South Australia

Made up of two Dioceses - Adelaide and Port Pirie - South Australia is home to nearly 4000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics. 10% of all Indigenous people in South Australia identify as Catholic.

 

For a summary of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Statistics drawn from the 2016 Census, please click here.

 

Known as the 'City of Churches', Adelaide is home to the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) in Stepney. Also known as The Otherway Centre,  the ACM has serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics for over 30 years. It has been traditionally the first stop for people visiting from the country. Contact details for the Adelaide ACM can be found below.

NATSICC Councillor for South Australia

 John Lochowiak SA Councillor Chairperson Public Officer 0418 832 550
john@natsicc.org.au

John is a Wadi (initiated Man) who has strong ties to many language groups throughout Australia including but not limited to Pitjantjatjara, Kaurna, Ramindjeri and Arerrnte. His strong cultural grounding is complemented by his deep Catholic faith. His position on NATSICC compliments his  role as on the Centacare Catholic Family Services Advisory Committee at Centacare.

 

John and his family have been involved with the Adelaide ACM for 3 decades and have seen 3 generations receive the Sacraments and practice their faith at the iconic South Australian organisation.

Ministries and Services

 

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Adelaide

80c Payneham Rd. Stepney, SA 5069  |  08 8228 8950  |   ebrereton@centacare.org.au

Mass Times: Sunday 11am   |   Office Hours: Wed - Thurs 10am - 3pm

 

The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry in Adelaide is housed in the Otherway Centre.

 

The centre is a vibrant community based organisation that works to improve the lives of those in need by offering programs that are designed to promote self esteem and healing. A feeling of belonging and worth is instilled in the community members that attend the centre.

 

Mass is held weekly in Adelaide newest place of worship- the St Martin de Porres Chapel. Adorned with striking stained glass windows, the chapel is an awe inspiring display of the way that Aboriginal Culture and Catholic faith can go hand in hand.

 

The Otherway Centre serves the community by offering the following programs:

 

  • Tai Chi
  • Jewellery Making classes (Thursday lunchtime)
  • Toiletry Bags
    • With the assistance of St Vincent de Paul's, toiletry bags are available to those people that have an unexpected stay in hospital. Bags for women, men and children are produced and each bag includes items that are of specific need to the user.
  • Healing

 

Upcoming Events

Please check back for future events.

Previous Events

Adelaide ACM visits the Coorong

The members of the Adelaide Aboriginal Catholic Ministry travelled the 3 hour Journey to South Australia’s magnificent Coorong. The Ngarrindjeri have a strong spiritual and cultural connection to the land and are the Traditional Owners. There are many traditional and archaeological sites in the region.

Fr James McEvoy celebrated Mass as the wind whistled thought the dunes and sea grass, giving everyone a constant reminder of the link between the land and the spirit.

It is the first Mass that has been held outside of the newly renovated Aboriginal Catholic Ministry Chapel. “The Ministry is really growing at the moment and it is a very exciting time to be involved” said June Romeo - Office Coordinator.

 

“Claire and Bill Denny, a member of our community and board member of Reconciliation SA was very kind to offer their property to hold the Mass. We have some wonderful people!”

 

Chair of the ACM and Manager John Lochowiak said “It was great to go back to country. Personally, it was very significant as it was where my Great Grandfather Anzac Walker was born.

 

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council

'The peak Indigenous advisory body to the Catholic Church'

80C Payneham Rd.

Stepney SA 5069

www.natsicc.org.au   |   craig@natsicc.org.au   | 08 8363 2963

 

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