96. The Soul
Welcome to The Soul, a resource for Catholic schools staff in the Diocese of Lismore and beyond.
As we enter the season of Lent, we are called to walk the path of hope—a hope rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and the promise of new life. Lent is a time for us to draw closer to God through reflection, repentance, and renewal.
Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we are also invited to journey through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; not as burdens, but as ways to strengthen our trust in God. When we surrender our worries, serve others, and open our hearts to grace, we discover that true hope is found not in our own strength, but in the love of Christ.
This Lent, as we hear the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel,” may we embrace this call with courage. Let us seek hope in the midst of challenge, knowing that beyond the cross lies the joy of resurrection.
In the wake of the recent severe weather, feeling shaken, stressed or overwhelmed is natural. The impact of such an event can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being and it’s okay to acknowledge that. During times like these, turning to faith can be a source of comfort and strength. Creating a self-care plan is a gentle, compassionate way to begin looking after yourself as you navigate this challenging time while also leaning on God's love and guidance.
The Path to Hope
Pope Francis has opened the doors of hope, but we must not forget the journey. It’s not just about reaching the destination —it’s about the steps we take along the way.
Many would remember growing up by a river, rounding up mates, and setting off without a second thought. Down the road, over fences, dodging bulls, cutting through paddocks—there was a rhythm to it, a quiet thrill in knowing the river waited. We’d stash our bikes, feel the dry grass crunch beneath us, then dive into the cool, calm waters. But looking back, it wasn’t just the water that refreshed us. It was the journey.
The hope of fishing, swimming, skipping rocks, and talking about the future filled us with something deeper than we realized. We spoke of the lives we’d one day have—important jobs, responsibilities, adulthood that seemed so far away. We thought the destination was everything. But what if, in yearning to reach our goal, we actually risk missing what actually gives it meaning?
Pope Francis reminds us that pilgrimage is central to faith. “Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life.” A pilgrimage isn’t just about reaching a holy place—it’s about walking, step by step, letting the journey transform us. It’s about moving forward, striving in faith, seeking Jesus on the road.
Faith isn’t found in rushing ahead. It’s found in the steps, the effort, the silence. Like those long walks to the river, faith is a steady journey. We walk not just to arrive, but to encounter—to see, listen, and give thanks. Just as the journey made the river sweeter, it is the pilgrimage itself that makes hope so life-giving.
The roads may be long, the fences high, and the bulls fierce, but step by step, we move forward. Not alone, not aimlessly, but with the quiet assurance that every challenge, every moment of silence, every act of perseverance, draws us closer to the One who calls us onward—Jesus.
- Till The Walls Come Down (planetboom)
This fun song gives us the simple reminder that God is good, and that because of God, we are filled with heavenly joy.
- Great Is (Elevation Worship feat. Jenna Barrientes)
“It was lonely in the dark, but You were working… Full of questions, wondering why, but You were working all things for my good.”
- I Can’t Thank You Enough (Benjamin Hastings)
How often do we stop to thank God for everything that God is giving to us, and for the things that God has taken away for our benefit? How often do we thank Jesus for His sacrifice for us, and for granting us such beautiful mercy and grace. This ballad reminds us to be grateful for the path the Lord has carved for us.
- Softly (Sondae)
This unique, easy-listening song by Sondae reminds us that when life gets hard, we can call on our Saviour Jesus to give us hope and assurance that He will be with us, and to give glory to Him.
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Pilgrims of Hope by Proclaim Lismore Wildfire
In celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the official ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ song was recorded by a cathedral choir and released for the Jubilee Year. Here it has been reimagined by Proclaim Lismore Wildfire in the hope schools will find it a useful resource.
Lent & Wellbeing
Lent encourages us to focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—practices that can help us reconnect with our faith and strengthen our resilience in difficult times. You may find it valuable to explore resources that can guide you through this process, especially in the context of this .
Family Matters
As we journey through the sacred season of Lent in 2025, we are invited to deepen our faith and renew our hope since during this year, the Church is celebrating a Jubilee Year themed: "Pilgrims of Hope."
>>click here to read about how your family can prepare for Easter<<
Discover the Boundless Love of Christ – Hope for the Church
"Let us bring to him all our hopes for a church that better reflects his image and for a more just, hospitable, and fraternal world."
This powerful excerpt from Pope Francis' homily at World Youth Day 2023 invites us to reflect on the depth of Christ's love, the hope He offers, and the call for a Church that embodies His mission.
Want to experience this profound message?
Read the full excerpt from Pope Francis' homily and explore how Christ's boundless love can inspire transformation in your life, your community, and the world.
Click here to read more and reflect on how we can walk in the footsteps of Christ, together.
Pray every day with Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and millions of others around the world on Hallow, the #1 prayer app.
Hallow is a Catholic meditation and prayer app, It provides audio-guided Bible stories, prayers, meditations, sleep, and Christian music.
New Prayer Resource Supports Faith on the Sporting Field
The National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE) has launched a new resource aimed at integrating faith and prayer into the world of sport at all levels. Running to God: A Collection of Prayers for Sport includes prayers written by athletes, coaches, parents, officials, and spectators, offering a spiritual touch to the sporting experience. The resource also features personal testimonies from Australian athletes, such as Olympians Chloe Esposito, Donna MacFarlane, and Damien Schumann, as well as footballers Tomislav Uskok and Adam Doueihi.
Developed over 18 months, the resource highlights the growing connection between sport and faith, both in Australia and globally. It aligns with the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry’s efforts to encourage a pastoral ministry of sport, underscoring the role of sport as a mission field where faith can be shared and strengthened. The prayers aim to inspire participants to infuse their sporting lives with spirituality, fostering unity and dignity in sporting communities.
For more information or to download the full resource, click here.
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.