Faith Matters - Largesse

As we move swiftly through Lent it’s prudent to take a moment to consider how our journey is progressing and what areas we may need to pay more attention to. Over the last four weeks we have been considering how we might encounter God through prayer more, what things in our lives we need to move away from and how we might help others through generously. Each of these themes help us enter Easter transformed and like Jesus we enter into new life. This week I encourage you to consider how those at the margins rely on the largesse of those who are more fortunate to support them as they move out of poverty.

Alms giving is a form of charity that is not only ancient but central to our Gospel call. Jesus offered kindness and mercy to all the people he encountered and taught us to “do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). In response our Church has become the largest charitable organisation in the world. In the Catholic Church the religious and laity work together to live lives of service and generosity to those in need across the world. We all have a part in this primary dimension of our faith community.

Discerning our vocation in this area is challenging though as we all have strengths and weaknesses which suit us to different roles in this endeavour. Some devote their whole life to service. Others are blessed to be able to encounter and sincerely relate to those who are at the margins of society and offer dignity and respect no matter what the circumstance. Whilst others are talented organisers who can enable others and develop frameworks that support the work ‘on the ground’ and ensure success.

Generally and on a local level parishes experience this though their local St Vincent de Paul conference. These small groups respond to the needs of local communities; regardless of their faith or walk of life. Many people think that St Vincent de Paul is a large organisation that employs their workers. The truth is that conferences rely on local volunteers. The funding to support their work comes from local parish communities via the winter and Christmas appeals, along with the ‘opportunity shops’ that distribute funds across the state.

On a more global level we in Australia encounter this charity during Lent through the annual Caritas appeal known as Project Compassion. Caritas describe the appeal as follows, “Caritas Australia is the international aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia and is part of one of the largest aid and development networks in the world – Caritas Internationalis – working in over 200 countries and territories.


Each year, Project Compassion runs during the six weeks of the Church season of Lent. We invite people across Australia to help us raise awareness and stand in solidarity with the millions of people across the world with whom we work. We ask you to join us in building a more just and fairer world: a world in balance, at peace and free of poverty.


Project Compassion is an opportunity to learn about life in different countries through the personal stories of people who have participated in Caritas Australia-supported programs. The notions of our interconnectedness as one human family are embedded throughout Project Compassion”.

With its iconic donation box Project Compassion is so much a part of our Church that at times we fail to notice the opportunity presented. During Lent the College challenges this situation by offering reminders about the importance of the project in the lives of people far from us who will never be able to thank us and how a small amount of charity in our context is magnified in communities in developing nations. Homerooms and year levels run many events and challenges to inspire our community to respond. However, donating is optional and relies upon a choice being made. Some are inspired to donate what they ‘save’ during Lent because of the things they choose to give up. Others offer a percentage of their part time wages each week and others miss the opportunity altogether in the business of school life.

As we move closer to Easter now is the time to review what steps you have made to offer alms to those in need. It may be money. Your charity could be your attention and kindness. Whatever your largesse I pray that it is truly generous and heartfelt. As Pope Francis says, “generosity enlarges the heart and helps us be magnanimous.”

If you feel inspired to donate to Project Compassion you may make a donation via the front office or electronically (securely) through the following link: https://lent.caritas.org.au/donate

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls  Liturgy Coordinator