The peak body representing First Nations Catholics has asked all of the faith to reflect on and be respectful of the challenges brought to many on January 26.

NATSICC (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council) has assembled an 'Australia Day 2025 Reflection and Discernment Guide' as an aid for Catholics "to explore the complexities of this day, consider its significance through a lens of faith, and reflect on how we can contribute to a future where all Australians feel included, respected, and valued".

The group have extended their ask for reflection to all Australians with hopes for meaningful action and commitment to reconciliation.

Within a statement for January 26 this year, NATSICC says there is no seeking of division in the mixed emotions - including sadness, reflection and a sense of unresolved history, felt by many First Nations people on the date.

"NATSICC's desire has always been not to diminish anyone's experience of this day, but to invite all Catholics – indeed, all Australians - to walk together with open hearts and minds, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and collective future," the statement reads.

The body has 'long advocated for another date', offering their suggestion for an alternative date for a public holiday celebrating the nation.

May 27, the anniversary of the 1967 referendum and resulting vote to include Indigenous Australians in the population at over 90 per cent, is "powerful symbol of national consensus," NATSICC says, alongside suggestions for coinciding with NAIDOC Week.

"This moment in history represents a time when Australians came together with hope for a better future and made a practical step to begin that journey," the guide reads.

Last weekend, Christians across the country engaged with Aboriginal Sunday, an annual cause of solidarity held the Sunday prior to January 26 honouring the legacy of William Cooper and origins of NAIDOC.

More than 600 churches, with each state and territory represented, aligned with non-denominational Christian movement Common Grace for Aboriginal Sunday.

With January 26 falling on many Christian's regular day of attending mass, NATSICC have encouraged the broader Catholic community to be conscious of the timing this weekend.

They've suggested including reflection in prayer, considering their statement and for people to ask themselves 'How can I support positive change and walk together with First Nations Peoples?' on the day.

In the 2016 census, more than 20 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people responded as being Catholic.

NATSICC define themselves as 'the peak advisory body to the Australian Catholic Bishops on issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics'.