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In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, based on a recommendation by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

At the time, the Forum said that 40 per cent of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing.  The fact that most of these are indigenous languages puts the cultures and knowledge systems to which they belong at risk. 

In addition, indigenous peoples are often isolated both politically and socially in the countries they live in, by the geographical location of their communities, their separate histories, cultures, languages and traditions.

And yet, they are not only leaders in protecting the environment, but their languages represent complex systems of knowledge and communication and should be recognized as a strategic national resource for development, peace building and reconciliation. 

They also foster and promote unique local cultures, customs and values which have endured for thousands of years. Indigenous languages add to the rich tapestry of global cultural diversity. Without them, the world would be a poorer place.

Celebrating IYIL2019 will help promote and protect indigenous languages and improve the lives of those who speak them.  It will contribute to achieving the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.

The celebration is also expected to strengthen and reinforce the many standard-setting tools adopted by the international community which include specific provisions to promote and protect languages.

Source:  https://en.iyil2019.org/about/iyil

This weekend on Saturday 15th December our parishioners Kranti and Selvyn celebrate with Mass in our parish their Silver Jubilee of marriage, with many families and friends from overseas attending; something to be joyful about.

Wednesday 19th December 2018

Every baby born comes with a promise: that life is always stronger than death.

This promise is a powerful gift – the gift of hope.

At Christmas we remember one baby, who was born for all: one life, stronger than any death.

The birth of Jesus is the world’s greatest gift of hope, for it is not a new thing or idea or plan that Jesus brings, but a new life, his own.

The birth of the Saviour brings the light of hope into each of our lives.

And we are the ones for whom Christ has come to be with.

This is a hope worth welcoming, defending and protecting.

Amazingly, Jesus has now entrusted the gift of himself to us, that we might share his life with others.

At a time when our institutions – political, social and religious – are damaged, it is a person who can bring to us renewed reasons to find hope for ourselves, and offer hope to others.

Hope in the person of Jesus Christ opens up to us new horizons of goodness and rightness; the birth of Jesus challenges the mirages of dominance and self-centredness.

In Jesus our hope is born:

He is good for us now;
We can find our future in Him;
Our trust is assured through Him;
And we are invited to work with Him.

Continue to believe in Jesus Christ, born from God and born of Mary; for he offers us his life so that we might find our lives in him.

Friends, never lose hope in the birth of Jesus Christ.

Happy Christmas.

Our own Kevin Vaughan, a member of our Seaford Homeless Action Coalition (SHAC) committee, spoke with Fiona Basile about addressing homelessness around our local area and and features in the May edition of Melbourne Catholic.  The theme for May was “Water”.

Melbourne Catholic May 2018 Edition – “Water”

(Photo reproduced from Melbourne Catholic magazine.)

At our Feast Day Mass on Thursday 26th July we celebrated with St. Anne’s and St. Joachim’s school.

It was a special day as we also congratulated St. Anne’s School on their celebration of 50 years of Catholic Education in our Parish.

We wish St. Anne’s School all the best as we move on under the guidance of St. Anne.

“Seek first the poorest and most neglected of God’s vineyard.” – Mary MacKillop, 1900.

This week we celebrate the feast of Mary MacKillop, the first Australian Saint. She was bold, daring, resilient, resourceful, courageous, faith-filled and friend to all. She encountered many obstacles throughout her life, but she faced with them courage. Mary’s youthful legacy encourages us to rise above the challenges, make friends with people from all walks of life, follow your passion, never give up, pray and trust in God and always remember to “Seek first the poorest and most neglected of God’s Vineyard”. 

This week the St Joachim’s Mini Vinnies organised a small fete after school. There were games to play, second-hand toys to buy, fabulous fresh vegetables and herbs from our veggie garden as well as many other fun activities.

Our beautiful St Joachim’s community supported this event and we raised a wonderful $817.85 which will be sent to the St Vincent de Paul Society to support those less fortunate.
Ms Zeeta Andrew, St Joachim’s RE Coordinator, would especially like to congratulate our Mini Vinnies for their enthusiasm and willingness to make a difference in our world. 

 
84 Austin Road, Seaford, Vic, 3198| Suburbs of Seaford, Frankston North, Carrum Downs, Skye and Sandhurst| ☏(03) 9401 6398 ©St Annes Church|
St. Anne’s parish respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong people, who are the traditional custodians od the Boom Wurrung land on which we worship. We acknowledge and pay respect to the Elders past, present and future.
St. Anne’s parish is committed to the safety, wellbeing and human dignity of children, young people and adults.
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