Project Compassion launched for 2023

By Josh Low

Representatives from schools, colleges, and parishes in the north and south of the state recently came together over two days at the Church of the Apostles in Launceston and at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart as Project Compassion was launched for 2023.

Following liturgies of the Word, Caritas Project Compassion donation boxes and candles were distributed to representatives for the Lenten season.

In his homily for the launch across both events, Caritas Diocesan Director, Deacon Michael Smith, emphasised the importance of the need for each of us to bring Jesus’ words in the Gospels alive.

“To have real effect we need to come together as a community, we need to share our wealth, our knowledge and our talents with others who lack these capabilities themselves.

Project Compassion 2023 for parishes and schools in the north was launched at the Church of the Apostles in Launceston. Photo: Supplied

“By raising funds for Caritas, we fulfil the last line of our Gospel today when Jesus says, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.”

“This Lenten period let us all join together, to bring these words of Jesus alive, to raise those funds that are vital in allowing the work of Caritas to continue, and more importantly, enabling the hand of God to spread all over the world,” Deacon Michael concluded.

Caritas Australia Advancement Director, Richard Landels, was present to launch Project Compassion for 2023 across various events in the state and shared stories of people around the world who have been helped by Caritas.

Representatives from parishes received a candle and Project Compassion box. Photo: Josh Low

“It is a wonderful privilege to be here to be a part of the launch of Project Compassion in Tasmania,” he said.

“Project Compassion first launched in 1965, which makes it one of Australia’s longest serving and successful fundraising campaigns and remains very important across the Australian Catholic community.

“The funds raised from Catholic communities in Australia provide lifesaving solutions for people who are suffering through no fault of their own.

“My wish is that I have been able to share some of the lives of communities, [helped by support for Project Compassion]; and to let others know that there is hope.

Following the launch in Hobart, various schools congregated in the Cathedral Centre for a Q&A session with Caritas Australia’s Richard Landels and Catholic Education Tasmania’s Leanne Prichard. Photo: Josh Low

“With continued support for Project Compassion this year as one Catholic community, we can be part of the solution to improve the lives for all future generations,” he said.

Mr Landels and Catholic Education Tasmania’s Leanne Prichard also held a Q&A session at the Cathedral Centre in Hobart with students from various participating schools. Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the work of Caritas Australia.

Coinciding with the launch on Tuesday in Hobart, staff from the Archdiocese of Hobart and its agencies came together at the Diocesan Centre at lunchtime for a sausage sizzle and Shrove Tuesday pancake fundraiser for Türkiye and Syria, raising $1500 that was immediately donated to Caritas Australia.

Tags: Archdiocese, News