Year in Review 2025 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 43 Uniting Against Poverty: Project Compassion in the Diocese: During Lent 2025, parishes and schools across the Sandhurst Diocese actively took part in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, joining thousands of communities nationwide to support the theme, Unite Against Poverty. The campaign was officially launched on Shrove Tuesday by Bishop Shane Mackinlay at Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo, who reflected on Lent as a time to recognise abundance and the capacity to help others. Across the Diocese, communities responded through prayer, fundraising, and practical initiatives such as The Long Walk for Water and Give it up for Lent. Through these efforts, students, parishioners and school communities demonstrated generosity, solidarity and a commitment to social justice. Their actions highlighted how the Diocese actively carries out its mission, fostering compassion and hope, and making a tangible difference in the lives of those who face poverty and disadvantage. Spirit of Charity Unites: On 28 March, students at Notre Dame College, Shepparton, hosted an Iftar dinner to raise funds for Caritas’ Project Compassion. The initiative, led by a Cultural Diversity Leader at the College, brought together the school community and local Muslim leaders in a demonstration of interfaith cooperation and charity. Kerry Stone, the Diocesan Caritas and Social Justice Coordinator, was invited to speak about Caritas’ work supporting communities worldwide, including partnerships with Muslim organisations in West Java and humanitarian responses in Gaza, Lebanon, Eritrea, Morocco, and for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The evening also featured a Welcome to Country, a Christian prayer, and the Muslim Call to Prayer, reflecting the inclusive and respectful nature of the gathering. Held during Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, charity and shared Iftar meals, the fundraiser exemplified how student leadership can foster social awareness and interfaith solidarity while supporting global humanitarian work. Big Walk 4 Refugees 2025: Sandhurst Parishes in Action: In 2025, many parishioners from Sandhurst communities took part in the national Big Walk 4 Refugees, a virtual event connecting people across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, to show solidarity with refugees and people seeking asylum. Participants could join a local event or record their own steps online, contributing to the wider virtual route. Locally, walks took place in towns across the Diocese. In Bendigo, parishioners marked Palm Sunday with a community walk organised by local church groups. Many participants also wrote to their local Members of Parliament, advocating for permanent visas and compassionate immigration policies. Through these actions, Sandhurst parishioners contributed to a national campaign, combining practical support, advocacy and awareness-raising for refugees in Australia and overseas.
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