From the AP - Religious Education, Identity and Mission
Project Compassion Launch
On Tuesday the 4th of March, St Francis students, accompanied by Mrs. Mediati and Mrs. Crescini, traveled to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School in Warrawong for the 2025 Diocesan Launch of Project Compassion. Harkirat V (Year 11), Mischa R (Year 11), and Nicole (Year 4) represented our College, joining students from across the Diocese of Wollongong for this significant event.
The day began with an Opening Liturgy led by Bishop Brian, marking the beginning of Lent and Project Compassion. Bishop Brian spoke about the significance of giving during Lent, encouraging us to reflect on our intentions and the impact of our generosity. He illustrated this point by sharing a relatable story about siblings arguing—highlighting that our actions, even small ones, carry meaning and shape our relationships. He challenged us to consider the deeper reasons behind our choices and to make our giving truly meaningful.
A guest speaker from Caritas Australia reinforced this message, emphasising the benefits of our community’s donations in supporting those in need overseas. Other speakers from the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong shared powerful stories of hardship and resilience, including water scarcity in Samoa, challenges faced by people with disabilities in Vietnam, and the inspiring journey of a mother from the Congo. These stories highlighted the global struggles of poverty, water scarcity, food security, and economic hardship, deepening our understanding of the real-world impact of our support.
The event concluded with school representatives stepping forward to receive the Project Compassion boxes, a symbolic commitment to driving change within our communities. Inspired by the message of hope and action, we left with a renewed dedication to making a meaningful difference and truly becoming Pilgrims of Hope.
Care for Creation Lenten Calendar
As we journey through Lent in 2025, the Care for Creation Lenten Calendar invites us to walk as Pilgrims of Hope, embracing the call to ecological conversion. Inspired by Pope Francis’ vision in Laudato Si', this calendar offers daily reflections, actions, and prayers that encourage us to care for our common home. Each step of the journey challenges us to live with greater simplicity, gratitude, and responsibility toward God’s creation.
Join in this sacred season of renewal as we commit to a future of hope, justice, and love for all of God’s creation.
Unity Grammar Iftar
On the 4th of March, Thalia, Ella, Tuli, Mrs Lowe and Mrs Mediati were given the honour of attending Unity Grammar, Austral to engage in the multifaith Iftar dinner and to break fast with the Islamic community upon their commencement of Ramadan. This opportunity highlighted the importance of unity, respect, and interfaith dialogue, strengthening our understanding of different cultural and religious perspectives.
The Head of the Islamic Faith, Mr Assaad, kindly welcomed us to the College and formally spoke to all staff, guests and students about the significance of Ramadan and the importance of the Iftar dinner. We were able to observe the act of verbal prayer, which was recited in Arabic and viewed the physical aspects of prayer conducted by the community, including the practice of facing the Kaaba and the commitment to praying five times a day.
As part of the Iftar meal, we experienced the significance of breaking fast with a date and drinking water in three sips, following the actions of Prophet Muhammad, while also adhering to segregated seating arrangements by gender, in accordance with Islamic customs. Beyond these traditions, we engaged in meaningful conversations, exchanging insights on the similarities and differences between Catholicism and Islam, particularly our practices within this Holy month.
Overall, it was a profoundly enriching experience that broadened our perspectives, and we are sincerely grateful to Unity Grammar for welcoming us and allowing us to share in this special occasion.
Mrs Alexandra Mediati