Tip- You could download and print the black and white Lent calendar poster to colour in each day once you have completed the relevant Learn, Act and Pray sections.

Have you got the Project Compassion 2014 Lent calendar poster on your classroom wall?

Each day has a specific action that you can take linked to the Project Compassion stories. In this PowerPoint, you can delve into these actions in greater detail.

Join us as we use the calendar to Learn, Act and Pray for the people and communities featured this year.

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Welcome to Project Compassion 2014! Today is Project Compassion Sunday for the church in Australia. Today we remember that Jesus tells us not to worry about ourselves and our lives so much, so that we can have more energy to care for others. We know that God loves each one of us, and that in his eyes, we are all equally and extremely special. Project Compassion is a way of showing love to people around the world who do not have the basic things in life, like food, water and shelter.

Project Compassion is run by Caritas Australia during the six weeks of Lent each year. Thousands of Australians come together with the poorest people around the world, to help end poverty. It is a wonderful time when people show their faith, love and generosity to help create a just and peaceful world.

2nd MarchProject Compassion Sunday

Watch this introductory video about Project Compassion 2014.

Lord God, during this time of Lent may we come to know Jesus more deeply and to live in his truth. May we see all people through the eyes of God, recognizing that all people have the right to live freely and peacefully. Amen.

Share Caritas Australia's Lent Calendar app today! Invite your family and friends to join you on your Lenten journey to learn, pray and act daily. Lent is an easy way to start each day of their Lenten journey to learn, pray and act!

Project Compassion Sunday 2nd March

This year, the message for Project Compassion is: "Have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Pope Francis said, “Men and women of all times and all places desire a full and beautiful life ... a life that is not threatened by death but that can mature and grow to its fullness.” We all wish for a beautiful life don’t we? With equal access to food, water, education, healthcare and shelter. With freedom and peace and the joy of living together in community.

Over the next six weeks, we will hear stories from people in Brazil, South Sudan, The Philippines, Solomon Islands, Aboriginal Australia and Sri Lanka .

3rd March

Pray for all those who do not have a safe and secure home; that men, women and children of all times and in all places would have a full and beautiful life: a life that can mature and grow to its fullness.

Decide how you will support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion during Lent. Why not give something up?

3rd March

The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the custom of ringing the “shriving bell”. This bell reminded people to be “shriven”, which meant to confess their sins at the beginning of Lent. The tradition of eating pancakes on Shrove Tuesday started as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar before fasting for the 40 days of Lent.

For communities like Nirangini’s in Sri Lanka, eggs – one of the core ingredients of a pancake – are not only a source of nutrition but also a way to earn money. We will learn more about Nirangini’s story in the sixth week of Lent.

Nirangini collecting eggs from her hen house.Ph

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Shrove Tuesday 4th March

On this Shrove Tuesday, Lord help us to enjoy and give thanks to you for everything you provide for us, and remind us to share your gifts with others – not as a matter of charity, but of justice. And as we enter into the Lenten period, we pray that this will be a time of deepening our relationship with you. Amen.

Participate in the tradition of Shove Tuesday by selling freshly cooked pancakes for breakfast or lunch and giving the proceeds to Project Compassion. Make this even more fun by holding a pancake race, with the winner receiving a free double serving of delicious pancakes! Yum!

Nirangini collecting eggs from her hen house.Ph

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Shrove Tuesday 4th March

At the start of his public life, Jesus went into the desert and took time to reflect.Lent is a time for spiritual reflection for us. You could ask yourself: Am I open to being transformed by God’s love? Am I reflecting God’s love to others, especially to those in need? We are able to help many people around the world when we are part of the Catholic Church’s work to reduce poverty, through the work of Caritas. Our contributions to Project Compassion help give people access to hope and life – to the full.

As we journey through Lent using this app, we will learn about six individuals and their communities, and how they are examples of great change!

Ash Wednesday 5th March

This prayer is part of an Ash Wednesday Liturgy of the Word.Lord, We thank you for the gifts you have given us and the people who help us live our lives to the full. During this Lenten season we ask You to bless us in our support of Project Compassion. Through Jesus’ death and Resurrection we are one body in Christ. We stand together in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world to pray for justice for all people. Amen.

