Still Standing,
Still Strong in Christ!
In 2026, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic leaders, and friends, from across Australia will gather in Alice Springs for a national retreat marking the 40th Anniversary of the historic address of Pope John Paul II to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in 1986.
This landmark moment, delivered during the Pope’s visit to Alice Springs, remains one of the most significant affirmations of First Nations culture, spirituality and place within the Catholic Church in Australia.
The retreat will provide an opportunity for prayer, reflection and renewal, revisiting the message and legacy of this important address. Participants will reflect on the continuing call for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to share their gifts, culture and faith with the wider Church, and explore how this vision continues to guide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic ministry today.
Retreat Cost
Please Note: Accommodation is not included and needs to be booked directly (Links below)
Community / Restricted Finances - $50
We are pleased to offer a discounted registration rate of $50 for community members and those that are financially restricted, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the Council’s commitment to fostering community engagement.
Organisation Sponsored / Professional Development / Individual - $200
Registration includes:
All meals (other than breakfast which may be included in your accommodation booking)
Anniversary Mass and visit to Blatherskite Park (tbc)
Presentations and workshops
Retreat Venue
Retreat Venue
Mercure Alice Springs
34 Stott Terrace
Alice Springs NT 0870
Accommodation
On site at the Mercure
We have negotiated special rates for the Retreat.
Additional Instructions:
Click this Link
Select Dates and number of people (automatically set to 29/11 - 2/12 but you can change as per your requirements)
Select “Special offer” in pink.
*Please be sure to read the terms and conditions you are booking – all of the online rates will display, some are prepaid, non-refundable and some are flexible with free cancellation and pay on arrival. Guests are liable for the terms that are selected.
Retreat Information
Program (Subject to change)
Sunday 29 November
11am Registration opens at Mercure
2.30pm Coaches depart for Opening Mass
3pm Anniversary Mass - OLSH Parish Alice Springs
5pm Community Dinner
Monday 30 November
9.30am St Pope John Paul II Address
10.30am Group Discussion
11.30am Aboriginal Spirituality
1.30pm ‘Head’ Workshop (Presenter: Lisa Buxton)
2.30pm Workshop (Fr Steve Fletcher)
4pm Presentation
5pm Mass at Blatherskite Park (to be confirmed)
6.30pm Dinner
7.30pm Night Prayer / Adoration
Tuesday 1 December
9am Mass
10am ‘Heart’ Workshop
11.30am Aboriginal and Catholic perspectives on the words of St Pope John Paul II
1.30pm Ecological Stations of the Cross
2.30 Reflection Time
3.30pm ‘Hands’ Workshop
4.30pm Where to from here (Bishop Tim Norton)
5.30pm Reflection / Quiet Time
6pm Dinner
7pm Healing Liturgy
Wednesday 2 December
8.45am Mass
9.30am Yarning Circles
11am Yarning Feedback
11.30am Wrap Up
12pm Lunch
Thursday 3 December
Harvest Journeys have organised a Post Retreat Pilgrimage (at an additional cost payable directly to Harvest Journeys) from 2/12 - 4/12. Information and bookings at https://bookings.harvestjourneys.com/PV2684
Presenters
Bishop Tim Norton SVD
Fr Steve Fletcher
NATSICC Council Members