It is with a sigh of relief that we can finally come out of lockdown. While the easing of restrictions is minimal for now, we continue to look hopefully towards the future and pray for everyone suffering from the effects of the virus. We also continue to pray for our political leaders, that they find safe and prudential ways of managing COVID-19.

In this week's collection of stories, we speak with Sherry Balcombe, Manager of Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Victoria, who invites us to a greater understanding and awareness, and deeper engagement with the rich spirituality and culture of our First Nations Peoples. This Friday is also the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an opportunity to reflect, renew, and reconnect with the heart of the Gospel: God's radical love for us in His Son, Jesus. For those unable to reach Mass, included are a couple of helpful links for how to celebrate this day in your own home.

'Take the Way of the Gospel' Engagement Opportunities

On Pentecost Sunday, Archbishop Comensoli released a pastoral letter inviting us to re-imagine our local Church as Mission communities and called for our participation in a time of prayer, listening and discernment. To assist you and your community to engage with the heart of this renewed vision for our Archdiocese, opportunities for prayerful reflection and dialogue will be offered over the coming months through an online weekly prayer session as well as an online workshop that will engage deeply with the content of the pastoral letter. Both initiatives will include resources to allow parish communities to engage in their own local setting. Find out more here.