Catholic Identity
Lent reminder
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are invited to pause, reflect, and make space for God’s presence in our everyday lives. Lent calls us to open our hearts through prayer, kindness and acts of compassion, remembering that even the smallest choices can bring light to others.
This season encourages us to:
Pray with a grateful and open heart.
Fast from the habits that pull us away from what truly matters.
Give generously to those in need, especially through Project Compassion.
As a school community, may we use this time to live, learn and grow in God’s love, not only in our classrooms, but in the way we treat others, the way we serve, and the way we show compassion.
May this week of Lent remind us that when we live out God’s love through kindness, patience and generosity, we help bring hope and healing to our world.
Project Compassion Update
This week marks two weeks since we launched our Project Compassion appeal, and we are now just three weeks away from our annual Caritas fundraiser, Caritas Ks. So far, we have raised $494, and our goal is to reach $5,000. In previous years, our generous school community has raised over $6,000, and we are hopeful that together we can achieve another outstanding result. Thank you to all those who have already donated.
Last week, students were introduced to Sisilia, a 13‑year‑old girl from remote Tanzania whose life has been transformed through the support of Project Compassion.
Meet Sisilia
Growing up, life was far from easy for Sisilia. Her father passed away when she was just one, leaving her mother to care for five children alone. The family lives in a small, overcrowded home with one bed, poor ventilation and no toilet.
One of the greatest challenges Sisilia faced was access to clean and safe water. Each day she walked nearly 30 minutes—three times a day—to collect water from a dirty canal. The water was untreated, often causing illness for her and her family. These long trips also meant that Sisilia was frequently late for school.
“When I miss school, I feel bad. The time I use fetching water affects my studies since I’d fetch water instead of going to school,” she shared.
In Tanzania, nearly 40% of people do not have access to basic drinking water services, making stories like Sisilia’s all too common.
Hope Through the A+ Successor Project
With support from Caritas Australia and their partner organisation, the Diocese of Mbulu Development Department (DMDD), Sisilia’s school became part of the A+ Successor Project.
Thanks to this initiative:
Clean water taps were installed at the school
Students can now drink safe water and wash their hands
The school garden can be watered, providing fresh food for lunches
Sisilia also joined the SWASH (School Water, Hygiene and Sanitation) Club, where she learned about handwashing, boiling water before drinking and keeping toilets clean. Using a child‑to‑child approach, the program empowers students to become advocates for change within their communities.
Through SWASH, Sisilia has become a confident leader—teaching others about hygiene through songs, dance, games and demonstrations.
A Brighter Future
In addition to the improvements at school, a domestic water point has now been installed in her village. Instead of a 30‑minute walk, Sisilia now needs only two minutes to collect water.
The time she saves allows her to focus on what matters most: her education and her dreams.
“When I grow up, I would like to be a pilot. I’d like to fly to different countries and pass through the sky,” she says.
Stories like Sisilia’s remind us why Project Compassion is so important. Every contribution big or small, helps transform lives and create lasting change for young people and families around the world.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Here is the QR code to support those donations.
If you are able to contribute, please use the QR code provided or the following link to make a donation:
A Prayer for Compassion and Peace in the Middle East
Loving God,
We bring before You all people in the Middle East who are affected by conflict,
fear, and uncertainty.
Wrap them in Your comfort and hold them in Your peace.
Open our hearts, Lord, to feel compassion for every child,
family, and community living through hardship.
May they know safety, understanding, and hope in the midst of struggle.
Guide leaders and communities towards paths of peace.
Help them choose dialogue over division, healing over harm,
and understanding over anger.
Strengthen those who work tirelessly to bring aid, comfort,
and support to people in need.
Bless them with courage, patience, and protection.
Teach us to be people of compassion, ready to listen, slow to judge,
and eager to build a world where every person is treated with dignity and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Dave Waters
Catholic Identity Leader