FAITH MATTERS

Signs of Hope on the Edge: Living the Jubilee Year of Hope in Our Community

Across Australia, many families continue to struggle under the weight of the cost-of-living crisis. Rising prices for food, fuel, rent, and mortgages have left countless people feeling the pressure. For some, it means depending on family or friends for shelter. For others, it has meant the heartbreaking reality of homelessness.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2025, Signs of Hope on the Edge: Serving People Living in Homelessness and Mental Ill-Health, reminds us that this challenge is even greater for those who are not only without a home but also living with serious mental ill-health. With limited resources available, many find themselves isolated and pushed to the very edges of society.

As a Catholic community, we are called not to turn away in discomfort or embarrassment when we see someone struggling, but to notice, listen, and respond with compassion. Just as Jesus reached out to those most in need, we too are invited to serve our brothers and sisters with dignity and love.

This challenge is particularly important in this Jubilee Year of Hope 2025. Pope Francis has reminded us that we are “called to be, in the footsteps of Christ, messengers and builders of hope.” The Jubilee is an invitation for each of us - students, staff, and families -to live in a spirit of renewal, joy, and solidarity, ensuring no one is left behind or forgotten.

Here at St Mary MacKillop College, we are striving to put this message into action through:

• Our support for Vinnies: contributing to food drives, the Winter Appeal, and hands-on service to assist those in need.
• Student Service Days: where our young people walk in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop, offering time, energy, and compassion to the most vulnerable in our Swan Hill community.
• Daily acts of kindness and awareness: by noticing those who may be struggling, offering friendship, and creating a culture of welcome and hope.

As a school family, let us embrace this Jubilee call to be signs of hope on the edge. May we continue to reflect God’s unfailing love through our words, actions, and service - reminding one another that hope is alive, and that no one in our community is ever truly alone.

A Prayer for Pilgrims of Hope

O God, Source of all Life,

you created earth as our home

and us in your image, out of love.

Set our hearts astir with that same love,

that we might build a culture of encounter

and systems that justly serve

those living in homelessness

and mental ill-health.

Jesus our Brother,

you noticed those living on the edge,

listened, healed and served them, out of love.

Move us from our embarrassment or discomfort

by those who show us your suffering face.

Instead, may we be taught by them,

offer our loving friendship

and share your good news together.

Holy Spirit, Source of all Hope,

you inspire our relationships

with transforming power, out of love.

Deepen our vision and enlarge our hearts

so that the fear and isolation

of homelessness and mental ill-health

may be countered by love’s warmth and certainty,

that we might walk together as pilgrims of hope.

Amen.

Jesus light of the world, guide us

St Joseph, journey with us

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us

Alison Wright

Director of Faith and Mission