Launch of Project Compassion – Ballarat Secondary School Leaders Mass

Student leaders of Damascus College and Loreto College gathered at the St Patrick’s Cathedral on Tuesday, March 1, the day before the beginning of Lent, to acknowledge their role in their Colleges (St Patrick’s College Ballarat was an apology for this Mass).

Bishop Paul challenged the school leaders to follow Jesus’ witness and to reach out to those most in need this Lent.  The homily from the Mass can be read here.

The ceremony was a simple celebration of the Mass and the dismissal included a blessing of the Ashes that would be used by the Colleges in Ash Wednesday ceremonies.

Student leaders were also presented with a candle and a Project Compassion box to take back to their school communities, as a focus point for Project Compassion 2022.

Bishop Paul joined the students in the gardens of the Cathedral for the traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes.

Tony Haintz
Assistant Principal – Catholic School Culture
Damascus College Ballarat


Caritas Australia thanks you for your ongoing generosity and support.

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’.  It is an expression of hope and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come.  It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long term solutions to global issues. This year’s theme comes from the biblical story of Noah’s Ark.  More specifically, when the flood waters subsided, a rainbow appeared in the sky and the dove returned with an olive branch indicating a new beginning.

Project Compassion 2022 shares the stories of resilient and inspiring individuals whose lives and futures have been impacted by the ongoing support of our partners and by your generosity.  We encourage all to discover the power of giving and the impact that your contribution, however big or small, can have in the lives of others during this time of Lent.  When we lend a hand to someone in need, they will go on to help others and make better opportunities for future generations.  Compassion is contagious and creates a ripple effect of kindness and prosperity.  Caritas Australia Project Compassion website.

We pray:
Loving God,
we thank you for the gift of our lives and for the life of every person, both near to us and far away.
We thank you for the wonder of all your creation.
Through fasting, almsgiving and prayer may this Lent draw us deeper into the warmth and light of God’s love.
May we see the world more clearly, especially those who are often overlooked.
May we come closer to your heart, which you showed through the cross of Jesus.
May we be full of hope for all future generations.
We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Jillian Hogbin
Caritas Co-ordinator
Diocese of Ballarat

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