Father Dennis Espejo, Paul O’Callaghan, Sr Louise McKeogh, Religious Education Coordinator Rober Feeney, students Marielle Monzon and Kiana Gonzales
Year 9 and 10 students from Terra Sancta College Schofields came together on Thursday 6 March to celebrate the launch of Caritas Australia’s 2014 Project Compassion appeal.
CEO of Caritas Australia, Paul O’Callaghan, spoke to students about his recent trip to the Philippines to visit areas devastated by Typhoon Ketsana in 2009. With funds raised through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia has been working on the ground to rebuild communities through housing, economic and education initiatives.
Paul recognised schools in the Parramatta Diocese including Terra Sancta College for their continuing support.
‘People in these communities kept saying thank you,’ said Paul. ‘Terra Sancta College raised $5,500 for Project Compassion last year and I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of your school community and encourage you to keep making a difference.’
Year 12 students, Marielle Monzon and Kiana Gonzeles, spoke of their World Youth Day visit to Sao Paolo, Brazil in 2013 to assist with a Caritas Australia project supporting and empowering residents living in favelas. Marielle and Kiana encouraged students to think of others who are less fortunate during Lent and to think about how to make a difference.
Social Justice Coordinator and Diocesan Caritas Director, Sister Louise McKeogh FMA asked students to think of one thing they are grateful for and one action they can take to help others. Students wrote their intentions to keep as a reminder throughout the season of Lent.
Father Dennis Espejo from the Diocese of Malolos in the Philippines shared photos and stories of his work with Caritas-supported emergency relief housing projects for Filipino communities vulnerable to flooding and natural disasters.
Project Compassion is one of Australia’s largest humanitarian campaigns. Last year the appeal raised more than $11 million for Caritas Australia. Catholic schools across the Parramatta Diocese are donating to Project Compassion with a range of fundraising activities.