Catholic Bishop of Sale Greg Bennet recently joined students, teachers, and guests from school and parish communities to mark the beginning of Lent and to officially launch this year's Project Compassion appeal in the Diocese of Sale.
This year's launch of the annual Caritas fundraiser was held at Marist-Sion College, Warragul.
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 2024 is For All Future Generations, and reinforces the message that what we do today can have an impact for all future generations.
Over the six weeks of 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 six Catholic secondary colleges and four Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Sale joined the launch. Each received a Caritas candle to take back to their schools, presented by Bishop Greg Bennet and Caritas Australia's Nicole Dobrohotoff.
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.
The Lenten season is observed as a period of reflection and self-discipline, commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in preparation for the celebration of Easter.
To donate, Project Compassion donation boxes are in schools and parishes across the diocese, visit the Caritas website, or call 1800 024 413.