With continued remote learning and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions impacting many Catholic school communities across Australia, Sydney Catholic Schools’ family educators are working to help families stay connected with their school, parish and neighbourhood communities.

Sydney Catholic Schools’ education officer Church Engagement Mouna Roche said now more than ever while people are physically separated and need to feel connected.  

"Family Educators’ ‘Be a light in lockdown’ initiative encourages students, along with their families, to complete a series of activities that aim to create a sense of social connection during the COVID-19 pandemic," Mouna told The Catholic Weekly. 

The initiative is based on the gospel verse Mathew 15:6 “Let your light shine.”

“We’re so conscious of the fact that so many of our school communities are hurting, either being unwell with COVID-19, struggling financially or with the pressure of working and learning from home,” she said.

”We need to live the Gospel by being a light to those in our communities that are living through the darkness.”

The family educators have suggested five ways individuals can be the 'Light in Lockdown':

• Drop a handwritten note into your neighbours’ letterbox, offering to assist with any errands they need help with
• Share your favourite lockdown recipes or have a virtual dinner party, inviting other families to cook the same meal and eat together 
• Hold your own ‘Are You OK During Lockdown’ day - set aside a day where all families in your social circle are encouraged to call someone and ask, ‘Are you okay’?
• Go for a family walk or bike ride to light up your local area and give thanks for God’s creation and reap the health benefits of being active outdoors
• Be a light in your parish and make a card or write a letter to a parishioner who lives alone and may be missing their parish family; your parish priest may also be able to guide you to parishioners who may need this light during lockdown.

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