Lent in Action Through Project Compassion
Lent invites us to slow down, reflect, and refocus on what truly matters. Beginning this week, on Ash Wednesday, this sacred season offers our community forty days to pause, pray and respond with purpose.
As Ministry Captain Naomi explains, Lent is a special time for reflection.
“It is a time full of reflection. It encourages us to focus on how we can be more present and generous to those around us, whether that means giving up lollies or choosing to say something kind each day.”
A Season of Reflection and Renewal
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten journey. The ashes we receive on our forehead in the form of a cross are a powerful reminder of humility and renewal. They remind us to reflect on our lives, our choices and how we treat others.
Throughout Lent, we are invited to embrace three practices:
- Prayer by taking time to listen, reflect and grow in faith
- Fasting by letting go of habits or distractions that pull us away from what matters
- Almsgiving by responding generously to the needs of others
While these practices encourage personal prayer and repentance, they also invite us to look beyond ourselves and recognise our shared responsibility to care for our global community.
Turning Faith into Action with Project Compassion
Through Project Compassion, Caritas Australia invites schools and communities to support people experiencing poverty, injustice and disadvantage both in Australia and around the world. The 2026 theme, “Unite Against Poverty”, invites us to consider how our compassion for others can move beyond words and become real action.
This year, our College once again proudly supports Project Compassion as part of our Lenten focus. It is a practical way to live out our Mercy values of Justice and Service, standing in solidarity with those who face daily challenges that many of us do not.
Service Captain Olivia reflects on the importance of this initiative.
“When our community supports Project Compassion, we put our Mercy values like Hospitality, Compassion and Justice into action. This year’s focus on justice reminds us to stand up for others, give back to our community and make a real difference together.”
Project Compassion supports long term, sustainable programs that empower individuals and communities to create lasting change. Education, access to clean water, food security and community development are at the heart of this work.
A Shared Commitment as a Mercy Community
Our community plays a vital role in this story. Through shared values, your involvement matters. By supporting Project Compassion, we respond to these questions with hope and generosity.
How You Can Help This Lent
We invite our wider Santa Maria community to join us in this Lenten journey by supporting Project Compassion.
Your donation, no matter the size, helps create meaningful change and supports people who need it most.
Join us in our Project Compassion fundraising initiative as we work towards our goal of raising $10,000. Click on the button below to donate and help make a difference this Lent.
As we journey towards Easter, may we continue to act with compassion, seek justice and serve others with open hearts.
- Ash Wednesday, Caritas Australia, Catholic Education Perth, Faith In Action, Featured, Justice, Lent 2026, Mercy Values, project compassion, Santa Maria College community, Service, Unite Against Poverty
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.
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