Catholic Identity

SEASON OF LENT 

Lent is a significant time in the Catholic calendar, a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation as we journey towards Easter. It is a time to deepen our faith, practice self-discipline, and show compassion through acts of kindness and generosity.

At St Mary’s, we will actively participate in the Lenten season through liturgy, prayer, classroom reflections, and Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s annual appeal supporting those in need. Students will explore the themes of Lent, focusing on gratitude, service, and making a positive impact in our community and beyond.

As we walk this Lenten journey together, we encourage our students and families to take time for prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness.

CARITAS PROJECT COMPASSION 

For over 60 years, Caritas Australia has worked hand in hand with the most marginalised and remote communities in Australia and overseas to confront the challenges of poverty. This year, the theme Unite Against Poverty resonates deeply with the teachings of Jesus, who showed great care for the poor and marginalised. In Matthew 25, Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

For the remainder of the term, St Mary’s Catholic Primary will take up fundraising initiatives to help raise funds for communities in Australia, Somoa, Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Students will also become involved in acts of service. 

As part of this initiative, students will receive a special compassion box, a powerful tool designed to not only raise funds but also inspire kindness and community spirit.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within our student community. The funds raised through Caritas Project Compassion will be directed towards impactful projects that touch the lives of those in need. 

This week we look at Toefuata'iga, a 13-year-old student in Samoa, who faced severe challenges and disruptions to her learning due to water scarcity. After Caritas Australia’s partner Caritas Samoa installed a 10,000 litre water tank at her school, Toefuata'iga and her classmates saw improved health and more consistent class attendance.