The spirit of Mary MacKillop was alive and buzzing at the recent Community Welcome Day hosted by the Josephite Justice Network (JJN) together with families from the House of Welcome at Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney.
The gathering began with an inclusive and reflective celebration of Eucharist in the peaceful surroundings of the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, where familiar faces and new friends gathered in gratitude, prayer and hope. The Chapel’s gentle light and music led by the wonderful youth choir set a beautiful tone for a day centred on justice, community and connection.
After Mass, the energy spilled outdoors onto Glen Roy Green at Mary MacKillop Place. Laughter, conversation, and the smell of shared food filled the air as everyone enjoyed a relaxed lunch. Tables were dotted with people swapping stories, catching up and welcoming newcomers into the Josephite fold.
One of the highlights of the day was the vibrant community chalk mural. With hands dusted in colour, each guest and volunteer worked side-by-side to create a living artwork along the wall at Mary MacKillop Place.
By the afternoon’s end, the green was full, the mural was bright, and the sense of shared purpose was unmistakable. The Welcome Day wasn’t just an event – it was a reminder of the strength found in community and the ongoing call to embrace diversity through relationships in all we do.
Highlights from the day are shared below by some of those who were present:
My experience at the Welcome Day was positive, as the event brought together a diverse range of people and perspectives. I enjoyed seeing how everyone came from different backgrounds yet connected through shared activities. There were so many fun things to do, which made the day engaging and energetic.
It was a wonderful day full of joy and inspiration!! We really appreciated the sense of inclusion in the liturgy, the shared meal and the time for connecting and fun!
As a newcomer to the Josephite Justice Network it was wonderful to attend the recent Community Day. We started with a beautiful liturgy and at lunch I met people who continue to carry out the vision of Mary MacKillop whether that is through advocacy, volunteering at the House of Welcome or other work with the poor and marginalized. At my table we had a great discussion about the housing and accommodation crisis in Sydney. I left feeling inspired and energised to do more!
Pope Leo, in the early months of his papacy, has encouraged young people “to aspire to great things”, and in both the preparation and organisation of the Welcome Day, our Josephite Action Group (JAG) has done just that. From their involvement as readers and musicians in the celebration of Eucharist, and their appreciation for the sacredness of the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, to the lunch they had organized for all participants, and the joy of the activities and games which involved all, there was truly a sense of welcome and at-homeness for both volunteers and guests. In the current climate of polarisation and political wrangling, our aim for creating new friendships and a welcome sense of inclusion for people new to our shores, was met across many areas. With the support of the Josephite community and the House of Welcome, we hope to continue these interconnections in 2026.
It was such a blessing to be able to participate in the Community Welcome Day and meet all the new families. I had a great time meeting many new people from different backgrounds all coming together as one community in Christ, and, getting to know them closely was such a pleasure!! Thank you to the Josephite Justice Network for hosting such a memorable and meaningful event and may God bless all the work you do.
The gathering at mass at the beginning of the welcoming experience set such a tone of community, regardless of our visitor’s faiths. People who have lost must look for signs of protection and hope in new ways in new places. Our welcome day is certainly such an all-encompassing gesture to those who came. These moments enrich all of us.
Emilia Nicholas
Josephite Justice Network
