St Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish Primary School Warrawong eNewsletter

Religious Education News

School Value Focus - Honesty

At St Francis of Assisi, we value honesty because it helps us build positive relationships based on the modelling of Jesus.

We show that we are a community that values honesty by:

telling the truth
owning our actions - positive and negative
acknowledging when people have been honest with us
doing the right thing even when no one is watching
saying what you mean and meaning what you say

Caritas Project Compassion Launch

On Tuesday, 4 March our school had the pleasure of hosting the 2025 Caritas Australia Project Compassion Launch in the Wollongong Diocese. Representatives from schools across the Wollongong Diocese gathered with Bishop Brian Mascord, Father Damien and Deacon Mick to celebrate this important event. Each year, through our support of the Project Compassion appeal, we can make a difference in the world by supporting those who work with those living in poverty. This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty - to stand together in faith, generosity, and action for those in need. Let us be pilgrims of hope for others.

Ash Wednesday
(5^th of March 2025)

This Lent, we are called to Unite Against Poverty through Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. By taking home a Project Compassion donation box or envelope, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable.

Your generous support this Lenten Season will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education, and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges. Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.

Please donate today.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code above.
Or online at: caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

First Week of Lent
(Week beginning Monday 10 March)

This Lent, we’re invited to Unite Against Poverty with Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. This year is especially significant as we celebrate the Jubilee Year - a time of renewal and solidarity.

Project Compassion 2025 shares three stories from around the world. We’ll meet Toefuata'iga - (Toy-foo-ah-tah-ing-ah) a young student from Samoa who faced severe water shortages at her school. Thanks to Caritas Australia and the generosity of supporters like you, her school now has a 10,000 L water tank improving hygiene and allowing the teachers to prioritise education.

We’ll get to know Lam from Vietnam, born with short stature, Lam faced social exclusion and limited employment opportunities – through the I-SHINE program, Lam is now a freelance graphic designer.

And we’ll meet Irene from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who faced immense challenges after losing her father to war and raising her children in poverty. With support from Caritas Australia, Irene received vocational training in sewing and farming and can now support her whole family.

Watch our Introduction to Project Compassion film HERE - be inspired by 3 powerful stories of resilience and strength, and learn the impact that your support can have on vulnerable communities around the world.

Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

Lenten Practices - Almsgiving, Fasting and Prayer
Now that the Season of Lent has begun, it’s time to think about how you will use this season to grow in holiness and so prepare for the great celebration of Easter. The readings for Ash Wednesday made reference to the practices of almsgiving, fasting and prayer. The following infographics from CatholicLink provide an explanation of these 3 practices, along with some practical ways we can incorporate them into our daily lives.

In previous years, Pope Francis has also provided this advice for ‘fasting’:

Vinnies Appeal
Vinnies is in urgent need of bed linen and towels, doonas and covers, and blankets. Donations can be brought to the St Vincent de Paul Shop, 250 Cowper St Warrawong, Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sat 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Please advise that donations are for welfare. We open the welfare next to the Vinnies Shop on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm.

Ms Marita Maloney
REC Coordinator