4 March 2025

Catholic Schools and Parishes spread hope through Project Compassion

Catholic Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet joined students, teachers, and guests from school and parish communities to mark the beginning of Lent* and to officially launch the 2025 Project Compassion appeal in the Diocese of Sale.

This year’s launch of the annual Caritas fundraiser was held at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha  

Each year during the season of Lent, Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australian schools and parishes to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities to help end poverty, promote justice, and uphold dignity.

The theme of Project Compassion 2025 is Unite Against Poverty. As Catholic communities celebrate a Jubilee Year in 2025 with the theme Pilgrims of Hope, Caritas invites people to action the theme of Hope by coming together to Unite Against Poverty. Actions taken today can make a lasting difference for future generations.

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.

Student leaders from seven Catholic Secondary Colleges and four Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Sale joined the launch. Secondary colleges included Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha; Marist Sion College, Warragul; St Peter’s College, Cranbourne; St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield; Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon; Catholic College Sale and Nagle College, Bairnsdale. Primary schools included St Laurence O’Toole Primary School, Leongatha; St Joseph’s Primary School, Korumburra, St Joseph’s School, Wonthaggi; and St John the Baptist Primary School, Koo Wee Rup.

Each school representative received a Caritas candle to take back to their schools, presented by Bishop Greg Bennet and Caritas Australia’s Community Partnership Specialist Ms Sally Murphy.

Following the launch. Bishop Greg joined students, staff, and guests for the traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes. Students in schools across the Diocese also got into the spirit of Project Compassion holding pancake stalls in their schools to fundraise and mark Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday when the period of Lent begins.

Those wanting 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. 

For further information, contact DOSCEL Media and Communications team on 0417 534 232.