National Day of Sorrow and Promise

Purpose

The National Day of Sorrow and Promise offers a national response from Catholic Religious to recognise all who have been harmed by abuse within the Church and to make a commitment to a safer future. Naming the abuse, pain and suffering helps us to ensure that such abuse does not occur again. Through prayer, we open ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit amid that pain and suffering.

Everyone is welcome to participate in your own communities or groups. Please feel very welcome to circulate this email and attachments with your ministerial associates, parishes and dioceses.

When

Date:    Sunday 18 October 2026
Time:    5.00 to 6.00pm (flexible) – One hour together, on one day, across the nation.

Theme

This year’s theme is “The Lord is My Shepherd”. Drawn from a well-loved psalm, it gently reassures the human heart that amid darkness, fear and uncertainty, our Lord God is always with us.

Resource

Feel free to download the prayer service for the 2026 National Day of Sorrow and Promise. Click on the image at left. A word version has also been supplied to CRA Members.

Enquiries

Please email: secretariat@catholicreligious.org.au or phone the CRA office: 02 9557 2695.

PROMISE STATEMENT

We invite you to read the Promise Statement.

Preparation for the day

We know you are mindful of the wounds that may exist in your community. You may wish to consider how you will respond if a person becomes distressed during the prayer time. Please call me if you wish to discuss.

Thank you

Thank you for your fidelity in undertaking this annual opportunity for collective prayer and recommitment, remembering all who have been abused, those outside our communities and within. Please do not hesitate to approach me with any queries – I am always happy to assist. If you would like to send in a reflection of your experience of prayer, or a photo of your gathering, CRA will is very happy to receive it.

Looking ahead

2026 marks nine years since the establishment of this annual day of remembrance. As we look toward its tenth year in 2027, we welcome your feedback.