Project Compassion, now in its 56th year, is one of Australia’s longest running appeals. The iconic donation boxes have well and truly become a fixture in parishes and schools across the country during the six weeks of Lent.

COVID-19 restrictions have presented challenges to how Caritas normally delivers Project Compassion to Australians, but schools and communities across the country are stepping up to support the appeal in new and creative ways.

Technology has opened up a world of possibilities for parishes and schools to connect with the development programs that Project Compassion makes possible. This year, for the first time, supporters are able to connect directly with our overseas program staff via ‘Virtual Immersions’.

Schools across the country have the opportunity to participate in 90 immersions, there is something suitable for all ages, from early primary to senior secondary students.

“The fact that students can talk directly to staff in Australia and overseas during COVID-19 is really special,” says Bernard Holland, the Social and Ecological Justice Animators Manager at Caritas Australia.

“The immersions for schools have been a success, with some primary immersions involving up to 600 students from 20 schools on one call. Now, with technology, we can reach regional and remote schools that we couldn’t before”.

“This kind of insight into how our programs work, and what it really means to work alongside marginalised populations is a great opportunity for students to develop their understanding of what Lent really means”.

Parishes are also able to enjoy the unique opportunity to connect with Caritas Australia staff through 75-minute ‘Virtual Immersions’, which include prayer, reflection and dialogue.

The immersion in the first week of Lent was popular and well received. St Mary’s Echuca Parish Bulletin reported, “Those who attended the first Virtual Immersion last week to find out more about the work of Caritas in Bangladesh were very impressed and inspired by what they learnt about Caritas and their work for refugees in Cox’s Bazaar. So much so that they would like to meet again next week”.

on Tuesday 9 March, Caritas is animating Oliva’s Story through Prayer, Reflection and Dialogue and Michael McGirr has kindly agreed to host this and future weeks’ events.

The link for registration is here: