Special Days
The Revd Julie Baker, Chaplaincy Manager
Have you noticed that when you buy a new calendar or paper diary some of the dates are pre-filled with information related to those days? If you use social media you will find that every day seems to be designated as some sort of special day. For example, did you know that 9 September was ‘Buy a Priest a Beer Day?’ Neither did I, until Facebook alerted me to this important festival.
In the church, we are well aware of the rhythm of the calendar and the importance of marking particular days as part of our journey of faith. Pick up a lectionary and have a look for the weeks where there isn’t a day dedicated to a Saint, martyr, bishop or other hero of the faith, they are few and far between. It’s not that these important people in the history of the church are more important on those days than any other, its just that by setting aside a day each year to be reminded about them, we can give their contribution due consideration and ensure they are not forgotten.
Here at St Bart’s, we remember the feast day of St Bartholomew which falls on 24 August. The latest St Bartholomew’s Day included my licensing service the day before with a lunch for guests and a special service at St George’s Cathedral the day after. But we also celebrate and mark other important days through the year.
On 12 September, along with many other organizations in Australia, we celebrated R U OK? Day with small acts of kindness by sharing cookies with staff and hosting a lunch for consumers. Along with the lunch we shared information about how caring for each other and asking the right questions is important every day – but by spending this one day highlighting it, the message was amplified.
In the same vein St Bart’s has its own special day, we call it ‘Say G’day’ and it’s an annual initiative to draw attention to homeless issues by encouraging people to think differently about the people they see living on the street. The idea is simple, rather than walking past or trying to ignore the problem, instead, recognise the person in the situation, acknowledge their presence with a simple G’day. We have some significant support for this day around the city with approximately 15 of the largest landmarks and buildings lighting up blue for this campaign on Friday 4 October.
So, when you see the blue lights remember what it’s all about, Say G’day to a person who needs to know they are seen and don’t just limit yourself to one day – we can Say G’day every day!
