The Soul
Welcome to The Soul, a resource for Catholic school staff in the Diocese of Lismore and beyond.
100 Editions of The Soul!
Reaching 100 editions of The Soul is no small thing. It's a testament to the faithful and creative work of the team behind it, and to the way God continues to move through our schools and communities. Each edition now reaches over 4,000 people: teachers, parents, parishioners and more, all seeking something to nourish their spirit.
From music and scripture reflections to wellbeing and family support, The Soul has become more than just a newsletter. It’s a companion, feeding our souls, helping us reflect, and supporting the living Catholic identity we share in our schools. It’s been a quiet but steady way of making Jesus known and loved, both in our own diocese and beyond.
Reflection by Fr. Anthony Lemon
Some years ago, around the early part of this century, the Apple Computer company marketed themself saying "it just works". All you had to do was plug in and go. Whereas with another company, it took a lot of setting up to get things working. Older readers will remember the battles with software and drivers for your PC. I’m sure you know which company was the most successful!
Thankfully, Jesus our loving God, is not like any computer or software. Jesus does work for us in all aspects of our lives. We don’t need to struggle to learn a piece of software or find a programme that will run on our particular laptop. We don’t need a password or two factor authentication or a WiFi signal. God, Jesus is always there to love and support us no matter how bad or grim things may be. We can enter God’s presence sitting on the bus, observing a beautiful sunset or sitting in a grand cathedral or holy place. But how do we tap into the strength and serenity that only God can give us? We become friends with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the very same way we become friends with each other. That means we spend time with God.
We read about God and God’s actions in the world. We listen to the stories of others who have a friendship with God. The more we read, the more questions we ask, the deeper our relationship with God becomes. You will very quickly see the actions of Jesus in your life, for instance, you may feel calmer, less tired, things that may have once perplexed or annoyed you will lessen, you will find the courage to do things you may once have feared.
Each Sunday at Mass, you will hear two readings, a psalm and the Gospel. The priest will then speak about them and how we can integrate what we have heard into our lives. After the readings and Homily, the priest standing at the altar amongst the people of God will Consecrate the Bread and the Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, a most profound moment that even after 32 years of priesthood still takes my breath away. When your priest is praying the Eucharistic Prayer, you can ask Jesus to receive all your problems, worries and fears, or you can offer him thanks for his presence in your life. Every single person at Mass will have a different prayer or set of needs, and Jesus will work in each one’s life. Finally, after we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we receive the gift of Holy Communion. Then, after some quite time or a hymn, the priest will commission us to Go and Announce the Gospel to others or some similar words. This dismissal from Mass reminds us that we are responsible to love and serve others as Jesus did for the whole week. Our actions in the world will make Jesus present, and others will experience that Jesus works for them too.
Jesus does work. He helps us in every aspect of our lives, he heals our souls and allows us to reconcile with others. It is a lifelong journey, a wonderful friendship. It has its ebbs and flows. But one thing we can be sure of, Jesus will work for us, no exceptions, no one is excluded, all we have to do is ask him to become our friend and the journey of a lifelong friendship will begin or be renewed.
Finally, don’t worry if your friendship with Jesus is not up to speed; he loves talking to strangers and embracing them with his immeasurable love. No human being is beyond Jesus’ love. Have a little read of the Gospels and you will read of the many instances where Jesus loved and healed total strangers or those cast aside by society. If you have any doubts that Jesus will work in your life, try starting or restarting your relationship with him today. You will find that Jesus does work!
- Jericho (Proclaim Lismore Wildfire)
Wildfire’s groovy song ‘Jericho’ takes the event of the fall of Jericho in the book of Joshua, and applies its lessons to a modern context. This song is a reminder that there is a way out if you are feeling trapped. Call out to God, and God will break down the walls to reach you. Nothing is impossible with God.
- GOD DID! (Sons Of Sunday)
- This incredible anthem of the mighty, saving power of God by Sons of Sunday reminds us that God is the one who walks with us, saves us, sets us free and makes us whole again. Our God is a God of power, wonder and miracles!
- Dusty Bibles (Josiah Queen)
- Josiah Queen speaks truth in his new indie/folk song. He challenges us to put our phones down, to pick up the Word of God to hear God's voice of encouragement and love, and to see the amazing works that God is doing in our lives. One comment summed up the song like this ‘If your Bible is falling apart, your life probably isn’t. Go read the Word.’
Family Matters
In family life there are moments when things just don’t feel like they are working. As parents, we can feel this multiple times a day. What is not working could be any one (or more) of a multitude of things:
Jesus Works in You
In this week’s Gospel (Luke 12:35–40), Jesus calls us to “gird our loins and light our lamps”, to live as servants ready for their master’s return. It’s an image of watchfulness, of living each day alert to God’s presence and ready to welcome Him.
For staff, that kind of readiness isn’t..... Read More Here
Power Up Rally - Wildfire in Adelaide
The DLCS Worship Team, Proclaim Lismore Wildfire, recently had an incredible opportunity. From July 31 to August 3, the team flew to Adelaide, where they collaborated with the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults (COYYA), who funded the trip. During their time, Wildfire ran a Music Workshop for local worship musicians, ran 3 workshops titled ‘More Than Music’, provided music for the Vigil Mass, and played on the stage for the Power Up Rally.
Wildfire described the experience, community and people as ‘powerful,’ ‘authentic’ and ‘Spirit-lead’, and they hope to return to build on the exciting relationships they’ve formed.
A HUGE thank you to the COYYA team for organising such a rich and incredible collaboration. For more information about Wildfire’s experience, see Wildfire’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
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.
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.