KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

MIRRILINGKI is a cross-cultural Catholic centre which seeks to promote formation in ministry and personal development across the Church of the Kimberley in the spirit of National Reconciliation.

Below is a brief outline of the variety of activities undertaken by the permanent staff of two Josephite Sisters and the very generous group of volunteers who come to work at Mirrilingki for various periods of time ranging from three months to a year.
During 2004 Lay Ministry Training Programs for Aboriginal church leaders and other Aboriginal people who work with the leaders, were held. This year the programs focused on the Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist. These programs have been a great help to those who attended and they in turn have been able to be more involved in their own parish community in preparation for the celebration of Mass.
A group of people from the Warmun community took part in the continuing series of the Scripture Program offered by Sr Nellie each year. This year it was focused on the Mysteries of the Rosary in the Gospel of Luke.
The annual Mid-Year Retreat, offered primarily to religious of the Kimberley and elsewhere, was directed by Fr. Tom Gleeson and Mary Baker rsj. This was followed by a Mini-Retreat with the Sisters of St Joseph and Aboriginal people, to celebrate and reflect upon forty years of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the Kimberley. Retreats for Aboriginal people were also made available at other times.

Several Melbourne University students who live at Newman College came for a two week cross-cultural experience. Students from St. Norbert's and Newman Colleges in Perth visited the centre for a week, as did students from St. Bernard's College, Essendon and Genezzano College, Kew - both in Melbourne. The great co-operation between Ngalangangpum School, the Warmun Art Centre and Mirrilingki provide an opportunity for a change in student thinking, attitudes and behaviour.
Mirrilingki hosts three Drug and Alcohol Intervention Programs each year. Members of the Warmun Local Drug Action Group conduct the program which has the aim of learning about and understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol on the lives of the participants, who are mainly Kija people from the Warmun community.
It is a 'packed program', with time for reflection, prayer and sharing. Learing also takes place through meeting the many people who pass through the Centre and those who are part of the neighbouring Warmun Aboriginal community.
Planning has already begun for the programs to be offered in 2005. These will follow a similar pattern to those offered in 2004. Brochures will be available in February 2005. Further information can be obtained by visiting the Mirrilingki Spirituality Centre website www.users.bigpond.com/mirrilingki/default.html or email mirrilingki@bigpond.com or phone (08) 9168 7884 or fax (08) 9168 7310.

[Ed. If you would like to be considered for a period of volunteering at Mirrilingki, then visit the website to find out more and email for an application form, or phone the Centre and ask to speak with one of the Sisters.]