14. The Soul
Tomorrow is Ascension Thursday, which marks 40 days from the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday to His ascension to heaven. In Australia, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on the following Sunday. Like the disciples, we then wait for Pentecost (50 days from Easter) when the Holy Spirit comes upon the gathered apostles.
The liturgical seasons of the Church immerse us into a pattern of waiting and preparation. As we wait for a return to the routines and patterns we took for granted before the pandemic, let’s use this time for our healing and growth, and for outreach to others, so that we may serve our community well in the post COVID-19 world.
Many schools and parishes have been working tirelessly and successfully on their digital outreach since the COVID-19 restrictions, leading us to question: How do we respond to the COVID-19 disaster? Can the Church, the people of God, be renewed in a new and mysterious way by the Holy Spirit, at work in each of us, during this time of our spiritual life? Yes, we believe so.
Pope St John Paul II's words remind us that our times “stir in the Church a new sense of mission, which cannot be left to a group of ‘specialists’ but must involve the responsibility of all the members of the people of God”(JPII 2001).
Pope Benedict reinforced this message extolling that we, the laity, should be made welcome, and must act and step up “as people who are really ‘co-responsible’ for the Church’s being” (Benedict XVI, 2012). We are seeing our staff respond to this call and challenge throughout our schools.
As Catholic school staff we might also remember our parish priests, who may be feeling a similar sense of isolation in the difficult task of preaching the Gospel in today’s ‘new normal’. A ‘new normal’ sense of rebuilding can take life if all of us are engaged in respectful dialogue, as people of hope. Never has a greater opportunity presented itself for the Catholic Church in Australia than through the coming Plenary Council, held during this pandemic. We pray that the dialogue will be honest, renewing, fruitful and life-giving for our Church.
Sunday 24th May | 7th Sunday of Easter - The Ascension of the Lord (Matthew 28:16-20)
Formed in Prayer is a resource available to members of the CSYMI Catholic Leaders Network, including schools in the Lismore Diocese. It provides a reflection and prayer on the coming Sunday’s readings and is ideal for staff prayer.
Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
By Fr Michael Alcock
- The Divine Mercy Chaplet for last Friday was published on the Proclaim Lismore Wildfire Facebook page.
- ‘Way Maker’ (by Sinach) is a powerful message of Jesus working in our lives today. He faithfully and constantly reaches out to provide for our needs. This version was released on Easter Sunday
- Are you in need of a simple message of hope? Meet Rylan Clarke, a 4-year-old boy from America who responded with this song after learning about the pandemic from his mother.
- Stephen Watkins takes us on a spiritual journey as he presents an episode about ‘The Road to Emmaus’ featuring classical music performed by a number of ensembles including the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Contributed by one of our readers.
- This recent episode of Compass showcases Fr Rob Galea and his involvement at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth last December. A number of Lismore Diocese students are featured.
- In this short article, Richard Rohr invites us to reflect on the meaning of community using the African term Ubuntu - ‘I am because we are’.
- Bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long, speaking about the pandemic suggests that “this major shock to our community, and our economy, could provide an opportunity to reset our thinking about how we support the poorest, most marginalised, and most vulnerable members of our community.” Watch a short video of Bishop Long and read his full speech here.
Here you will find a selection of featured resources that may be useful in the delivery of blended learning. These resources will also be stored on the Home Learning Site under the Learning Tab.
General
This student Wellbeing Journal has been created and shared by St Joseph’s Alstonville.
Write Your Story on My Heart Narrative Project - This resource combines writing and religion into an activity for students to express themselves and show how they see God working in their lives.
The Potter's Hand (with lyrics)- Hillsong - A song about how we are created and cared for by our God, the Potter, which can be used in prayer and reflection.
Primary
ES1/ St1 - Watch the video and reflect on the story - Jesus Ascends into Heaven
Stage 2 - Have some word fun as you recall the story of Jesus' Ascension
Stage 3 - The Ascension
Secondary
The Alpha Youth Series is an outstanding resource for young people.
Click the image above to submit your prayer intentions. These will be included in the weekly Divine Mercy Chaplet
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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.