Michael McVeigh  |  03 February 2021

The coronavirus has reset the world with the 'time before' and the 'time after' . . . But it is the 'time between' that can offer the most growth, and something we as Catholics know well – the time between the despair of Good Friday and the joy of the Resurrection. Mostly, taken from Australian Catholics’ Autumn 2021 edition, Catholic Teacher articles examine various 'times of waiting'.

Here’s an outline of what we have in store for you in Catholic Teacher in Term One. 

11 February – Poetry and life

Main article: ‘Finding shelter in poetry’ by Catherine Marshall

Sydney-based poet David Marsh talks about life on the street, his struggles with mental illness, and how he found a way to share those experiences to help others. We explore the power of poetry to help open our eyes to the world, and new ways of living in it.

18 February – Becoming a voice for change

Main article: ‘Social justice and the margins’ by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, also the Young Voices Award 2020

Catholic Social Teaching is an important part of a faith that does justice. This week we explore what it means to have a concern for those at the margins. We’ll also provide more information about our new ‘Young Voices Award’, including some tips for students interested in taking part.

25 February – Rites of passage

Main articles: ‘The Game of Life’ by Alice Carwardine, ‘The Audition’ by Molly Brabham and ‘Rites of passage for young people today’ by Dana Sutherland

What new experiences await you in the future? How will you get the most out of your life? Our exclusive ‘Game of Life’ will help you explore some of the possibilities. 

4 March – Prison chaplaincy

Main article: ‘Seeing beyond the walls’ by Hannah Kennelly

Anchored in compassion and mercy, Prison chaplains provide essential pastoral care to incarcerated men, women and children. This week we look at how we accompany those who are in prison. We also feature some reflections ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

11 March – Refugees: A life of waiting

Main articles: ‘A life of waiting’ by Fr David Holdcroft SJ and ‘Holding on to hope’ by Ann Maria Sabu

Millions of people around the world live in refugee camps. They are victims of war and persecution, unable to return to their homes, but also unable to start new lives until they find acceptance elsewhere. Australian Jesuit Fr David Holdcroft has spent time working in a

number of refugee camps around the world. Meanwhile, one of our young writers community members shares her experiences visiting asylum seekers in detention.

18 March – First Nations Reconciliation

Main article: ‘Dreaming of a reconciled Australia’ by Sherry Balcombe

We explore some of the history of the relationship between settlers and First Nations peoples, and why reconciliation is so important for all Australians.

25 March – Holy Saturday experiences

Main article: ‘A disciple in the waiting’ by Geraldine Vytilingam and ‘Crossing the threshold’ by Ann Rennie.

One of our young writers imagines what it might have been like for the followers of Jesus on Holy Saturday. We also explore the moments of uncertainty and change we experience in our own lives – the space between ‘before’ and ‘after’.

 

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