As Christmas approaches, Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) communities are once again coming together to support those doing it tough.
For many across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, this time of year brings not only joy and celebration, but also hardship and struggle.
Guided by a deep commitment to service, CSPD schools are demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas through outreach, advocacy and practical support for those in need.
Throughout the year, students and staff across CSPD’s 80 schools actively support social justice initiatives that make a difference in their communities. Partnering with organisations such as the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Jesuit Social Services (JSS), Caritas Australia, House of Welcome and Foodbank Australia, these efforts encourage compassion, generosity and faith in action.
CSPD’s formal partnership with Vinnies NSW – the first of its kind for a school-based education provider in the state – has further strengthened this mission. Students participate in Mini Vinnies, Vinnies Van volunteering, winter sleepouts, and the annual Christmas and Winter appeals, putting their faith into practice by supporting those in need.
St Luke’s Catholic College Marsden Park is proudly living out this mission through its active Vinnies 7–12 group, which makes and donates sandwiches and supports events like the Winter Sleepout and Pyjama Day. Alongside students, staff have joined the effort by volunteering with the Vinnies Van to help people experiencing homelessness. This Christmas, St Luke’s students are once again contributing to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, donating gifts and essential items for families in need.
CSPD schools also work closely with JRS, through its Schools Engagement Program – giving students the chance to hear directly from people with lived experience of seeking asylum. Through fundraising, food drives and awareness events, schools have helped restock the JRS Food Bank and hosted workshops and “Table Talk” discussions promoting understanding and solidarity.
The House of Welcome, Caritas and JSS are similarly supported through donations, immersion activities and student-led initiatives. At Holy Spirit Primary St Clair, students recently collected more than 650 items for House of Welcome’s centre in Granville.
Faith in Action Teams (FIAT) play a key role in driving these efforts, with dedicated teachers guiding student leaders to plan and lead activities that bring faith to life in their school communities.
At Gilroy Catholic College Castle Hill, Year 10 students recently joined a volunteer mission day at Foodbank, packing 780 Christmas hampers including more than 18,000 meals for families in need, an experience they described as “incredibly rewarding”.
Across the Diocese, students continue to volunteer, raise funds and advocate for justice throughout the year. CSPD schools continue to nurture not only academic excellence, but also a living faith, one that inspires students to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Stuart Matters is a Communications & Media Specialist at Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese.
This article was originally published in the 2025 Advent & Christmas | Summer edition of the Catholic Outlook Magazine. You can read the digital version here or pick up a copy in your local parish.
