Welcome to a New Season and a Fresh Start!

September is a fresh start for most of us, regardless of how closely we are connected to schools. As we start, we congratulate all who were candidates for defining school or college exams in 2026. It kicks one into a new space, regardless of results, as the attaining or lack of attaining never feels what one anticipated! Exams are more like markers at the end of a process rather than determinants for what one's future will look like. We all make plans and then real life happens to make life even better in many aspects and challenging in some unexpected aspects. Reality and how we deal with it defines the quality of our lived existence.

While happiness is an empty goal in itself, having a sense of OKness and satisfaction with how life lets us know that we are on the right path or not! We are all made to bear fruit in life, to add to the world, to discover our own ever unfolding gifts and to reach peaks of satisfaction where we have the feeling and knowledge that we really are co-creators with God on the path of life.

If we have the feeling that life is an experience of sitting on a painful nail or an experience that we are just in an empty comfort zone rather than giving from the well of ever-new potential, then it is time to re-evaluate and consider change of some nature. I'd prefer to wear myself out doing and being what comes from my core desires and purpose rather than take life as a holiday trying to keep myself comfortable! Research is proving that living fully, passionately and with invested energy with a meaningful purpose not only contributes to longevity and good health, but also to one's personal satisfaction and peace of mind.

As we start this new school year, may we each stand at a well that refreshes us in life so that we may live life with clear purpose. My own well is that of faith and relationship with God who made, loves and sustains me every day. When I pull up the bucket from the well, I find prayer, friendship, an occupation that makes me buzz with ideas, energy and creativity; great parishes and parishioners, super colleagues and wonderful supportive schools and parents with whom I engage ....

May we each walk our best path in life as we try to make the journey a great one! We only live once and for a very short time!

Cathy Burke,
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes