St John Paul II College, Nicholls celebrated Ash Wednesday hosting the launch of Caritas Australia’s 2020 Project Compassion. Each year throughout the season of Lent, Caritas runs Project Compassion and the theme for 2020 is ‘Go Further Together.’ The Caritas campaign relies on the generosity of millions of Australians to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

The official launch was incorporated into the Ash Wednesday liturgy which was led by Archbishop Christopher Prowse. The College welcomed Caritas volunteers and student leaders from Merici College, Braddon, St Mary Mackillop College, Tuggeranong and Daramalan College, Dickson to the celebration.

Kirsty Robertson, CEO of Caritas Australia, spoke to students about the work Caritas is doing globally to support communities in need and urged everyone to get involved.

“As a small child I put my money in a Project Compassion box because I believed it could change the world,” said Kirsty. “I encourage everyone across the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn to participate this year, so that we can go further together to transform more lives with hope, compassion and love across the world.”

Many of our Catholic schools participate in the Lenten Caritas campaign, hosting events to raise funds in support of vulnerable communities.