Walk Together – Sorry Day 2019

Prayer service for recognition of Sorry Day and unity with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.
(Jessica)
Acknowledgement of Country: We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians
of this land and pay our respects to the Elders, both past, present and future - for they hold
the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Aboriginal Australia. We must
always remember that under the concrete and asphalt we currently stand on, this land
was, is, and always will be, traditional Aboriginal land.

(Kacey)
Sorry Day involves a recognition of the injustices and wrongs suffered by Aboriginal
Australians, and also involves a focus on building stronger bonds and relationships with
people of all backgrounds moving forward.

(Kate)
Throughout the service, and day, let us reflect on what we may need to ask forgiveness for
and what positive behaviours we can display in the future to build better relationships with
all people we encounter.

(Claire)
Opening Prayer: Let us begin with the sign of the cross*
O God, Creator of all peoples, we thank you that you are found and worshipped in every
land, in dance and community, in suffering and peace-making, in silence and singing and in
the faithfulness of your people. Help us to build right relations with each other based on
truth and justice. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

(Harvey)
Reading: Luke 23:33-34, 46 – Jesus forgives those who crucified him

This is a gospel according to Luke (Glory to you, O Lord)

“And when they came to the place. . . there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his
right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do.’ . . . Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my
spirit.’ And having said this he breathed his last.”

This is the Gospel of the Lord. (Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ).

(Jake)
Jesus is the reason we can be forgiven and he is the reason we can forgive others. Even
Saint Paul, originally named Saul, was persecuting Christians before his conversion – even
being involved in putting some to death! However, Jesus’ love and forgiveness allowed him
to become one of the greatest writers of the New Testament and helped many people to
understand about God’s love and forgiveness. Let this be a reminder that people can
change and we should try to live in harmony in God’s love with one another.

(Noah)
Here are some Prayers of the Faithfull – After I say the words: “We pray to the Lord”,
we respond with “Lord Hear Our Prayer”:

God of all creation, we thank you for this beautiful land, for the First Peoples you entrusted
to care for it and many people who have made it their home. Please hear the prayers we
offer you today.

(Kieran)
We pray for the leaders of our Church, Pope Francis, our Bishops and Priests, that they may
be witnesses to the Good news by following in Jesus’ footsteps. We pray to the Lord
(Response is: Lord Hear Our Prayer).

(Hudson)
We pray for the families of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People that they have
the strength and guidance to overcome any difficulties that are threatening their wellbeing
and happiness.
We pray to the Lord (Response is: Lord Hear Our Prayer).

(Lisa)
We pray for our sick and our weak, that we may walk together in the footsteps of Jesus and
provide them with the love and care they need. We pray to the Lord (Response is: Lord
Hear Our Prayer).

(Alice)
We pray for the gift of respect for one another. May we welcome and appreciate every
person who we meet and value all that makes us different from one another. We pray to
the Lord (Response is: Lord Hear Our Prayer).

(Charlie)
We pray for a commitment to justice and peace. May we grow in understanding of the
rights and responsibilities of all people who make up our community as we walk together
as one. We pray to the Lord (Response is: Lord Hear Our Prayer).

(Jacob)
Our Making Jesus Real program reminds us that “Sorry” is a small word that is so
important. It is a great quality to recognise that you have done something wrong, admit it
and say sorry. Big hearted people can say “sorry” or apologise, and it is an important life
skill to have.

(Zara)
In class, you made a Reconciliation Hand. The hands have been joined to symbolise the
difference we can make together. Please sit quietly, listen to the music, and reflect on the
following questions:
What do you need to say sorry and ask forgiveness for?
What are you going to do today, to walk hand in hand with all the different people you
meet?

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - Wiyathul

(Chloe)
Closing Prayer: Let us close with the Our Father together, focussing on the words of
Jesus as he taught us to ask God to “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us.”

Say Our Father together.

Close with Sign of the Cross

Hand over to Mr Bolding for closing statement and dismissal