Religious Education & Faith Life

Lent and Project Compassion at St Helena's

As we begin the season of Lent, our St Helena’s community is invited into a time of reflection, prayer and generosity. Lent is the 40‑day journey that prepares us for Easter, a time when we focus on the Lenten pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, helping us grow closer to God and more aware of those in need.

Project Compassion 2026 - "Unite Against Poverty"

Each year during Lent, our school supports Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, one of the largest annual humanitarian appeals in the country. Project Compassion unites schools, parishes and communities to help create a more just world by supporting communities facing poverty, conflict and environmental challenges.

This year’s theme, Unite Against Poverty, highlights the power of working together to bring hope to those who need it most. In 2026, Caritas is sharing four powerful stories from around the world, showing how our support helps transform lives. We will be learning about these inspiring stories of hope in class over the next two weeks.

Sisilia – Tanzania

Sisilia is a 13‑year‑old girl who once had to walk long distances every day to collect unsafe water. Thanks to Project Compassion, her school and village now have safe, clean water close by. This means she can spend more time learning and pursuing her dream of one day becoming a pilot.

Monoranjon – Bangladesh

Project Compassion Boxes

Each student has received a Project Compassion donation box for students and families who wish to give during Lent. Every coin, big or small contributes to providing clean water, education, sustainable livelihoods, emergency support, and a more just future for communities around the world. We encourage our families to give what they can during this Lenten period. 

There will be additional whole school and classroom-based fundraiser events in support of Project Compassion throughout the Lenten period. We look forward to sharing more about these events soon. 

We would like to formally acknowledge the work the Year 6 Liturgy Team has done in launching Project Compassion 2026 at St. Helena’s. They have participated in the online launch of Project Compassion as well as distributing donation boxes and resources as well as communicating important messages regarding Lent and Project Compassion to students and teachers. 

We thank all families for supporting Project Compassion and helping our students live out compassion, hope and service during this Lenten season.