It was on the 30th March, 1874 that Pope Pius IX issued the decree that marked the beginning of the Ballarat Diocese. This makes this year a milestone for our Diocesan community which turns 150. To mark the occasion, we have been working with the parish to celebrate and recognise both the parish and our own role in the contribution Catholic education makes to our community. Some key activities have been:

Message Stick

Catholic Education Ballarat commissioned a series of message sticks by indigenous artist Vicki Clarke OAM, one for each region in our diocese and a Mother Stick that remains in the Catholic Education Office Ballarat.

In Aboriginal culture, Message Sticks were passed between different clans and language groups to establish information and transmit messages.  They were often used to invite neighbouring groups to corroborees, initiation ceremonies, right of entry to country and invitation to religious rituals. These message sticks carry the message: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

I was honoured to represent the Southern Region and receive the message stick for the south from Vicki, as it begins its journey of unity and peace throughout our region and symbolically reminds us of the interconnectedness of all our school communities, and that we are a hope filled community.

Tree of Life

The 150th anniversary Mass held on May 5th was made memorable by the hospitality, music, and diversity of the congregation. There has been a gradual change to the make-up of our local church community with an increasingly diverse and multi-cultural community now evident. Such richness and diversity were highlighted with the launch of a commemorative art piece - the Tree of Life. Emmanuel staff and students helped in the creation of the metal structure for the Tree on which various ‘leaves’ bearing images hang. Parishioners were asked what it means to be part of our parish community, and the themes in these images represent some of their ideas.

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Ballarat Diocese, these initiatives not only honour our heritage but also highlight the strength of our diverse and interconnected community, ensuring the spirit of hope, unity, and faith continues to thrive.