We are Called

Project Compassion 2023

The theme of Project Compassion 2023 is ‘For All Future GeneraDons’. It is an expression of hope and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generaDons to come. It invites us to make the world a be\er place by working together now and finding long-term soluDons to global issues.

This year, the theme asks us to think about the great yes that Mary spoke when the angel told her she was to become the mother of Jesus. She freely accepted God’s invitaDon to take up a unique place in the history of the human family.

The prayer Mary shared with her cousin Elizabeth says, “all generaDons will call me blessed”. Her yes is for all future generaDons. May ours be too!

Laxmi’s Story

Laxmi, 16, lives in in Jajarkot, a remote district in Nepal where almost half of the populaDon live below the poverty line.

Tragedy struck when Laxmi was 10 years old and her father passed away. Her father worked hard to pay for his children's educaDon and aner losing him Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty.

With the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child's club at her school where she was encouraged to resume her educaDon. Through the child’s club, Laxmi developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocaDng for clean water taps at her school.

Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She conDnues to be involved in the child's club, serving as an advisor and mentoring the next generaDon of young leaders at her old school.

Teresa’s Story

We also learn about Tereesa, a Gamilaroi woman from Western Sydney who struggled with homelessness while raising her four children. At just 16 years old, she had to leave school aner falling pregnant with her first child. A single mother struggling with homelessness, Tereesa’s only concern was finding stability for her children.

Seeking a be\er future for her family, Tereesa joined Baabayn Aboriginal CorporaDon’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia. Baabayn helped Tereesa access housing and psychological support. Through Baabayn, Tereesa was also able to hear stories from Indigenous Elders and reconnect with her culture.

Today, Tereesa is studying a cerDficate in Community Services so that she can strengthen her skills and give back to her community. Tereesa now works at Baabayn, providing support to young mothers and mentoring the next generaDon of young people.

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday 21 February 2023 was Shrove Tuesday. This day has been celebrated for more than 1000 years and marks the day before the Season of Lent commences.

Lent is a Dme of preparaDon before Easter and last for 40 days.

‘Shrove’ comes from the word ‘shriven’ which means to forgive.

It has become a tradiDon in some families to eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. This is because it allowed people to use up fats and sugar before the fasDng Dme of Lent.

The tradiDon of recognising Shrove Tuesday was also seen at Infant Jesus School with many pikelets made and eaten in classes last Tuesday.

Lent

Yesterday we gathered for an Ash Wednesday EucharisDc CelebraDon let by Fr Ad.

Ash Wednesday begins our forty day season of Lent that leads to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, we came together as the people of the Old Testament did to remind ourselves that we do not always follow God’s ways and that we need to ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Like God’s people in the Dme of the prophets, we receive ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, and to have a change of heart, so that we can live in peace and joy with God and with each other. This year, without the restricDons of previous years, it was fantasDc that parents could join us as we reflect on this significant Dme in the Church year.