Catholic Identity & Mission News

Project Compassion

On Tuesday, March 1, the College welcomed Bishop Greg Bennet and DOSCEL CIRE Team representative Jacinta Johnston on site to launch Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion for 2022. Usually, schools from across the Diocese would have sent staff and student representatives too but this year, we adapted and live-streamed the event on YouTube. We had readings, prayers, music and reflections and it was a wonderful occasion despite the ‘in person’ gathering being smaller. 

The Project Compassion theme this year is ‘For all future generations’ and as we’ve started Lent, the season of penance and preparation for Easter, we’ve been reminded that we are just stewards of this earth for a short time. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and recent high-profile deaths, remind us of the fragility of life and sadly, peace. Staff and students were invited to participate in a lunchtime prayer for peace on February 25 and we’ve joined with Pope Francis’ prayer intention for peace in Ukraine each day in Tutor Group. 

Efforts on this front, as well as some student advocacy I’ve witnessed in the past few weeks, are encouraging signs that our students are invested in their futures and seek a more just and caring world. As we celebrated International Women’s Day this week, we recounted sobering facts about the prevalence of violence and discrimination towards women around the world. But the words of one of our female House Patrons, Mary MacKillop, also rang out: ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’. Speaking out about peace and justice, and equity, for all future generations is the cornerstone of Social Justice here at St. Peter’s College. We respect the dignity of all and express our solidarity with those in need.

Of course, a concrete way we can make a real difference to the lives of those in need is through fundraising and already our wonderful VCAL teams have led the way in raising funds for the Project Compassion campaign. They ran BBQs at our recent swimming carnivals and along with the Social Justice Groups and Houses, have other activities planned throughout Lent. All Tutor Groups have Project Compassion boxes but an emerging challenge for us is that many people no longer carry cash! However, donations can always be made via EFT at the school office, or online at:

 Let’s get behind the fantastic work of Caritas Australia, ‘for all future generations’. 

*You can read more about the College’s connection to Mary MacKillop in Greg Nelson’s ‘From the Archives’ feature later in this newsletter. 

Fiona McKenna

Deputy Principal - Catholic Identity & Mission