The light of life
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘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
The light of Christ is central to the Autumn edition of Australian Catholics. For the post-Easter season, we consider the prayerful mediation on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ known as The Stations of the Resurrection or Via Lucis (Way of Light).
Term 2 dates 2025
QLD: Tuesday, 22 April – Friday, 27 June
VIC: Tuesday, 22 April – Friday, 4 July
SA: Tuesday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
NT: Monday, 14 April – Friday, 20 June
NSW: Tuesday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
ACT: Tuesday, 28 April – Thursday, 3 July
WA: Tuesday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
TAS: Tuesday, 28 April – Friday, 4 July
Term dates can vary according to each school's requirements. Please check with your school for accurate dates.
Wednesday, 23 April
Catholics should approach Anzac Day with prayer, gratitude, and a commitment to peace. It is a time to honour those who served, reflect on the human cost of war, and pray for justice and reconciliation. Inspired by the Gospel, Catholics can also use the day to promote peacemaking and care for veterans and their families. In Parish life: Past sorrows, Better future by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ we find that in remembering sacrifice on Anzac Day, we should also commit ourselves to shaping a more just society.
Supporting teacher’s notes titled ‘Peaceful remembrance on ANZAC Day’ offer a path to understanding how Catholics can commemorate ANZAC Day by viewing it through a lens of understanding, respect, remembrance and a call for peace and justice.
Dates to remember: Feast of St Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, International Day for Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (24 April), Anzac Day (25 April), Feast Day of St Mark, Nano Nagle (26 April), St Gianna Beretta Molla (28 April), Catherine of Siena (29 April),
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Just War precepts
For AC+ subscribers: Peace
Thursday, 1 May
This week we begin an in-depth consideration of the resurrection with 'Explorations – Why does the Resurrection matter?' by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ. He writes that from the beginning Jesus’ Resurrection was the core of Christian faith. In 'Light of salvation' by Ann Rennie we find about how ‘He is risen’ – the words of the Resurrection – are a triumph over darkness and death.
Supporting questions and activities ask ‘Why does the Resurrection matter?' They explore the key events of the Resurrection and the disciples’ responses. Reflect on how their journey from fear to faith can deepen our understanding of what it means to live as Christians today.
Dates to remember: World Press Freedom Day (3 May), Feast day of Blessed Edmund Rice (5 May), Mother’s Day (11 May),
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Eastertide
For AC+ subscribers: Light
Thursday, 8 May
This week we consider some strong and remarkable Christian women ahead of Mother’s Day. In ‘Many things about Mary Magdalene’ by Andrea Dean we read how Mary Magdalene occupies a unique and multi-faceted role in the New Testament and is often called the ‘Apostle to the Apostles’. Meanwhile, in 'Saints for all seasons: Eyes on God' by Peter Fleming we discover that St Lucia’s devotion to God cost her life, but even that risk did not dim the light of her faith.
Dates to remember: Mother’s Day (11 May), International Day of Families (15 May), International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Martyr
For AC+ subscribers: Motherhood
Thursday, 15 May
This week we take a deep dive into Eastertide events and symbols. In ‘Fourteen stations of the Resurrection’, Michael McGirr writes that we are familiar with the stations of the cross, a way of being with Jesus as he suffers, but we could also pray 14 stations of the Resurrection. In ‘Gifts from the Holy Spirit’, young writer Skye Eshman writes that Confirmation is more than just a rite of passage – it’s a transformative moment in a young Catholic’s faith journey. While in ‘Come together and celebrate’ Luciana Romanski writes that the work by pastoral associates in local parishes is important for helping the community come together to celebrate Jesus during Easter.
Dates to remember: International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May), National Sorry Day (26 May), National Reconciliation Week (22 May–3 June).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Pentecost
For AC+ subscribers: Confirmation
Thursday, 22 May
Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week offer Australian Catholics more than just moments of remembrance. They call us to action rooted in faith and justice. Guided by Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel message of reconciliation, we are invited to listen deeply to First Nations voices, acknowledge historical and ongoing injustices, and walk together in truth and healing. Across the country, Catholic communities are marking these days with prayer, liturgy, and learning as part of a long journey toward a more just and compassionate Australia.
