97. The Soul
Welcome to The Soul, a resource for Catholic school staff in the Diocese of Lismore and beyond.
As we enter the Easter season, we are invited to rejoice in the hope and promise of the Resurrection. Easter reminds us that through Christ’s victory over death, we are called to new life. New life filled with joy, grace, and hope.
The season of Easter is a time to celebrate God’s endless love and mercy. So as we hear the words, “He is risen!” this year, may we embrace the joy of this season with open hearts. Let us carry this hope into our schools, our homes, and our communities, trusting that the risen Christ walks with us always.
Hallelujah!
Chances are, you’ve heard this quote before. It finds its way onto church notice boards, appears in social media posts, and echoes in homilies. It sounds ancient, like something St. Augustine might have said. But it was actually St. Pope John Paul II who first spoke it to young Australians in Adelaide back in 1986. And he meant it.
“We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery - the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. ‘We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!’ We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the ‘fundamental duty of love of neighbour, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of Joy’. We realize that joy is demanding; it demands unselfishness; it demands a readiness to say with Mary: ‘Be it done unto me according to thy word’.”
- St. John Paul II
Angelus, Adelaide, Australia
Sunday, 30 November 1986
John Paul II didn’t sugarcoat it - life is hard. And joy is not about pretending things are fine. It’s about knowing Christ faced it all and won. The Resurrection changes everything. Sin and death do not get the last word. ‘Alleluia, He is risen’ does.
That’s what makes us Easter people. We carry a hope that holds steady when life gets messy - a hope that calls us to live differently, love deeply, and put others first.
Timothy Keller once captured it well: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.” That shift changes everything. It pulls us out of ourselves and into the kind of joy that’s not self-made but gifted.
Easter isn’t just about standing at the empty tomb in triumph - it’s about walking into the world transformed by it. Loving the neighbour who is hard to love. Choosing mercy when it costs us something. Trusting that the Resurrection is not just a historical event but happening now in us.
So as we walk through this Easter season, maybe the real question is not ‘what can I get?’ but ‘what can I give?’ What if Alleluia wasn’t just a word we sing but the way we live?
That’s the kind of joy worth chasing. Not shallow. Not easy. But real.
Maybe that’s exactly what the world is waiting for - an Easter people who don’t just sing ‘Alleluia’ but live it, wherever they go.
LEAD 2025 was a powerful gathering of young people answering the call to lead with a focus on Courage, Commitment, and Connection. From inspiring talks to hands-on activities, it ignited a renewed sense of leadership and commitment to building vibrant, faith-filled communities within our schools. Check out a few pics below to see how these future leaders are stepping up and making a difference! More pics can be found on the Proclaim Lismore Students Facebook page. >> LINK HERE <<
- Prodigal Praise (VOUS Worship feat. Nate Diaz)
This jubilant song reminds us of the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus, and how we have also been set free. Using biblical parables and events, the lyrics and fun instrumentation help us to celebrate the risen Lord this Easter.
- We Worship Adonai (Halal Afrika feat. Once More Six)
As we prepare for the return of Jesus this Easter, this simply beautiful and powerful worship anthem lifts the name of Jesus in a soul-stirring gospel song.
- BRING HEAVEN DOWN (Hulvey)
“Bring heaven down, every sound be a celebration, every word be a revelation, right here, right now. Sing heaven’s sound, let it ring across the nation. Everything that is breathing praise Him. Lord, take Your crown.”
- Graves Into Gardens - Lofi Version (The Lofi Christian)
Need an easy listening lofi song this Easter? Check out this instrumental lofi version of ‘Graves Into Gardens’ to help you pray this Easter season
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In Your House (Proclaim Lismore Wildfire) This beautiful ballad reminds us of God’s constant presence in our lives, and the hope that, no matter what we are going through, we are always safe in God's care.
Family Matters
This Easter, remember that Jesus is the reason we gather. Whether you're sharing a meal with family, playing games, or reflecting on sacred traditions, Easter is a time to cherish those you love and connect with faith.
Easter is the perfect time to refresh your spirit, reconnect with what matters, and step into new possibilities. Ready to embrace faith and wellbeing in simple, powerful ways? Read more here.
Angel Studios, creators of The Chosen and Sound of Freedom, will release THE KING OF KINGS in Australian cinemas on April 10, 2025.
This animated film, featuring stars like Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, and Oscar Isaac, reimagines the story of Jesus through Charles Dickens narrating to his son.
More than a movie, THE KING OF KINGS is a faith-formation tool, bringing Christ’s love, sacrifice, and triumph to life. With stunning animation and timeless values, it offers families a meaningful, Gospel-centered experience.
Watch the trailer here: THE KING OF KINGS | Official Trailer | In AUS & NZ Cinemas April
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.
Pilgrims of Hope (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 as a resource for our school communities.
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.