This Sunday, called Palm or Passion Sunday, is the first day of Holy Week.  Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are called the Triduum—three days that are the highlight of the Church year. There are two Gospels proclaimed at Sunday’s Mass.  The first Gospel tells of Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.  Riding on a borrowed colt, Jesus was hailed by the crowds as they blessed God and shouted “Hosanna!”  The second Gospel goes on to tell of the events leading to Jesus' Crucifixion.  Next Tuesday we will begin the Easter story with Prep/one acting out the Palm Sunday story.  Year 5/6 will present the events leading to the crucifixion at a special Easter liturgy on the last day of the term.  

This week at Holy Spirit we value compassion.  What does this mean?  It means sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  Compassion gives us the ability to understand someone else's situation and the desire to take action to improve their lives.  It is the quality that allows us to step outside of ourselves and see the circumstances of others.  It supplies the will power to do what is necessary to make the world a more caring place.  What better way can our community show compassion?  By supporting Project Compassion and the good work of many people across the globe.  

This week our Project Compassion feature story is ‘An Australian Icon’.  For over half a century, generations of Australians have participated in Project Compassion. The initiative has raised more than $500 million since it began in 1965 – making it one of the nation’s longest running charity campaigns.

For many, Project Compassion’s iconic collection boxes have become a nostalgic part of their lives – a reminder around home, school, church and the community that it’s time to support Caritas Australia’s annual appeal.  

Throughout five decades of natural disasters, conflicts and crises, Caritas Australia has worked alongside vulnerable communities with the generous support of Australians. Project Compassion has also helped with access to education, health services, agricultural training and through programs that reduce maternal and infant mortality.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, local partnerships have helped Caritas Australia to respond quickly to minimise the spread of the coronavirus.  This year, Caritas Australia has presented five stories from people striving to ‘Be More’ – just a few stories amongst the millions of people who have been helped through Project Compassion.

Project Compassion thanks generations of our supporters nationwide for their

ongoing generosity, which allows us to move forward with lifesaving strategies to tackle new challenges.

Thank you to all our families who have purchased raffle tickets for Project Compassion.  A reminder that tickets are due back on Monday 29th March for the draw of our baskets on Thursday at our Easter Liturgy. 

Have a great week.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller