ALPHA

Project Compassion Launch

On Tuesday 21st February St Columbkille's hosted the annual Project Compassion launch in making a difference this Lent. Schools from the Wollongong Diocese were reminded by Bishop Brian to be the "face of Christ" during Lent in our thoughts, words and actions. Emily Hickman, Philanthropy and Fundraising Associate Director from Caritas Australia, addressed the gathering and was extrememly grateful to the many schools who give so generously to the Project Compassion Boxes.

Jesus brought the promise of hope to all people so that we may, “have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). As we live into that fullness, may we also be challenged to act with love and hope, now and for all future generations.

Thank you to all those staff and studdnts involved in the preparation of our celebration and helping on the day. Many comments were made about the reverence shown and the welcoming nature of our school, so thank you one and all.

Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday 22nd February our school community celebrated the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday celebrations. A liturgy for Kindergarten to Year 4 was held in the Monsignor Downey Hall and Years 4 & 5 attended the parish Mass. Thank you to all those who have started their Lenten journey with us. May you come to know and love Jesus more through this time of reflection, prayer, fasting and alms-giving.

Lent

Lent is a special time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer, we come closer to God so that we are better able to realise the promises made for us at our baptism, to live justly as Jesus teaches us. Fasting joins us in solidarity with people experiencing poverty who often have no choice but to go without the basic human needs. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us.

You may like to work through this Lenten Environmental Calendar as you journey through Lent. The pdf - Screen_Shot_2023_02_21_at_2.55.54_pm.png

Caritas

This week, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good we do today extends to impact the lives of generations to come. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long-term solutions to global issues.  We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through prayer, fasting and almsgiving in support of Project Compassion. Each family will receive a Project Compassion box and/or a set of envelopes for their donations or you can donate online via the Caritas Australia website at: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Laxmi, a 16-year-old girl living in Jajarkot, a remote district in Nepal where almost half of the population live below the poverty line.  Tragedy struck when Laxmi was 10 years old and her father passed away. Her father worked hard to pay for his children's education and, after losing him, Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty.

With the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child's club at her school where she was encouraged to resume her education. Through the child’s club, Laxmi developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocating for clean water taps at her school. 

Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She continues to be involved in the child's club, serving as an advisor and mentoring the next generation of young leaders at her old school.   

Watch a short film about Laxmi’s story here.

Please support Project Compassion: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion.

Clean Up Australia Day

Our annual schools Clean Up Australia Day will be held next Friday 3rd March. Grades will be assigned specific areas in helping to be "stewards of creation." One of St Columbkille's new mission statements includes " Committing ourselves to ecological sustainability and a common care for creation". We all do our bit for the future of the earth and our future generations.

Jo Herring - Religious Education Coordinator