More than 50 schools from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) gathered to launch Project Compassion 2026, marking the beginning of Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten appeal with a shared commitment to stand in solidarity with communities experiencing poverty around the world.
Hosted at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens, the launch brought together student leaders, teachers and special guests including Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, CSPD Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot, and Caritas Australia Advancement Director Nicole Chehine. Together, they reflected on this year’s theme, ‘Unite Against Poverty’, and explored how actions taken during Lent can create meaningful and lasting change.
Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Project Compassion runs throughout the six weeks of Lent, inviting Catholic communities to respond through prayer, awareness and fundraising in support of vulnerable communities in Australia and overseas. Building on the extraordinary generosity shown in 2025, when CSPD schools raised $235,717, this year’s campaign aims to continue that momentum of faith in action.
During the launch, students heard powerful stories from Fiji, Gaza, Bangladesh and Tanzania, where access to education, clean water, sustainable livelihoods and vital community programs has transformed lives through Project Compassion initiatives.
Year 11 students Sebastian and Samuel from St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes. Image: supplied/St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes.
“It was inspiring to see how Project Compassion has changed lives in the past, and it’s exciting to get a chance to contribute to its impact this year,” said Sebastian, a Year 11 student from St Pauls Catholic College Greystanes.
The day also gave students the opportunity to collaborate across schools, participating in interactive activities and group discussions to generate creative ideas for bringing the campaign back to their own communities.
Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
“One of the most valuable parts of the day was having the opportunity to collaborate with students from schools across the Diocese,” said Luz Clarita from St Patrick’s Primary Guildford. “Working together allowed us to learn from each other, and we reflected on what we could bring back to St Patrick’s Guildford to raise awareness, encourage fundraising and help our school community truly understand what it means to unite against poverty.”
“It was a great experience to share ideas with students from other schools and listen to Bishop Vincent’s perspective on Project Compassion,” said St Pauls Year 11 student, Samuel.
As schools begin their Lenten journey, they are encouraged to support Project Compassion through classroom reflection, prayer and fundraising initiatives.
Bishop Vincent with students at the Project Compassion Launch 2026. Image: Gene Ramirez/CSPD
Donations collected throughout Lent will help empower communities with the resources and opportunities they need to build brighter, more sustainable futures.
“The launch inspired us to think differently about Lent. It’s not just about giving something up, it’s about stepping up and choosing to act with compassion for people who need our help,” said St Patrick’s Primary Guildford student, Sione.
St Patrick’s Primary Guildford students Luz Clarita and Sione. Image: supplied/St Patrick’s Primary Guildford.
In March, CSPD schools will also take part in ‘The Big Water Walk’, an initiative by Caritas Australia, where participants walk up to five kilometres carrying a bucket of water in solidarity with the millions of people worldwide who travel long distances each day to access clean water.
With compassion at the forefront, Catholic school communities across the Diocese are once again stepping forward, united in faith, action and hope.
The event shares the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery on Flickr.
