Page 5 - Unity Edn 43

Faith and Hope in Lockdown UNI-
UNITY
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Lighting up faith and hope in lockdown at Santa Teresa
I n the face of the warnings about Coronavirus and as part of efforts to promote health and safety

information, the Parish at Santa Teresa engaged in a number of proactive activities.
Very early in the community’s time of lockdown, the Parish joined with other service providers
in the community, to keep the pandemic at the forefront of people by engaging families in a Car-
bonnet painting competition. Some students from the school became involved as well. Sponsored
by the Catholic Church Santa Teresa, CatholiCareNT, Atyenhenge Atherre Aboriginal Corporation, and
Literacy 4 Life, the participants were supplied with old car bonnets and encouraged to paint culturally
appropriate messages. The aim was to have messages on the bonnets for people to read.
Following the judging, the bonnets were placed strategically around the community.

As well as daily posts on
their Parish Facebook page
to keep people informed,
live-streaming Sunday Mass,
supporting the store and
clinic staff, and engaging in
regular zoom meetings with
service providers, in another
initiative, Sr Liz turned on the
lights within the Church in the
early evening each day. “It
wasn’t easy for anyone being
in lockdown,” Sr Liz said. “The lights of the Church were turned
on to help all of us remember that, as dark as these times seem,
Ngkarte is always with us. The lights were to help remind each of us
to trust Ngkarte who cares for us; to care for each other and pray
for all in the community; to say “thank you” to all who are caring for
us, especially the staff of the clinic and the store and the police.” The central location of the Church
within the community helped, and is still helping all to see it aglow and to pray.
Sr. Liz Weimers
www.darwin.catholic.org.au 5