Education in Faith

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                                                         Website:   St John's Mitcham 

Project Compassion

As we enter the fourth week of Lent we are reminded of the sacrifices that Jesus made during his 40 days in the desert. We too are called to make changes. Students have been learning about some of their ‘neighbours’ from around the world who are far less fortunate than themselves. Here is the Week 4 Project Compassion story. It’s so incredibly powerful to witness people with so little being so empowered to ‘be more!’ 

I wonder what you and your family are doing during the season of Lent 

to ‘be more?’

Arsad, an Indonesian farmer, had no toilet in his home, so he had to walk into the forest to the open defecation area, even at night or in the rain.

Around 17 percent of Indonesia’s rural population practice open defecation , with many unaware that it contributes to spreading diseases.

Arsad’s family was often sick and open defecation caused neighbourhood disputes. With the support of Caritas Australia and its partner, Laz Harfa, he took part in hygiene, sanitation and financial management training. He decided to fund the building of a toilet in his house and facilitated others in his neighbourhood to save up for toilets.

Now, Arsad and his family are healthier and have reduced their medical expenses. Their community no longer practices open defecation and is more harmonious. A community event, called ‘Declaration of Open Defecation-Free’ was even held to acknowledge their achievements.

Improved hygiene practices helped Arsad’s community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caritas Australia, through Laz Harfa, also shared prevention measures and distributing soap and masks.

Arsad has inspired his neighbourhood to ‘Be More’.

“We help each other, the ‘togetherness’ is growing. Our solidarity had increased,” Arsad says.

Watch a short film about Arsad’s storyhere.

 “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” 

Upcoming Dates for the Diary...

Fri 19th Mar           Year 4 Level Mass 9.00-9.40am                                  *Parents welcome*   

Fri 25th Mar           Year 6 Level Mass 9.00-9.40am                                  *Parents welcome*   

Thurs 1st Apr        Holy Week Prayer Service (Hosts: Year 1, 3 & 5) 2.30pm           

Monica De Leo 

Religious Education Leader