The charities that we support at a whole College level are:

• Caritas Australia - Project Compassion
• St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal
• ALIVE Christmas Hampers

All students engage in awareness raising and fundraising at a House level through the House Charity program. These charities are aligned with the House Patrons and provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the mission and charism of the Sisters of Charity through advocacy, fundraising and service events. The charities that we support at a House level are:

Aikenhead

As a woman of vision, Mother Mary Aikenhead dared to chase her dream of being a servant to the poor and disadvantaged. When she became disabled she continued her ministry by writing letters. This year, Aikenhead is connecting with the nursing homes.

Cahill

Sr. Mary John Cahill endeavoured to ensure equitable access to education for all students. This year, Cahill is connected with the primary and special schools.

Cater

As an educator, Sr. Mary Lawrence Cater also endeavoured to ensure equitable access to education for all students. This year, Cater is connected with the indigenous community learning about their stories.

De Lacy

As a woman who flourished in providing health care to those in need, Sr. Baptist De Lacy spent much of her ministry improving access to health care in the local area. This year, De Lacy connected with St Vincent’s Hospital.

O’Brien

As a woman of service, Sr. de Sales O’Brien endeavoured to ensure all members of her community were cared and provided for. This year, O’Brien connected with the local community.

Williams

Sr. Francis Xavier Williams was a woman of mission who drew on Ignatian spirituality to make her strong. This year, Williams connected with the agencies and organizations that support refugees.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

The St Vincent de Paul Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society. The St Vincent de Paul Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. Students in Year 11 are charged with educating their Tutor group on the aims and mission of St Vincent de Paul Society through running and managing the College’s Vinnies Winter Appeal. Students do this by sharing stories of people in need and highlighting the need to respect people’s dignity. Students in Year 11 work with other Tutor groups in their House to plan and run a Winter Appeal.

A.L.I.V.E – Year 8 Outreach Activity

CatholicCare is the official social service agency of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney. CatholicCare provides a range of services including family and relationship counselling; mediation and conciliation; services for children and young persons at risk of physical or emotional harm; employment services; training for people living with a disability; and respite services. The CatholicCare service that the College supports is called A.L.I.V.E. (Adolescents Living Independently Via Empowerment) and then raising awareness.

A.L.I.V.E. assists young people 15-25 years old who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, with brokerage monies, accommodation and support. The aim of the program is to empower young people to achieve independent living. The A.L.I.V.E. Community Housing Program offers medium-term affordable houses for young people who are on low income, at risk of homelessness and or are homeless and require support.

Year 8 students are charged with raising awareness about this charity and are responsible for coordinating the creation of a Christmas Hamper for a client of A.L.I.V.E. Members of Tutor groups are led by their Year 8 peers to:

• Think thoughtfully about what they will contribute to the Hamper
• Offer the contribution with generosity
• Pray for hope for the recipient of the Hamper