. The theme for 2025, ‘Bridging Now to Next’ is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is not a one-time event but a journey of truth, respect and commitment.

Reconciliation means listening deeply to the stories of First Nations people, acknowledging past wrongs, and walking forward together in solidarity.

In the spirit of Laudato Si’, we are also reminded that Indigenous people have lived in harmony with the land for tens of thousands of years. Their deep spiritual connection to Country is a model for how we can all care for creation with reverence and responsibility.

Kildare First Nations Immersion Experience

From 12 – 14 May, two of our students, Taylah Devenport and Matilda De Jong, together with Mrs Julie Hepburn, participated in a truly transformative experience – the Kildare Ministries First Nations Immersion Program at Kindilan, Redland Bay. The three-day program brought together students from various Kildare Ministries schools to explore the themes of hospitality, reconciliation and connection to Country.

The students themselves will reflect on their personal journey throughout this immersion to be shared in a future newsletter. However, in summary, some highlights included: Walk on Country with local Elders, where students were invited to reflect on their connection to land and creation; Small group conversations – yarning – that helped build empathy, respect, and understanding between students of different backgrounds; Welcome to Country and the Smoking Ceremony at Brigidine College Indooroopilly on the final day.

Throughout the immersion, students were encouraged to listen deeply to each other, to First Nations voices, and to the land.

We thank the Elders, facilitators and teachers who made this journey possible, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in our own school community.

Let us pray:

God of all creation and healing,
You have made us stewards of the Earth and messengers of peace.
Help us to care deeply for the land, waters, and all living beings.
May we walk together with Indigenous peoples
with truth, justice, and hope.
Inspire us to plant seeds of change –
for a future where all can flourish.
Amen.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services