Lent: Keeping our Hunger and Thirst for Justice Alive

“Lent… invites us to place the mystery of God back in the centre of our lives, in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of daily life.”

Pope Leo, Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion

If we open ourselves to Lent, it can be a time of re-committing ourselves outwardly; rather than focusing on the challenges of our own day, we can lift our gaze and focus on our interconnectedness to the whole of life around us. We become aware of the needs before us, and then we choose what’s ours to do. In this way, observing Lent can help us to “keep our hunger and thirst for justice alive and free us from complacency.” (Pope Leo)

Justice is one of Kildare Ministries’ core values, and our specific focus across all the schools and community works in 2026. We are all fortunate to be part of a community that can draw on the long tradition of making the needs of the vulnerable paramount – through the stories we have of both Brigid and Nano who shone their light in the darkest crevices of our world. Both women stepped defiantly through the despair of their times towards hope; showing up for those most in need, and by doing so, acknowledging their dignity. Brigid gave away all she could for the poor, including her father’s precious sword. Nano defied the oppressive penal laws, putting her own life at risk by teaching Catholic children in secret schools. And the Brigidines and Presentations who followed these incredible woman have done the same for their time and place across the world.

Our mission at Kildare Ministries is to continue this drive for justice – to show every person that they are worthy of our deep respect – through our deep listening, our kind words and our bold actions of hope.

Formation Program

Faith Leaders Network

Faith leaders from across our schools gathered recently for their first network meeting for the year.

Fr Elio Capra SDB presented on the theme of Justice. Drawing on his rich knowledge of art history, Elio explored the theme Jesus: Human and Divine, highlighting how artworks across the centuries reveal dimensions of justice and invite reflection on faith in action. His presentation also included reference to Pope Leo’s Dilexit Nos, encouraging the group to consider how art and theology can help students engage with the realities of our world with hope and compassion.

Justice and Ecology Leaders

Our school staff who support students in their commitment to Justice and Integral Ecology came together to reflect on how we can engage our students’ passion for justice through our 2026 student programs. We have Hana Assafiri OAM joining us at our first program at Saltbush. Hana will share her story of navigating her deep commitment to her Muslim faith, in a world where religious stereotypes and judgements dominate. Hana speaks strongly against those who use religion to justify domestic violence and silencing women’s voices.

New Leaders Formation

This year we provided focused formation for those new to their Senior Leadership Team through the New Leaders Formation. Leading in a Kildare Ministries school is unique in Catholic education, as it is inspired by the courageous and counter cultural approaches of St Brigid and Nano Nagle and the brave women and men who have led the Brigidine and Presentation Ministries since. Rosemary Copeland shared what she’s learnt from her years in Senior Leadership at Clonard College Geelong and St Joseph’s College Echuca, and as co-chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries since its inception. Our new Leaders had the opportunity to reflect on their own leadership journeys that have brought them to today, and listen for where this new calling as Leaders of Kildare Ministries is leading them.

First Nations Network

With relationships as our core priority, staff gathered in person from across the ministries in February to track our progress in creating cultural safety for First Nations students and staff, as well as strong Teaching and Learning outcomes across Kildare Ministries. With a mix of Elders, student, support staff, teachers and leaders, we collaborate to benefit from each others’ experience, knowledge and skills. Tracking our progress in a shared online forum allows us to continue supporting each other between our gatherings, and enables us to ensure our First Nations Elders, staff and students are engaged each step of the way.

Jane Collopy

Mission Leader

Supporting BASP