Over the last two weeks in Chapel we have been launching the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal. This is something the College has been involved in for a number of years and it is always a wonderful sight to see the hampers all completed and presented at our end of year Mass.

By doing this launch in Chapel time we have been able to spend some time talking to the girls about why we do this each year and what it means for the people we help. Abby Malone, the College Social Justice Captain, spoke to the girls about this and shared with them a story that makes it real for the girls. The girls have spoken about how they have so much and others have so little. It is lovely to hear how the girls respond to this story and see first- hand that they are building a social conscience and thinking of others.

Too often in today’s society we get caught up with what we think is important and so forget that we can make a difference in people’s lives with a simple donation. At the College we work with the girls to gain this sense of ‘others before ourselves’ and it is through this appeal that we can make this a reality.

I encourage you to speak with your daughter about this and ask them to support the appeal so that they can be proud of ‘making a difference’ and making a family’s Christmas that little bit brighter.

I leave you with the prayer that we have shared with the students.

Blessings

Karen Wright - Acting Principal 

One of the prominent lines in our College prayer is…

“Through hospitality, justice and peace
May we witness to Christ’s presence among us.”
“She gave me lunch when I didn’t have any.”
“She was the one person who noticed I wasn’t myself and asked how I was. That conversation turned my day around.”
“She sat with me when I was feeling alone.”
These are some of the everyday moments we witness Christ’s presence among us.

“My family had nothing that year. We were worried about having enough milk for cereal, let alone Christmas lunch. Later that day, a basket of food with everything we would need was delivered to our door. No questions asked. There are beautiful people in this world! I will never forget that moment.”
It’s time for us to show up and be a presence for the people in our community who are in need in the lead up to Christmas.

As the Social Justice team launches the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper appeal this week, please be mindful of the part we can play in lifting others during times of need.
Lord, help us to be ready for opportunities to serve others with kindness and bear witness to Christ’s presence among us.