31. The Soul
We hope the glorious spring weather and time away from the classroom has provided an opportunity for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation as we once again set our sights on bringing to our students all the riches on offer through Catholic education in the Diocese of Lismore. In particular, we keep the current class of HSC students at the forefront in our prayers as they prepare for their examinations beginning next week. May they find the focus and energy required to put their best foot forward and peace of mind with the outcome of their efforts. Welcome back and have a great Term 4.
The beatification of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been prominent in the Catholic news cycle over the school holidays. This young man, who died of leukaemia in 2006 at the age of 15, was an average teenager who, Pope Francis tells us, was a witness of Christ for younger generations. “He did not rest in comfortable immobility,” said the Pope. “He grasped the needs of his time because he saw the face of Christ in the weakest” (Crux).
The recognition of someone so young using their skills in technology to share the love of God gives great hope to us all in this modern age. It is realistic to live a life focussed on saintliness. The work of young Carlo is readily available to us all on the website that has attracted the attention of the world.
- October - Month of the Rosary
October is dedicated as the Month of the Rosary because we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary each year on October 7. The wealth of spiritual graces offered through the rosary comes not from the repetition of prayers (see Matthew 6:7) but from contemplating the mysteries that the rosary contains and following the Blessed Mother’s example of imitating Christ by saying yes to the Father’s will.
Why don't we turn off the radio or podcast as we commute to work this month and pray the rosary instead? Let's continue to open ourselves to the graces Jesus wants to pour into our lives from the rose garden of this daily meditation.
Find out more about the origins of October as the month of the rosary in this informative article.
- A Prayer for HSC Students
A PDF copy of this prayer can be found below to print and share with students and colleagues so that we may be encouraged to pray this prayer throughout the HSC period.
- Sidewalk Prophets remind us of the simple joy that comes when we take the time to Smile. Watch this fun-filled film clip to put a smile on your face today.
- If you’re a fan of roots and soul music, Will Reagan & Friends live version of I Need You More will move you into a holy place of deep worship and praise.
- Join millions of Catholics around the world as they sing Salve Regina daily during this month of the Rosary.
Catholic Youth Parramatta produce a great newsletter called Elements. This month, it shares resources to help plan a session based on the life of our very own saint of the new millennium - Blessed Carlo Acutis!
- Tools and Fuels - How Catholic Teachers can Become Saints, Beat Burnout and Save the World - Jonathan Doyle, 2017
Each school was given copies of this book after Proclaim Staff 2017. Check out your school library or order your own copy here.
- 'Time With Jesus' (TWJ) - Audio Prayer Resource for Families and Children
'Time With Jesus' (TWJ) is a collection of short five-minute meditations that take children (and adults) on an adventure through 13 popular New Testament bible stories to meet Jesus and speak with Him. Listeners are guided to use their imagination to climb trees, steer a boat, ride a donkey and climb a mountain with Jesus and much more. TWJ is an engaging and exciting way to pray in which the meditations are brought to life by the use of different voices, sound effects and music.
For a free sample meditation, tips on how to use the TWJ resource in families and children’s ministries, and to make a purchase visit: www.beheldmedia.com or www.parousiamedia.com
- Hallow - 30 Day Free Trial of 'HALLOW'
Hallow is a Catholic meditation & prayer app that helps users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer. It comes recommended by Bishops, priests, and families across the world.
Click the following link to take advantage of a 30-day free trial of Hallow's premium subscription option. Simply click this link and your promo code will be automatically applied (whether you are online or on a mobile device).
Hallow also includes permanently free content. Premium subscription is cancellable at any time while still maintaining premium access for the entire trial period. Offer only for newly subscribing Hallow users.
Why is Mary so important to Catholics, and why have so many people been devoted to her over the centuries? In this 8-part series, Dr. Brant Pitre examines what the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, and the early Church fathers reveal about the life and identity of Mary.
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.