Kirsty Robertson from Project Compassion tells us: “In challenging times, it is often our instinct to pull back and withdraw into ourselves. It can feel especially hard to help others when we are struggling to satisfy our own needs, unsure what tomorrow might hold. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has stirred this feeling of unease in many of us and we hope for a more stable and positive 2021. But it is when life is toughest and most demanding that the gospel calls us to ‘dig deeper’ and to go further. In Matthew five, Jesus says “if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” 

Your support allows us to step out into the neediest communities, expressing love and compassion for the most vulnerable. This year, Caritas Australia takes the theme of ‘Be More’ for Project Compassion 2021. It challenges us to venture into a new experience of compassion, and is taken from the invitation of St. Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” This message invites us to step up and step out for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival. Those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours.”

During R.E lessons and Whole School Prayer, the students of St Mary’s will be learning what it means ‘to be more’ this Lent. Please encourage your child to share this message at home with you.