Anti-Poverty Week 2024: Living Our Faith Through Action

October 18, 2024

During Anti-Poverty Week, we are reminded of our call as a Catholic community to live the Gospel message of compassion and generosity. This week presents a powerful opportunity to reflect on how we can work together to alleviate the struggles faced by the marginalised—both locally and globally.

As Jesus calls us to action in the Gospel of Matthew, His words remain as relevant today as ever:

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in.” (Matthew 25:35)

At Santa Maria College, we take this message to heart, not just reflecting on our values, but living them through tangible acts of kindness and service.

The Reality of Poverty

Poverty takes many forms: hunger, lack of shelter, limited access to education, and a scarcity of opportunity. Anti-Poverty Week serves as a reminder to confront these harsh realities and ask ourselves: how can we, as a community of faith, make a meaningful difference?

Across the globe, millions live in extreme poverty, while here in Australia, many face daily struggles with food insecurity, homelessness, and financial stress. These challenges are not far removed from our own communities; they affect individuals and families within our neighbourhoods.

Our Role as a Catholic Community

Pope Francis has often spoken about charity as not just a single act but a way of life. He urges us to “hear the cry of the poor” and to respond with both heart and action. At Santa Maria College, we are committed to doing just that.

We encourage our students, staff, and families to embody this spirit of service by:

Supporting Local Charities: Through food drives, clothing donations, and volunteer efforts, we actively contribute to organisations that serve the vulnerable in our community.

Educational Awareness: Raising awareness about the root causes of poverty helps us understand the systemic challenges many face. Anti-Poverty Week provides opportunities for meaningful discussions in our classrooms, challenging us to think critically about how we can contribute to breaking the cycle of disadvantage.

Acts of Kindness: From sharing a meal with someone in need to offering a listening ear, small gestures can make a profound impact on those who feel unseen or overlooked.

Each of us holds the power to make a difference. Through our passion, creativity, and commitment, we can be the change the world needs. Whether it is by fundraising for a vital cause, organising a community event, or simply extending friendship to someone feeling left out, every effort counts.

A Challenge for Us All

During Anti-Poverty Week 2024, let us embrace the heart of our mission: service. Inspired by Jesus’ words, “Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” (Matthew 25:40), may we deepen our commitment to social justice.

This week let’s live out our Mercy Values of Hospitality, Compassion, Justice, Service, and Excellence by being the hands and hearts of Christ in our world. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

AntiPovertyWeek, CatholicCommunity, Charity, Compassion, Faith, FaithinAction, Featured, PopeFrancis, SocialJustice

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.