27. The Soul
Consistent with the message of The Soul, R U OK? day encourages Australians to connect with people, to address social isolation and promote community cohesiveness. Leading our students in this endeavour through a focus on prayer is one way we can bring alive the foundational value of witnessing to Jesus Christ. This witness is important within a society that does not always share the life-patterns of Christianity. Through Christian witness, our students are encouraged to do good as they make meaning of the world.
Inquiries by Government are often harrowing to watch; the Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess affair being a prime example. At inquiries, witnesses are often grilled by specialist barristers about events until they testify through tears of remorse.
A Christian witness does not speak of events, but rather bears ‘witness’ to a person - the person of Jesus Christ. In Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, in John’s Book of Revelation and in Paul’s Letters we learn about Christian witness. Paul tells us how from a persecutor of Christ, he became a witness for Christ. Indeed, the strength of his witness drove him to work unceasingly to proclaim Christ.
The truth of the early Christian witness became even more evident when they were persecuted or condemned to be executed, joyfully approaching death rather than denying Christ. They were called ‘martyr’- a transliteration of the Greek word ‘witness’. The power of the Holy Spirit enabled such witness, even in the face of a terrible earthly end. Today, and in recent times, Christians in Africa and the Middle East are still martyred because of their witness to this divine person.
In a secular but law-abiding country like Australia, martyrdom is impossible. However, we are always called to witness. Just as the early Christians stood out to the Romans in the way they loved each other, we are called to stand out in the way we love our fellow teachers and certainly our students. We are called to live good lives and be proud to proclaim Jesus as Lord.
Sometimes we find this hard, even amongst friends and family. Will I say Grace at the meal? Will I tell people I can’t be somewhere because I’ll be at Mass? Can I tell friends that God loves me (and them too!)? Will I always forgive? In moments like these the Holy Spirit is there to give us courage. And we shouldn’t worry either, especially in our witnessing to students. As Pope Francis says ‘Jesus is already waiting in their hearts for us’.
Gary Reen
Assistant Director, SEACS
Here in the Diocese of Lismore our parish schools share a devotion to the practice of Christian Meditation. Combining this ancient prayer form with a desire to reach out and help others, the students at St Mary’s College Casino have initiated the annual #LismMeditates RUOK Day. First held in 2019, the initiative provides the opportunity for students of the Lismore Diocese to reflect together on the stigma of mental health and, through Christian meditation in community, pray in a way that can bring peace and inner calm through connection with God.
This video from St Mary’s Casino invites us all to get involved on September 10.
- This humble COVID-19 version of All Son’s Daughters Christ Be All Around Me invites Christ into all aspects of our lives.
- Taking us back to the good old days of singing in Mass, this contemporary version of Dan Shutte’s classic hymn Here I Am Lord will get the feet tapping.
- The Gaither Vocal Band are well known for their stunning vocalists who tour the world uniting millions of worship singers and groups and creating powerful nights of worship. This beautiful rendition of Sometimes It Takes A Mountain reminds us that Jesus meets us in our suffering.
ONE NIGHT RALLY
Join the team from Ignite Youth and Emmanuel Worship for One Night of faith, renewal and worship. This will be a one night event for us to come together, worship and encounter Jesus. Join us either in Brisbane or connect with us online and host your own event or watch party. Bring together everyone, especially those who you would have come to Ignite Conference with! For more information, visit One Night Rally
Saturday 26th September, 6.30-9pm
- RUOK?
We know that suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge. But we also know that some of the world’s leading professionals have been working tirelessly developing credible theories that suggest there’s power in that simplest of questions - “Are you OK?”
- National Child Protection Week 6-12 Sept 2020 - Rights and Responsibilities for Children in the Diocese of Lismore.
- The Spiritual Rosary Pilgrimage: A Biblical Journey through the Life of Christ with His Mother - Join 20,000 Spiritual Pilgrims to celebrate the Blessed Virgin & the Life of Christ!
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- Starting on Sep 8 – The Birthday of the Blessed Mother
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- Finishing on Oct 7 – The Feast of the Holy Rosary
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- 4 weeks ⋅ 20+ Speakers ⋅ 5 Keynote talks
- CATHOLIC EARTHCARE CONVOCATION: BRINGING OUR HEARTS TOGETHER TO CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME - This significant church event has been designed with a wide audience in mind with the hope that participants will explore the themes and register for the sessions that interest them.
Visit the website for further information, event schedule and to register.
Date: Starts Tuesday 1/9/20
- THE LIGHT FROM THE SOUTHERN CROSS: PROMOTING CO-RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA - The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Religious Australia have published the report The Light from the Southern Cross; a response to the recommendation of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. People are encouraged to access an associated reading guide prior to reading the report. Feedback may be provided directly to the local bishop. The bishops, having received feedback, will discuss the report when they gather for their next plenary meeting in November.
The reading guide and the full report can be accessed here: https://catholic.org.au/governance
Click the image above to submit your prayer intentions. Each week the prayer intentions are passed onto the Carmelite Sister's at the Carmelite Convent in Goonellabah.
Stay in touch through social media.
Proclaim Lismore Staff
All staff in Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lismore receive The Soul by email. The link in these emails can be forwarded and shared with family and friends. Alternatively, use this form to subscribe as an additional reader to The Soul mailing list.