Reflection
Anti-Poverty Week
This week is national Anti-Poverty Week. More than 3.24 million people live below the poverty line in Australia, including nearly 774,000 children or 1 in 6. Globally, 700 million people are unable to meet their basic daily needs and live on less than US$2.00 a day.
https://antipovertyweek.org.au
On any given night in Australia there are around 100,000 homeless people. People who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged in the Australian community. At this time, many have had to leave their homes due to floods across the east of Australia.
At the end of 2021 there were 27.1 million refugees worldwide. This is the highest ever number recorded. May they get the help and support they need and may Australia be welcoming to refugees.
In Luke 4:18 Jesus urges us to act against poverty “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.”
At Nazareth College, there are a number of initiatives currently in progress to help alleviate poverty.
On Thursday 20 October, the Vinnies group, assisted by Year 11 VCAL ran the final fundraiser event for 2022. The 'Assist A Student' appeal raises much-needed funds to help support the education of poorer children in developing countries of SE Asia. This is the 4th year that each pastoral group has sponsored the education of a child, which we all know can be life-changing.
https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Our\_Impact/International\_Impact/Assist\_a\_student\_today/
The other focus of this Vinnies fundraiser is the Christmas Appeal, where we purchase gifts for children who may otherwise not receive anything on Christmas Day. A Giving Tree has been set up in the Resource Centre, and we encourage not just the Year 12s but any student or staff member who would like to donate new toys, puzzles, and books. Part of the funds from the 20 October will go towards purchasing items.
The Year 10 Youth Ministry Class are also raising money for developing countries through Catholic Missions Socktober. They are planning a soccer shootout next week at lunchtime with the sock ball they made. Donations will go towards a farm in Ethiopia.
May we pray for the children, women, and men across our world who struggle against poverty. Despite their difficulties in providing for themselves and their families, please give them strength and hope, and guard their minds and hearts from despair.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
be our inspiration and our guide.
Jesus of Nazareth,
help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.
