45. The Soul

Divine Mercy Sunday, Anzac Day, Catholic Schools Week, Proclaim Lismore Staff 2021, Mother’s Day - all in the Season of Easter! It’s a very busy start to the term with a variety of topics to cover in this first edition of The Soul for Term 2. 

The cautious optimism of the slow but sure relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings is a promising sign for our ministry in schools while the return of congregational singing has put a smile on the faces of parishioners across the diocese these last couple of weeks. 

While we remain wary and mindful of those at risk, we celebrate the opportunities we have to gather in our communities this term as we begin with our theme for this edition - Gather.

Jesus was big on gathering people. At the start of his public ministry, Jesus gathered a community of disciples. Many gathered to listen to Him preach, to the point where He attracted thousands and people needed to climb trees to catch a glimpse of Him passing (Lk 19:4). As the disciples who recognised Jesus as the Messiah, the apostles continued the example of Jesus, gathering a community of believers, the Church. 

Gathering as a Church community continues to be a cornerstone of our faith where we are bound by a common love for the Savior and participate in the Sacraments. At the Last Supper Jesus asked us to gather to celebrate the Eucharist, “Do this in memory of me,” (Lk 22:19). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and there is grace and power when we gather. 

There are other ways to express our faith that don’t involve gathering. We are encouraged to spend time with God alone in prayer and adoration, listening to Him and experiencing His love for us in awesome places, such as rainforests, beaches and mountains. But this ‘alone time’ cannot replace the Sacraments and the need to gather as a community and worship God, who loves us, saves us and brings meaning to our lives. 

When we gather each of us has something very special, unique and holy to offer. As Saint Paul suggests in his Letter to the Corinthians, we can offer time, teaching, conversation, music and a listening ear. All of these unique contributions will build us up as the Church.

It is an uncomfortable truth that attendance at Mass and other Church gatherings is dropping. We need to understand why and ask a few questions about this. When is the Church a ‘Church’? Is it only a Church when we gather on Sunday mornings? Or is it a Church when we, nourished by the Eucharist, go out? Is it a Church when we gather to coordinate help for flood victims? And when we gather with others, how will they know we are Christians? 

There is much to ponder and discern in how we gather as Catholics. What we do know is that God will always be there with us and working through us.

If you haven’t yet checked out this television drama based on the life of Jesus, you are in for a treat. It is the first multi-season series about the life of Christ and Season One was the highest crowd-funded TV series or film project of all time. Viewed through a freely downloadable App or on YouTube, Season 2 premiered on Easter Sunday to wide acclaim and with great anticipation. 

“The Chosen is one of the most engaging Bible-inspired productions I've seen. Surprisingly funny and relatable, we continue watching episode after episode not because we feel obligated to support it as dutiful Christians, but because it's compelling.” - Rotten Tomatoes

Actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays the part of Jesus in The Chosen has become a sought after guest on talk shows and religious programs. In this interview, he talks with Fr Chris Alar MIC on the mysteries of the Divine Mercy and shares vulnerably at the 27 min mark on his moment of surrender to Jesus.

We gather as school and CSO communities next Wednesday 5 May for Proclaim Lismore Staff 2021. This year the theme is Catholic Education - Faith in the Future while the program format is virtual and features:

• prayer, music and liturgy
• dialogue sessions
• keynote speakers- Fr Frank Brennan, Fr Richard Leonard and Br David Hall 
• Bishop Greg Homeming 

The Soul will feature highlights in coming editions. Have a great day!

200 Years of Education Prayer

Learning to Pray

In this talk from Fr James Martin SJ, produced for the virtual LA Religious Education Conference this year, we hear about our desire, and God’s desire for us, in prayer. A simple, practical and understandable guide to praying.

Porta Fidei is an opportunity for staff to meet God through God’s grace and to open a door and enter a journey of faith embraced in God’s loving guidance. Held in three locations, the program will address key topics including; God’s Love, the Salvation Message, Kerygma, and Teaching as a Vocation, while the sacraments form a key element.

Open to all Parish School staff, registrations will open via My Learning this week.

Recurring outbreaks, lockdowns and ongoing concern about the pandemic continue to impact on the wellbeing of many of our staff and students. Meanwhile the recent flooding in many areas of the diocese has added another dimension to the impact of the pandemic. We are reminded that there are resources available to assist:

• Beyond Blue - Coronavirus Wellbeing Hotline - However the pandemic is affecting your mental wellbeing, you can talk it through with one of our counsellors. We’ll provide advice and support based on your specific needs. Call 1800 512 348 or web chat.
• Taking care of yourself after a disaster - A good starting point if you are concerned about your own wellbeing or that of someone close to you.  

• Gather At The Water (Sarah Hart) is a hymn about our call to gather together as one community in God’s love and mercy.

• Surrendering to God is a freeing experience. 814 (Isla Vista Worship) is a funky worship hymn which speaks into that joyful moment of surrender.

• As we continue our Easter celebration, we sing with praise, Alleluia! - Agnus Dei/King of Kings (Chidima Ubah, Jenn Johnson & Brooke Ligertwood).

• Little Things With Great Love (The Porter’s Gate) is a musical meditation based on the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, 

  "God does not call us all to great things, 

  but calls us to do small things with great love."

• LEAD Conference, 2021

• GPBS Gather, Proclaim, Break, Send - Resourcing Catholic Schools for Faith, Liturgy and Life.

• Catholic Schools Week Resources - Schools are encouraged to use the resources developed for the Catholic Education - Celebrating 200 Years - Faith in the Future website.

Songs for Mother’s Day

• • The Porter’s Gate - Every Mother Every Father (Feat. Audrey Assad, Paul Zach & Madison Cunningham)

• Nichole Nordeman - Slow Down

And from our schools... these great resources shared with The Soul from recent school liturgies

• St Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville - Stations of the Cross
• St Joseph’s College, Banora Point - Anzac Day Reflection