The Australian Jesuit Province has a new prayer resource that focuses on important faith and justice issues the country will mark from late May to the end of June. Developed by Jesuit Communications Australia, “Season of the Spirit” provides weekly prayers throughout this “season”.
Beginning with Pentecost, “Season of the Spirit” encourages people to reflect prayerfully on how God is calling us to be his people in the world today, and to consider how the coming of the Holy Spirit encourages us and invites us to consider our relationship with God, with each other and with creation.
The six-week programme takes in a number of religious and secular events, and focuses on a range of social justice issues:
Week 1: Pentecost (20 May)
Week 2: Reconciliation week (27 May – 3 June)
Week 3: World Environment Day (3 June)
Week 4: Care for the homeless (10 June)
Week 5: Refugee Week (17 – 23 June)
Week 6: Feast of St Aloysius in the Jubilee Year (21 June)
Each weekly prayer includes a scripture reading and reflection, with videos and other resources to deepen the experience.
“The social justice days that we mark through May and June aren’t just discrete events – taken together they form an opportunity to shape the life and conscience of Australia,” said Michael McVeigh from Jesuit Communications.
“Communities across the country will be marking Reconciliation Week, World Environment Day and Refugee Week. We want to help Catholic communities become moved into action through prayer and conversation.
There are two versions of the prayer resource, which was written by James O’Brien, and includes reflections from Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. One is for secondary students and the other for staff in schools and other ministries. Teachers can use the student reflections in homeroom on the first day of the week, or as part of a broader school assembly. Staff prayers can be used in morning meetings, or emailed for personal prayer.
The reflections will also be sent via email each week to those who sign up.
Click here for more information and to sign up for the email. [Australian Jesuits]