This week at Holy Spirit, we value prayerfulness.  One of the greatest values anyone can develop is a sense of prayerfulness.  Prayer links us to God and helps us to listen to what He has in mind for us.  It can, at times, give us insight that we may get in no other way.  As we continue our Lenten journey, let us all take the time to pray for those in need in our community. 

Last week I was fortunate to attend the annual LA RE Congress.  This is the largest Religious Education Congress and gathering for Catholics held in the USA with over 36,000 people in attendance this year.  Over the days, I was able to attend a number of workshops that were presented on this year’s topic “Thirsting For Justice”.

This week's feature story is 100% INCLUSION with 14 year old Nguyet from Vietnam.

Nguyet is a teenager living with a disability in a small town in Vietnam. She lived the first 14 years of her life isolated at home. Her disability restricted her movements and any chance of going to school..

Around 7% of people in Vietnam are living with a disability. They often have poorer health, fewer education and employment opportunities and higher poverty rates.

The future appeared bleak for Nguyet, until a Caritas Australia program, implemented by our partner Catholic Relief Services (CRS) changed her life forever. Around 4,000 people have now benefitted from this inspiring Caritas program.

The program is helping people like Nguyet, by focusing on inclusive education, health services and building strong community networks to help to break down stigma and discrimination for those with disabilities and their families.

Two years after she featured in Project Compassion 2017, Nguyet has built a successful online business selling T-shirts, accessories and home-cooked snacks made by her sister.

She is also more confident in communicating with people – and is riding a motorbike she bought from her profits.

“I can go out independently now. I would like to have my own shop in the village one day. And I hope that other people with disabilities in Vietnam will receive help like I did.”

Nguyet has great hope and a real commitment to succeed in her future. She hopes her story will inspire others to see what is possible for a person once isolated and unheard.

God Bless,

Caroline Fuller