Religious Education News
World Day of the Poor
The World Day of the Poor was first established at the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis announced a new ‘World Day of the Poor’, which is to be celebrated on Sunday, 19 November, 2017. He describes the genesis and the idea behind this day:
“During the “Jubilee for Socially Excluded People”, as the Holy Doors of Mercy were being closed in all the cathedrals and shrines of the world, I had the idea that, as yet another tangible sign of this Extraordinary Holy Year, the entire Church might celebrate, on the Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time, the World Day of the Poor. This would be the worthiest way to prepare for the celebration of the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, who identified with the little ones and the poor and who will judge us on our works of mercy (cf. Mt 25:31-46). It would be a day to help communities and each of the baptised to reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel and that, as long as Lazarus lies at the door of our homes (cf. Lk 16:19-21), there can be no justice or social peace. This Day will also represent a genuine form of new evangelisation (cf. Mt 11:5) which can renew the face of the Church as She perseveres in her perennial activity of pastoral conversion and witness to mercy.”
Holy Family has been contributing to this observance over the past several years in a number of ways throughout the school year. During Lent, Holy Family School, in conjunction with the parish, focuses on raising funds for Caritas Australia, supporting the most vulnerable people in our world. In 2023, we began working with the Mini Vinnies program, led by our Year 4 students, which provides assistance to those in need within our local community. In 2024, we joined the FIRE Carrier program, an Indigenous initiative that raises awareness, promotes reconciliation, and supports Indigenous children in Australia by ensuring they have access to essential school supplies and learning opportunities.
We are approaching Advent (30 November), an exciting and meaningful time at the end of the year as we prepare for Christmas. During Advent, Holy Family conducts a food drive in conjunction with the parish, collecting essential household items and non-perishable food. These donations are then passed on to St Vincent de Paul, who distribute them to individuals and families in need within our community.
Students are continually learning about the effects of poverty on individuals and the wider community. They are proud to lend a helping hand in any way they can, whether through prayer, raising awareness, or participating in fundraising efforts. I am proud to be part of this truly caring community, where compassion, generosity, and social justice are lived out in meaningful and practical ways.
Vicky Pejic
Religious Education Leader
Vicky Pejic
Religious Education Leader