This week, we also consider the importance of geography to acts of faith. In, ‘A sacred place’ we read that the Mount of Olives is a place of significance in both Jewish and Christian scripture and history. While in ‘Blessed opportunity’ Ann Maria Sabu writes that the Holy Land pilgrimage she undertook in my early teenage years grounded her in the importance of living with purpose, humility and gratitude.
Dates to remember: International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May), National Sorry Day (26 May), National Reconciliation Week (22 May–3 June).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Shrine
For AC+ subscribers: Sanctuary
Thursday, 29 May
This week we take a creative look at the Feast of the Ascension with short stories from two of our young writers. In ‘Anticipating the morning’ Jesus once again leaves his Apostles, but this time they look forward to a different future. While in ‘A traveller's tale’ the stories of Jesus’ death and miracles provide plenty of fodder for gossip.
Dates to remember: National Reconciliation Week (22 May–3 June), Feast of The Visitation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary (31 May), Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (1–8 June), Feast of the Ascension of The Lord, World Communications Sunday (1 June), International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (4 June). World environment day (5 June),
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Ascension
For AC+ subscribers: Reconciliation
Thursday, 5 June
As Pentecost Sunday approaches, we again get creative with ‘An impossible investigation’ Astounded by claims that Jesus of Nazareth was seen alive after his public crucifixion and death, Thomas of Galilee sets out to find the truth. In ‘A God-given role’ by Michele Frankeni, we discover that playing Jesus on the TV series The Chosen has been nothing short of life-changing for actor Jonathan Roumie.
Dates to remember: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (1–8 June), World environment day (5 June), Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat (6 June), World Oceans Day (9 June).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Laudato si’
For AC+ subscribers: Caring for our common home
Thursday, 12 June
This week we consider how to be Pilgrims of Hope. In ‘Joy, optimism and hope – getting the balance right’ by Laura Kings we find that music can teach us a lot about the experience of the early Christians after the Resurrection. In ‘Be the light’, Niamh Kelleher writes that light is meant to be put on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house.
Dates to remember: World Day against Child Labour (12 Jun), National Refugee Week (15-21 Jun), Trinity Sunday (15 June), World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 Jun), International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), Vinnies CEO Sleepout (19 June).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Trinity
For AC+ subscribers: Refugees
Thursday, 19 June
This week we look to the future. In ‘Following your dreams’, young writer Alex Woolnough writes that the vocation of learning for learning’s sake has been lost in modern society. While in ‘Keeping the faith’ young writer Arya Maharaj puts a positive spin on things
By detailing how she found comfort in faith when challenged by her immigration to Australia from South Africa.
Dates to remember: Vinnies CEO Sleepout (19 Jun), World Refugee Day (20 Jun), Feast Of St Aloysius Gonzaga (21 Jun), Feast of Corpus Christi (22 Jun), Day of the Seafarer (25 June), Feast of Sacred Heart (27 Jun), NAIDOC Week (6-13 Jul).
Catholic vocabulary term of the week: Corpus Christi
For AC+ subscribers: Sacred Heart
For AC+ Subscribers
Tuesday, 26 April
Updated AC+ resource guide on the Pope
Tuesday, 29 April
Updated AC+ resources on motherhood
Updated AC+ Resources on Mary, Mother of God
Tuesday, 6 May
Updated AC+ Sacraments Guides
AC+ resources on the Sacrament of Baptism
AC+ resources on the Sacrament of Reconciliation
AC+ resources on the Sacrament of Holy Communion
AC+ resources on the Sacrament of Confirmation
AC+ resources on the Sacrament of Marriage
AC+ resources on Religious vocation and the Sacrament of Holy Orders
AC+ Resources on the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
Tuesday, 20 May
Updated AC+ resources for exploring First Nations perspectives
Updated AC+ resources on asylum seekers and refugees
Tuesday, 3 June
NEW friendship retreat guide
Two new Bluey classroom resources
Tuesday, 17 June
New AC+ guide to Easter and Eastertide