24. The Soul
Jesus is the foundation for the values and practices that empower and guide us in our lives. Living in community is the basis for much of modern society and the challenges of 2020 have highlighted the importance of community as we learn to live without the connection and engagement we may have taken for granted in the past. This week we take a look at the Foundational Value of Community - reminded from our guiding document that “a Christian community builds relationships modeled on Jesus, witnessing the Gospel, and life in the Sacraments” (FV, 2020).
Catholic schools build community in a number of ways. Its endeavours around academic excellence contributes to the wider societal community, both in the long and short term, in producing good citizens. The school also contributes to the local community, supporting the common good and life of the town or district. Catholic schools are renowned in Australia for their efforts to build communities, sometimes as the lead contributors to student success, wellbeing, charitable acts, sport and associations.
However, these are not their reason for existence. The central role of the Catholic school is to live the mission of the Gospel. They are, first and foremost, Christian places. The earliest Christian communities show us the way, made up of "glad and generous hearts" (Acts 2:46), open and missionary, who enjoyed "favour with all the people" (Acts 2:47). Even before activity, mission means witness and a way of life that shines out to others in the community.
In this, the Catholic school exists within a parish. “The parish is the presence of the Church in a given place, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach and celebration (and) a community of communities, a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre of constant missionary outreach” (Evangelii Gaudium, 28). They exist in a Eucharistic community.
So within our own journey this week be reminded that, despite COVID-19, all are welcome at the table of the Lord to be nourished.
Acts of the Apostles tells us the Spirit leads the company of believers to "form a community," to be the Church. After Peter's first proclamation on the day of Pentecost and the conversions that followed, the first community takes shape (cf. Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35).
What exactly is the Church?
Is it just a building where people attend Mass on Sundays? Is it an assembly of like-minded people, like a group of hobbyists or a club? In this presentation, we see the Church the way Jesus created it: as a family bound together in the love of God. Watch with your FORMED subscription.
ACBC National Catholic Men’s Gathering for 2020 - An initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the National Men’s Gathering aims to inspire and encourage men with a bold vision for personal discipleship, service and mission. The online program hopes to reinforce how important it is to gather as men in the faith environment of the Church and ensure the Gospel is alive in our homes, parishes, dioceses and our communities.
Register here for this free event which will be delivered in four pre-recorded sessions of approximately 1 hour in length, available from Saturday 15th August 2020.
- Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop - 8 August
This year (2020), as Australia celebrates the tenth anniversary of St Mary MacKillop, let’s reflect on the characteristics and features of her courageous life that lead to her sainthood.
- Saint Maximilian Kolbe - 14 August
On Friday we celebrate the life and sacrifice of this inspiring saint. This video from FORMED is a great resource to break open Saint Maxmilian's compelling story.
- The Assumption of Our Lady - 15 August
Bishop Greg has extended the suspension of the obligation of the faithful to attend Mass to this holy day of obligation. This article from the Catholic Weekly explains the historical background and church teaching related to this feast.
- Steve Angrisano is one of the most effective and versatile ministry leaders in the Church today. People of all ages embrace his passionate message of faith woven throughout his music and storytelling. Many and One encourages us to reflect on what community means to us.
- Matt Maher’s Hold us Together reminds us that even though we may be far apart from each other, God’s love holds us together.
- Needing a hymn to get you up and moving? Home by the Australian Catholic Worship Band, Emmanuel Worship, is an energetic declaration of Jesus being the centre of your life.
- Head to Health - Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, phone services, and a range of digital information resources. This page describes practical psychological skills to help you and your loved ones cope with anxiety and worry about infectious disease.
- Word on Fire is a Catholic media organization that uses digital and traditional media to introduce Catholicism to the broader world, founded by Bishop Robert Barron. In this podcast Bishop Baron discusses evangelisation and the need for community.
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
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