Catholic Schools and Parishes Unite against Poverty through Project Compassion

February 2026

Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet joined students, teachers, and guests from school and parish communities to mark the day before the commencement of Lent* and officially launch the Caritas 2026 Project Compassion appeal in the Diocese of Sale.

Held at St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral Sale, on Tuesday, 17 February, the launch brought together school and parish communities to stand in solidarity to support some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

This year’s theme Unite Against Poverty, highlights the power of collective action in creating lasting change.

During Lent, parishes and Catholic schools are encouraged to donate and host fundraisers in the name of Project Compassion. Funds raised will support Caritas’ work in assisting vulnerable and needy communities both in Australia and overseas.

Last year, Project Compassion raised $10 million nationally and in the last financial year Caritas Australia reached more than 2.3 million people through 100 projects across 30 countries.

Student leaders from seven Catholic Secondary Colleges and six Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Sale joined the launch.

Secondary colleges included Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha; Marist Sion Catholic College, Warragul; St Peter’s Catholic College, Cranbourne; St Francis Xavier Catholic College, Beaconsfield; Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon; Catholic College Sale and Nagle Catholic College, Bairnsdale.

Primary schools included St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Heyfield; St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Maffra; St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Sale; St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, Sale; St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Stratford and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Yarram.

Each school representative received a Caritas candle to take back to their school, presented by Bishop Greg Bennet and Ms Siji Dominic, Diocesan Director of Caritas.

Following the launch, Bishop Greg joined students and guests for Shrove Tuesday pancakes. Across the Diocese, students in Catholic schools marked the day before the commencement of Lent by hosting pancake stalls in their schools to raise awareness and funds for Project Compassion.

Those wishing to support Project Compassion can download resources or join a Mission in Action Webinar to learn more about Caritas Australia’s development programs at: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

To donate, look out for Project Compassion donation boxes in schools and parishes, visit the Caritas website, or call 1800 024 413 toll free.

*The Lenten season is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving (giving to those in need) that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday before Good Friday. It is observed as a period of reflection and self-discipline, commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in preparation for the celebration of Easter.