The Soul
Welcome to The Soul, a dedicated resource for Catholic school staff in the Diocese of Lismore and beyond.
When we speak of God’s abundant mercy, we do not mean that the Father is careless or excessive. Rather, mercy and love are superabundant - poured out without measure, far beyond anything we could deserve. This edition turns to the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son to remind us how God’s boundless mercy invites each of us into the Father’s warm embrace.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11‑32) shows a father who, after the wayward son has squandered his inheritance, runs to meet him, embraces him, and throws a great feast. That image powerfully illustrates the Father’s generous mercy: love is offered exactly where we are - full of shortcomings and failings - yet it is given in its entirety.
In the person of Jesus we encounter the fullness of God’s promise: the Son, the Saviour, the Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit. Christ took our place, paid the debt we could not settle, and opened the way for us to receive grace and the abundant life intended for us (cf. John 3:16). This is at the heart of Catholic teaching on conversion and repentance: no matter how far we have strayed, we are always invited to return.
In the time of Jesus, religious leaders had turned the law (613 commandments constituted the Mosaic Law) into a burdensome set of rules that obscured true freedom. Today, we too can be tempted by “golden‑calf” mentalities such as materialism, competition and self‑interest that pull us away from the Gospel’s call to love. As an example, our relationship with money often makes it an idol. We calmly accept its dominion over ourselves and our societies, reducing people to mere consumers - a modern guise of the ancient golden calf. The remedy is simple: focus on God’s love for others and follow the way shown to us, living in faith rooted in Christ rather than in a guilt‑laden legalism.
Just as a game needs rules to keep it from chaos, human life is guided by divine commandments, fulfilled in Christ and illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Remembering this helps us see that our own frailty is not a barrier but an invitation to rely on grace and the Spirit’s power to carry out our vocation as educators.
The Church does not have a mission; the Mission has a Church. Our work with students and families is demanding, and at times we may feel inadequate. Let us lean on the Father’s generous love, confident that God’s way is always best. As we say “yes” to the call, following Mary’s simple “yes”, we become witnesses to the mercy that transforms lives.
May the peace of Jesus be with you always.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Seven hundred students and staff from across the Diocese of Lismore descended on St John Paul College in week 5 for an experience of prayer, worship and the transformational messages of Jesus Christ. Implemented by our own DLCS staff, this collaborative effort saw contributions from across teams to deliver the dynamic breakout sessions, keynote talks, worship, and accompaniment of our youth minsitry students from Year 9-12. Director of Youth, Fr Joy D'Souza, and Fr Wilbur Tolbe were a welcome presence throughout SHINE.
Across the two days, students were invited to go deeper in their faith, to recognise Jesus’ call to “Follow Me”, and to reflect on what it means to live as disciples today. The program blended inspiring keynote talks, creative workshops, and powerful times of prayer, all designed to help young people encounter Christ in a fresh and personal way.
A highlight was the closing Mass, where the joy and energy of hundreds of young people filled the space with song and prayer. SHINE continues to be a space where students encounter Jesus, build community, and are reminded that following Him is a call worth giving their lives to.
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Click the image above for the Staff Prayer PDF resource.
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This incredible anthem of the mighty, saving power of God reminds us that God is the one who walks with us, saves us, sets us free and makes us whole. Our God is a God of power, wonder and miracles!
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.’
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.
How do we care for our body like it’s God’s temple?
One way is by remembering that our bodies are not our own, but gifts entrusted to us, living temples of the Holy Spirit.
check out these two simple stepts in supporting your christ centered self care.
Lavish Love At Home
Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son shows us a God whose love is overflowing and extravagant. Discover how your family can reflect this same prodigal love in simple, everyday ways at home.
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.
This visual narrative captures the suddenness and mystery of the Holy Spirit's arrival, making it an ideal feature for Pentecost. It invites viewers to reflect on the transformative power of the Spirit and the enduring relevance of sacred art in expressing faith
Watch the film here: The Pentecost Film – Word on Fire
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