28. The Soul
One of the most popular student programs in the Student Discipleship Continuum is the annual Year 11 Street Retreat. Young people, like many in our community, find a compelling motivation to use their hands in the service of others to make a difference. Our students are also actively involved in Caritas, Catholic Mission, SVDP, care of the aged, and overseas immersions.
Building the kingdom of God by bringing forth Catholic social teaching and peace is the basis for the foundational value of Service. Our staff seek to serve students and their families, whilst also acting with love in the greater parish school community. But unlike any social justice, there is a definitive ‘why’ to Christian service.
In a postmodern ‘me’ culture, the parish school challenges all its members to understand that a Catholic education is not an end in and of itself, but rather it enriches us to live lives of loving service to God, the Church and the world. We serve others more fully when each of us recognise the importance of sharing our gifts and have a clear sense of the distinctiveness of our role by embracing our own particular way to serve. Jesus models this type of service by being ‘among you as one who serves’ (Luke 22:27). This is ‘why’ we serve... we imitate Jesus to animate the world with the spirit of Christianity and be witnesses to Christ in all circumstances in serving others in our community.
Staff who choose to work in a Catholic school serve with a vocational sense. We are locally called to serve students and their families. We support the pastoral care and well-being of each student and the Christian community of the parish.
We are also intentional in our own outreach to the wider marginalised. Pope Francis asks that ‘the more fortunate renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others’ (EG, 190). Regarding the poor and marginalised he urges us ‘to find Christ in them, to lend our voice to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdom which God wishes to share with us through them’ (EG,198).
For when we serve, we enliven love… the God of love, who is love (1 John 4:8).
Gary Reen
Assistant Director, SEACS
- Enjoy Ecclesia’s acoustic version of Hands and Feet, a contemporary worship hymn which was inspired by St Teresa of Avila.
- The Servant Song is a simple, classic hymn which is inspired by the Gospel. “It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26
- One of the wonderful things about worship music is how it can be interpreted and expressed in different ways. Some Christian artists push boundaries in the hope that the listener can experience faith in new ways. In this Gospel cover of Elevation Worship’s O Come to the Altar, Trey Mcloughlin and the Sounds of Zamar create an uplifting worship experience, filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Emmanuel City Mission
A key partner in the annual Year 11 Street Retreat is Emmanuel City Mission. This daytime sanctuary for the homeless and vulnerable has been growing in its outreach over the last ten years and has provided an opportunity for our students to see the need and contribute first hand to serving the community. Ten years ago the service consisted of an esky of soft drink, a hot chocolate machine and a handful of volunteers with a guitar visiting a men's shelter in South Brisbane. Today, the center operates 7 days a week offering food, shelter, clothing, washing facilities and spiritual nourishment. Take a tour with founder Roby Curtis.
Proclaim Lismore Street Retreat Photo Gallery
Catch The Wave: Who Is Jesus To Me?
Emily Brenton, Year 11 student and Ministry Leader from St Paul's Kempsey, shares her story.
Another Slice of Pizza
There is no doubt about it, there is something sacred about sharing a meal with someone. Come, share a pizza and have a laugh with Zac Parnell (YMO alumni and graduate of Lismore Diocese Catholic Education) as he chats with his guests about some of their experiences in life.
- THEWELL.COM - A Project of Catholic Youth Parramatta
‘The Well’ Sharing is a compilation of life, stories and resources from the Diocese of Parramatta. The online resource was created to inspire, enrich and connect the Parramatta Diocese as a community on mission with Jesus. Explore fresh offerings every week on topical issues that inform, entertain and challenge. Experience the variety of content for families and friends of all ages, and all those seeking to serve in our church and beyond.
- Catholic Counselling - What’s the difference between pastoral counselling and spiritual life coaching? Check out the following side-by-side comparison to see the different issues each service addresses.
- CHILD PROTECTION SUNDAY - Child Protection Sunday will be marked by the Catholic Church in Australia on Sunday 13/9/20.
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will progressively release content such as Prayers of the Faithful, parish bulletin notices and social media resources on the ACBC website in the lead up to Child Protection Sunday. Materials have been made available on the dedicated Child Protection Sunday page - visit the page here.
These great resources come from the Diocese of Wollongong to support RUOK? day 2020.
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.
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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.