Who can you choose to show God’s mercy and love to during this Lenten season?

Ash Wednesday 5th March

God can teach us about his love through the Sacraments and the actions of almsgiving, prayer and fasting. Almsgiving means giving to the poor. We do this when we show that we believe money should be used to care for family and others in need. Prayer is giving God time, inviting Jesus to ‘make his home in me’. Fasting helps create space where God can come more fully into my life.

The theme this year for Project Compassion is ‘That you may have life’. It reminds us that we have the ‘fullness of life’ only through Jesus. This will include sharing our time and gifts to bring life to others.

Rooftops in São Paulo, Brazil.

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6th March

Teach me, Lord Jesus, to be generous:to give, not counting the cost;to toil, not asking for rest;to labour, not seeking any reward,We pray that, this Lent, we may discover the heart of Jesus and be drawn to ‘make our home in him’ more fully. Amen.

Adapted from: Catholic Online

How will your community put compassion into action this year? Download the fundraising booklet to plan how you can raise funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion this Lent.

Rooftops in São Paulo, Brazil.

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6th March

The theme for the World Day of Prayer 2014 is “Streams in the Desert”, chosen by the women of Egypt. The focus is on how the church and wider community can work towards justice, peace and security. At Caritas Australia, we believe that we all have the responsibility to work towards a world in balance, at peace, and free of poverty. We do this through our aid and development programs, including the programs supported through the funds raised for Project Compassion, but also through our education and advocacy programs, which help Australians to, like you, ‘be a voice’.

World Day of Prayer 7th March

We pray that our hearts be changed, that we do not sit in silence while people suffer. Help us to use our talents for peace. Amen.

Visit the Caritas Australia advocacy page and take action today!

World Day of Prayer 7th March

Jesus treated every woman he met with great respect. It was women who were first to see him after his resurrection! Today, 70% of people who are poor, are women. Women living in poverty are often more marginalised so it is especially important to look after women and help them out of poverty.

This year’s Project Compassion tells the stories of four women: Martina from the Solomon Islands, Lorraine from Australia, Nirangini from Sri Lanka, and this year’s ‘feature person’, Maristely from Brazil.

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nMaristely at one of the Youth Empowerment Program workshops, on violence and conflict resolution.

8th MarchInternational Women’s Day

Maristely is 18 and lives in a favela (slum) in the city of São Paulo in Brazil, South America, with her grandmother, parents, younger brother and two younger sisters.

Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents, is working to reduce violence in neighbourhoods. Through the Youth Empowerment Program, Maristely and other young people from the favelas attend workshops on important topics. They learn different ways to deal with issues, rather than through violence.

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nMaristely at one of the Youth Empowerment Program workshops, on violence and conflict resolution.

8th MarchInternational Women’s Day

Loving God, we celebrate your faithfulness and love. We pray for all women everywhere. We know that you want women to be treated fairly and lovingly at all times. Amen.

Adapted from: Education for Justice

Watch the Feature Film to learn more about Maristely’s story.

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nMaristely at one of the Youth Empowerment Program workshops, on violence and conflict resolution.

8th MarchInternational Women’s Day

Like Maristely, one in every seven people in the city of São Paulo lives in a favela (slum). Favelas are dark and cramped, filled with irregular, self-constructed houses. When Maristely was growing up, her family’s house, like many others, was made of cardboard and had no electricity, water or connected sewerage.

The Gospels teach us that we are all equal before God, and the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the ‘preferential option for the poor’ teaches us to work towards a more just and fair society, where all people have a fair share of the world's goods. Each of us has a responsibility to act to bring about a morejust and fair world.

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Iguaçu favela (slum), São Paulo, Brazil.

9th MarchFirst Sunday ofLent

God of Love, Justice and Hope,Lead us to remember what is really important. Not getting more and more stuff, but being a good friend and a caring person to all people.Amen.

By Holy Family Primary School, Parkes (Mini Vinnies Little Book of Prayers)

Donate 50c for every one of these you have: a secure home, electricity, water and connected sewerage.

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Iguaçu favela (slum), São Paulo, Brazil.

9th MarchFirst Sunday ofLent

Until 2006, most people in the world lived in rural areas, out of the city. Now, there are more people living in areas closer to the city. These are called urban areas. Sadly, more and more people living in urban areas, are living in poor, unsafe conditions.

Since the 1950s in Brazil, an estimated 20 million people moved from rural areas to the big cities looking for work. Many people found themselves living in favelas, including Maristely’s family. Most of the houses were built on land the people did not own, but that no one wanted to live on.

Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents (MDF), is working with families like Maristely’s to gain the legal rights to their land, so that they can have a safe and secure home and future.

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Houses built near a train line, Vila Prudente favela,

São Paulo, Brazil.

10th March

Lord, We thank you for communities like Maristely’s, and praise you for the work of organisations like MDF, who are working to help bring justice to the favela residents. We pray for all the MDF educators. Give them the power to help all those in need, through Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn three facts about Brazil to share with your friends and family.

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Houses built near a train line, Vila Prudente favela,

São Paulo, Brazil.

10th March

Many favela residents in the city of São Paulo, Brazil are not treated well by people outside the favelas, because they don’t like where they live. This is called discrimination. “Outside the favela, we are socially excluded. When people ask us where we live and we tell them, people look down on us,” said Maristely.

Discrimination can lead to people feeling very sad and frustrated, and they may even get involved in violent activities. Caritas Australia’s partner, MDF, is working to decrease youth and gang violence through its Youth Empowerment Program.

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Young people taking part in a dance workshop at the Youth Empowerment Program, São Paulo, Brazil.

11th March

We pray that people learn to love each other no matter where they live. Help us to be kind to all people. Amen.

Is there someone you haven’t been very kind to or are not getting along with very well? Take the time to make peace in your relationships. Only use words of hope, love, praise and forgiveness.

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Young people taking part in a dance workshop at the Youth Empowerment Program, São Paulo, Brazil.

11th March

Caritas Australia’s partner, the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents (MDF), is changing lives across 40 favelas in São Paulo. “The role of MDF is to work with families so they are aware that they can advocate for improvements where they live,” said Maristely. Advocate means they talk to the government or people in charge who can make the decisions and changes, on behalf of the residents. Through MDF, Maristely’s family, along with thousands of others, now has access to clean water, electricity and connected sewerage, leading to a reduction in respiratory and skin diseases, and better overall health.

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André, an MDF Educator, conducting a house survey in Vila Prudente favela, São Paulo, Brazil.

12th March

We pray that we may find the strength to protect and work for those whose dignity and rights are not being upheld, to ensure just treatment for all. Amen.

Adapted from a prayer written by Rabbi Brant Rosen.

Learn more about Caritas Australia’s guiding principles, including the dignity of the human person.

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André, an MDF Educator, conducting a house survey in Vila Prudente favela, São Paulo, Brazil.

12th March

Being evicted means being forced to leave your home- even if you have no where else to go! The issue of evictions is really important for Brazil as they prepare to host the World Cup and Olympics. Over 200,000 people have already been evicted. Watch this short clip, to hear Maristely explaining about this issue and how it is impacting on people in Brazil.

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Young boys playing soccer in Vila Prudente favela.

13th March

God of all peoples, we give thanks for the strength, courage and witness of Maristely, the members of MDF and the residents of the favelas in São Paulo, as they stand in solidarity with those who confront the forced removal from their homes, inadequate housing and an uncertain future. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen

Take action with Caritas Australia and stand in solidarity with MDF by organising a ‘Sport for Justice’ event in your school or parish!

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Young boys playing soccer in Vila Prudente favela.

13th March

“We see a lot of consumerism in society. People just want more and more things. We try to help these people understand that it is not a car or a new mobile that will give them a better future, but that other things, such as helping others, or using kind words, will.” Maristely

We all have the right to a full life: but we do not have the right to have more and more stuff, when other members of our one human family are suffering and do not even have the basics in life.

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Maristely and members of her community in Nova Divinéia favela.

14th March

God of Justice, Give me the courage to raise my voice in solidarity with those facing injustice. May I be generous with what you have freely given so my sisters and brothers can have life, and have it to the full. Amen.

Host a Global Reality Meal using some of our global recipes. Designed to be thought-provoking and to raise awareness about the global issue of poverty, injustice and hunger.

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Maristely and members of her community in Nova Divinéia favela.

14th March

Getúlio is one of the educators from Caritas Australia’s partner the Movement for the Defence of Favela Residents in São Paulo, Brazil. He describes Maristely as “a flower who has bloomed in the middle of the favelas.”

Maristely also talks about how the program empowers young leaders like herself to plant seeds of hope, knowing that even though they grow slowly, they can believe and trust that “the situation will change.”

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Maristely and other young leaders in Nova

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15th March

Lord, thank you for the hope we find in Jesus. We pray for all those who work towards justice. Help us to remember that our contributions are part of a great work you have been doing throughout history, and that you will continue to do in the future. Amen.

Plant a seed today and watch it bloom into a beautiful flower. Think of, and pray for, Maristely and her community every time your water it.

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Maristely and other young leaders in Nova

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15th March

“Yahweh guards you from all harm, Yahweh guards your life, Yahweh guards your comings and goings, henceforth and for ever.” Psalm 121: 7-8 Jesus is fully human and fully divine. Up to the age of 30, he was an ordinary craftsman in Nazareth. The Gospels show what Jesus was like as a person. Jesus was easy to approach, enjoyed the company of children, got tired, happily shared meals with others, and wept with grief at the death of a friend. Jesus shows us that as human beings, God’s love can shine through us to others.

Deng with his wife Aketch and three of their children outside their tukul (hut) in Barmayen village, South Sudan.Ph

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16th MarchSecond Sunday ofLent

Lord, we pray that we would open our hearts and minds to the unity that exists between us and the people of Sudan. We pray too that we would encourage and challenge one another to be aware and caring of the wider community of God’s people. Amen.

Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn more about Deng’s story.

This week’s Project Compassion story is about a family in South Sudan. Deng and his wife, Aketch had to run and hide in the bush when civil war broke out in 1983. They survived on berries and bush meat, not knowing if they could ever return home. Sadly during this time, Deng went blind. In 2005 they were able to return home and since then, Deng and Aketch have been helped by Caritas Australia and its partner in Sudan, the Hope Agency for Relief and Development. Watch the Lenten Story Insight Film to hear more about Deng’s story. Through us, Jesus continues to bring hope and new life to people like Deng, who are facing difficulties beyond their control. Our generosity, shown through Project Compassion, enables Caritas Australia to run these projects.

“On this mountain, for all peoples, the Lord is preparing a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines, of succulent food, of well-strained wines.” (Isaiah 25:6)

In Deng’s community, growing fresh food was an important group activity before the civil war broke out. Having enough nutritious food to ensure we are healthy is a basic human right and is possible, but hunger is the biggest health problem we face in the world today.

Sorghum is a cereal and is a staple food in South Sudan. It is pounded and ground down for meals. Nothing is wasted – even the husks are separated and roasted.Ph

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17th MarchFeast of St. Patrick

Dear Lord, We thank you for the blessings of food, water, shelter, family and well-being. As we enjoy healthy food, we will think of those who struggle to feed their families every day. You taught us to pray. As we say “Give us today our daily bread” we make that prayer also for the millions who go hungry every day. Amen.

Choose something to make and sell from our recipe book, and host a Caritas Café fundraiser for Project Compassion!

17th MarchFeast of St. Patrick

Many people have to flee their homes because of danger or war. Sometimes they look for safety in nearby countries, or even in another part of their own country. There are 28.8 million around the world, living in temporary shelters in their own countries! Deng and his family had to survive in other parts of Sudan. Deng describes his experience as surprising and frightening. They had to leave everything behind.

“We separated from our friends and other members of the family. The bush became our home” said Deng.

Bus passengers disembark at a transit camp for people returning to South Sudan from Sudan. Here, Caritas works to help families who are about to start a new life in the newly-formed country.

18th March

Lord God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness, watch over all people who are victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home or who have run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be, and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Adapted from Catholic Online.

Start planning a Caritas Ks event, to stand in solidarity with the millions of refugees in the world, who are our brothers and sisters.

Bus passengers disembark at a transit camp for people returning to South Sudan from Sudan. Here, Caritas works to help families who are about to start a new life in the newly-formed country.Ph

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18th March

Food security is a very important issue around the world. It means having enough nutritious food to eat. In our world today, 870 million people do not have enough healthy food to eat. In 2005, when the civil war ended and Deng and his family were able to move back to Barmayen village, Caritas Australia’s partner started a program to help them. Deng and Aketch (his wife) received two goats, five chickens, fishing nets and some seeds to plant on their small plot of land. Deng says: “I am very hopeful that we will have enough food for the next season. We sell the fish that we get from the river, and I am able to buy my children school uniforms.”

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19th MarchFeast of St. Joseph

Pray for all the people who struggle to find and provide food to feed themselves and their families.

Millions of people like Deng survive on a staple diet of fish and rice. The Feast of Saint Joseph is traditionally a day when people do not eat meat. This explains the custom of St. Joseph tables being covered with meatless dishes. Plan to host a ‘Fish Friday’ fundraiser for Project Compassion. Fish Friday is a popular event for Caritas Australia, with events held in schools, public spaces, parishes and workplaces across Australia. It’s not often that we go without the basics in Australia. But by holding a Fish Friday event – and serving a simple meal so others can simply live – you can help raise money for communities in need.

19th MarchFeast of St. Joseph

People living with disabilities are often excluded. In developing countries, living with a disability is even more difficult. Living in poverty increases the chances of having a disability and living with a disability increases the chances of living in poverty. Caritas reaches out to those people who need extra help, so Deng was overjoyed to hear that he would be able to participate. “Thank you very much and God bless you abundantly. I am looking forward to a good harvest.”

Deng was paralysed down one side when he was a young boy, and lost his eyesight during his time in the bush during the conflict.Ph

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20th MarchInternational Day of Happiness

Creator God, we are your people. We look to the future with optimism and with faith in You. We pray that every man, woman and child may develop their potential. Amen.

May we enjoy a totally welcoming community, with You as our centre, joined hand in hand with our sisters and brothers around the world. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. Based on the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities

Caritas Australia supports the End the Cycle movement, which is about helping people who live with disabilities in the world's poorest countries. Watch some of the videos to learn more.

Deng was paralysed down one side when he was a young boy, and lost his eyesight during his time in the bush during the conflict.Ph

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20th MarchInternational Day of Happiness

Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. The motto is “Everyone Belongs”. Before being involved in the livelihood program with Caritas’ partner, Deng says he had lost his sense of humour and felt excluded. Now, he enjoys talking and laughing with others in the community!

Deng with members of the village community. Ph

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21st MarchHarmony Day Australia

Sharing is caring, Fun is joyHolding hands with God’s giftCuddling cultures, With helping heartsComes laughing love, And loving lifeRespecting religions, Combining culturesSmiling faces, On faithful friendsShare fair, Showing respectTo peaceful people, Lending loveGiving goods, Sharing songsKnowing that friendliness equals happinessBe helpful to each otherJoy in justice, Getting alongWith wandering wondersLoving and learningHelping in happinessThis is my kind of harmony

By Joseph, St Josephine’s Primary School, Taree (Mini Vinnies Little Book of Prayers)

Take action and include someone who is excluded today.

21st MarchHarmony Day Australia

Pray for those people living in dry lands, and struggling to survive without access to safe drinking water.

Adapted from a prayer by Rev Canon Paul Robertson 2004

Today, 783 million people do not have access to clean water, while 2.5 billion people don’t have proper sanitation facilities like washing up taps or toilets. Caritas Australia’s partner Hope Agency for Relief and Development in South Sudan provides water to Deng’s community via a new borehole.

Before the new borehole was installed, villagers in Deng’s community, including his wife, Aketch, used to have to collect water from this open well. The water is contaminated by animals and detergents used to wash clothes.

Conduct a water audit to find out how much water you use in 24hrs.Donate 10c for every litre!

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22nd MarchWorld Water Day

Read John 4:5-42 (The woman at the well). Imagine you drop in to your local shop to get some milk or bread – the sort of thing that you might do any day – and you meet Jesus there! Sounds incredible, doesn’t it? But that’s pretty much what happened to the Samaritan woman when she went to the well to collect her daily supply of water. And it changed her life!Something similar happened for 19 year old Archie from Bulcan Province in the Philippines. With his nine siblings and parents, he had been living in a one-room, make-shift house, close to a rubbish dump and the Plaridel river, where lots of flooding and typhoons happened. Then new life came for Archie when he joined a program to move house. This program is supported by Caritas Australia.

Archie and his family and community used to live on the banks of the Plaridel River in the Philippines, similar to what is shown here.Ph

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23rd MarchThird Sunday ofLent

Lord, help us to accept everybody, from all different cultures. Help us to remember that we are a part of a universal family. Amen.

Visit Caritas Australia’s Global Community and learn more about Archie’s story.

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Archie and his family’s old community, on the banks of the Plaridel River in the Philippines.

23rd MarchThird Sunday ofLent

“Our previous house was only three by four metres. It was made of thin plywood, bamboo sticks and galvanized iron. We ate, slept and gathered together in only one area. Most of the time, our roof had holes in it. So when it rained, it was like we were having a shower” said Archie. In August 2012, thanks to an emergency resettlement program, Archie’s family moved to a new home. “Our new house is three to four times bigger than our old one, and is made of concrete and cement. We also have electricity, three taps with clean water and our own toilet” said Archie.

Archie and some of his siblings proudly showing their new home.Ph

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24th March

Give 50c for each of the following that you have in your home: electricity, taps, and toilets.

Lord and giver of all life, we thank you that Archie and his family and community feel safe and secure, and pray that they will continue to feel confident in their new homes. Amen.

Archie and some of his siblings proudly showing their new home.Ph

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24th March

“Your throne is from God, for ever and ever, the sceptre of your kingship a sceptre of justice, you love uprightness and detest evil. This is why God, your God, has anointed you with oil of gladness.” (Psalm 45: 6-7) Now that Archie and his family are secure and confident in their new home and community, Archie says that they are “so much happier.” “Caritas Australia has changed our lives. We are so thankful and happy that we are living in a safe community. Thank you” said Archie.

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Archie and his friends playing in the streets. There used to be no room to play outside where they used to live.Ph

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25th MarchThe Annunciation of the Lord

Lord, we thank you for the joy felt by Archie’s family when they moved into their new home. Amen.

Daily renew in us the sense of joy, and let the eternal spirit of the Father dwell in our souls and bodies, filling every corner of our hearts with light and grace; so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we may be diffusers of life, and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving You thanks always for all things. Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Prayer for Happiness’

How can you work for justice and show love in your community?

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Archie and his friends playing in the streets. There used to be no room to play outside where they used to live.Ph

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25th MarchThe Annunciation of the Lord

In Romans 12:3-13, Saint Paul uses the image of a body to demonstrate how each individual part is important in making the body work as a whole. In the Philippines, Archie’s family’s house is part of a larger community for similar families. Everyone pitches in to keep the community going. There is a chapel, a day care centre, a healthcare centre, a livelihood centre that has a shared vegetable garden and an art and craft program. Everyone can participate and together, ‘have life to the full’.

The community where Archie and his family now live includes various centres and a chapel.Ph

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26th March

Give thanks for Archie and all the people in his community. Pray that their community spirit will continually be strengthened.

We have learnt how, in Archie’s community, everyone helps out. Light a candle as you pray for your community and communities around the world, and think about how you can help make your local and global community a better place.

The community where Archie and his family now live includes various centres and a chapel.Ph

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26th March

Through the Caritas-supported emergency resettlement program, Archie’s mum has learnt how to make bags, and Archie has learnt how to make candles. Archie can earn up to $11 a day. Since one in four people in the Philippines living on less than $1.25/day, this is an important source of income for Archie and his family. “We have confidence because we feel secure and supported. I can see myself being able to send my younger brothers and sisters to school. The Caritas Australia program has increased our sense of pride and self-esteem” said Archie.

Archie and two of his friends making candles.Ph

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27th March

Father God, we thank you for the abundance of gifts you have given each and every one of us. Thank you that Archie and his mum are able to use their gifts and earn money in making bags and candles. We pray that, as we use our gifts, we would shine for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What could you make and sell for Project Compassion? Bags and candles like Archie and his mum? Friendship bands? Bookmarks? Pottery? Put on your creative hat, set up a stall and sell your items to friends and family!

Archie and two of his friends making candles.Ph

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27th March

Today, 774 million adults don’t have basic literacy skills, like reading and writing. In the Philippines, one in three people (33%) do not have a secondary education, and only 29% of the population have a university education.

Archie is most excited about is studying in the Caritas Australia funded program for young people and adults. This will increase his future opportunities and allow him to continue on to tertiary education.

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28th March

Give thanks for your education today.

Give 50c for every year of education you have completed.

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28th March

Archie experienced severe flooding three times in his old house including the September 2009 Super Typhoon Ondoy. Did you also hear about the Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013? As Christians, we believe that the earth and all life on it are God’s creation. This means that we are called to take care of that gift – that we are responsible for looking after the world we live in. How can you live more sustainably?

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Saturday 29th March

Lord, help us to work together as a global community to be good stewards of earth.

Turn all the lights off in your house for one hour today, to stand in solidarity with the millions around the world who are already experiencing the effects of climate change. For more information and further actions, see Caritas Australia’s ‘A Just Climate’ campaign.

Earth Hour

People living in the Plaridel River community in the Philippines are at risk of typhoons and flooding.

Read John 9:1-41 (The story of the blind man being cured) In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus speaks of himself as ‘the light of the world’.The question for us is: ‘Am I living in the light of faith or am I in the dark, thinking only about myself?’ The healing of the man who was blind from birth shows us how Jesus made it possible for people to escape from darkness into light.

For people in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, life-challenging events come in the form of floods, earthquakes, landslides and cyclones.

Martina from Bishop Epalle Catholic School in the Solomon Islands, using well-known tunes and simple lyrics to teach children what to do when disaster threatens.Ph

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30th MarchFourth Sunday of Lent

Lord, we pray for the grace to overcome our blindness and clearly see our responsibility for others. Fill our hearts with Your compassion, so that we may share what we have. Help us to respond to support the people of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and others, who live with the constant threat of disaster. Amen.

Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community, and learn more about Martina’s story.

Often these disasters occur in the early morning when children are walking to school. Caritas Australia’s Disaster Risk Management program uses well-known tunes and simple lyrics to teach children what to do when disaster threatens. The program has been rolled out through 35 schools in the Solomon Islands and 22 schools in Vanuatu. Through Project Compassion people of the Solomon Islands don’t have to feel so afraid!

30th March

In the Solomon Islands, children are learning how to stay safe during natural disasters by memorising catchy songs and rhymes. Watch this video about how Martina and others like her are helping save children’s lives, one rhyme at a time.

Martina writing the lyrics to one of the rhymes used to teach her students how to stay safe during weather-related disasters.

31st March

Lord, we know that music and singing is a gift from you. We thank you for it, and thank You too for the positive impact it is having on Martina’s community. We pray that many more children would hear these songs and know what to do in an emergency, so that more lives would continue to be saved. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you and your friends enjoy singing as much as the children in Martina’s class do, why not hold a talent quest and charge people a gold coin donation to enter? It could be lots of fun. Don’t forget to show the Project Compassion feature film too!

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31st March

“We have the cyclone season that runs from November to March annually, so this type of disaster is a big risk.” The program is not only helping to save children’s lives, but is educating their families, too. Adam Elliott, Caritas Australia’s Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Program Manager, said “The children take this disaster risk management to their homes, they sing songs and talk about what the songs have taught them.”

One of Martina’s students presenting her drawing of what to do during an emergency to the class.Ph

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1st April

Lord, we thank you for this program that is helping save children’s lives, and that it is educating families, too. We pray for inspiration for communities all over the world who must prepare for natural disasters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Spend some quality time with a friend or family member.

One of Martina’s students presenting her drawing of what to do during an emergency to the class.Ph

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1st April

“This is the day which Yahweh has made, a day for us to rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24 The children have learnt four songs including the ‘flood song’ which is sung to the tune of “This is the Day that the Lord has made”. Whenever they sing, the melodies can be heard far and wide. “Nursery rhymes break down the fear associated with natural disasters, and also help children memorise the rhymes and the emergency response,” said Martina. “They enjoy the singing.”

Lord, we thank you for this day, that you have made. We thank you that it is a day for us to rejoice and be glad. Amen.

How will you rejoice in today?

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2nd April

Walk, Run, Swim or Cycle in solidarity with the world's poor this Lent. Host a Caritas Ks event, to educate people (at school, work or community group) in social justice, and inspire them to “be more” and “be a voice” for the poorest in our world.

Pray for protection and strength for people living in the Solomon Islands.

Looking out over the hills in the Solomon Islands.Ph

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4th AprilNational Ride2School DayAustralia

The Caritas Disaster Risk Management program in the Solomon Islands has had a lot of success, as shown during Cyclone Sandra in 2013. “In the 2013 cyclone, everything was well coordinated and planned. Martina waited with the children in the classroom for the initial bad weather to pass,” Adam, Caritas Australia’s Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Program Manager, said.

In fact, the program has been so successful that it is being extended to other communities and across other countries in the same region!

Children playing in Tuvaruhu village in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.Ph

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3rd April

Lord Jesus, raise up leaders like Adam and Martina in every land, dedicated to protecting others, equality and justice. Amen.

Adapted from: Catholic Prayer Book by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Eternal Life, February 15, 1999

Take a stand in solidarity with the world’s poor, by thinking of ways that we can reduce pollution.

Children playing in Tuvaruhu village in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.Ph

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3rd April

Every day, thousands of women and children around the world need to travel many kilometres to fetch water, get food, get to school or market, or simply to survive. During natural disasters, children in the Solomon Islands are learning to run to higher ground during a flood, through the words of this rhyme:River hem flood, River hem flood. Yumi run away, up to higher ground.River hem flood. River hem flood. Yu no stay en drown, Yumi run on topOlketa hurry, yumi run awayUp to the hill and the mountain top.River hem flood. River hem flood. Yumi run away.

Looking out over the hills in the Solomon Islands.Ph

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4th AprilNational Ride2School DayAustralia

Martina says that one of the most important things this program has given her community, is the ability to be prepared. “This season we’re better prepared and know how to respond, and in an emergency this can make all the difference.” God calls us to ‘be prepared’, too. Martina and her children sing their songs daily so they can remember life-saving knowledge. Similarly, the more we read God’s word and pray, the more important it becomes to us. During difficult times we have more hope and peace to share with others.

Children in Martina’s class demonstrating one of the life-saving songs they have learnt.Ph

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5th April

God, our Heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in works of justice. May this time of reflection open my heart to Your love. Amen.

Adapted from Catholic Online.

Pray with someone today.

Children in Martina’s class demonstrating one of the life-saving songs they have learnt.Ph

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5th April

Read John 11:1-45 (Story of Lazarus). In this Sunday’s Gospel we meet Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary. They were friends of Jesus, always making him welcome in their home.

This week’s Project Compassion story is about a First Australian woman. Six years ago, Lorraine discovered she had kidney failure and had to move to Alice Springs, 550kms away from her home community, for weekly dialysis treatment. To keep her spirit alive, Lorraine visits The Purple House, a home away from home.

Pintupi woman Lorraine outside The Purple House in Alice Springs.Cr

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6th AprilFifth Sunday of LentPassion Sunday

Lord, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray that we may share in the vision of Christ to give life, to bring hope and opportunity for all who long for home. Amen.

Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn more about Lorraine’s story.

Pintupi woman Lorraine outside The Purple House in Alice Springs.Cr

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6th AprilFifth Sunday of LentPassion Sunday

Indigenous Rights are an important global issue. In our world today: Aboriginal Australians have life expectancies 11.5 years lower for males and 9.7 years lower for females than non-Aboriginal Australians.

To keep her spirit alive, Lorraine visits The Purple House that supports patients who are far away from their country and culture. A bush balm program offers people aged 23-75 who are chronically unwell, a sense of purpose, comfort and wellbeing. It gives them the opportunity to share traditional knowledge and values and help them feel connected to home.

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7th AprilWorld Health Day

Lord, we thank you for The Purple House, and for all those who work to provide a home away from home for the dialysis patients in Alice Springs.

For Lorraine, staying connected to her cultural identity while she is receiving dialysis treatment far from home is extremely important. Why not learn about your heritage and take up a cultural practice for a day or a week?

Bush balms made by Lorraine and other participants at The Purple House. Cr

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7th AprilWorld Health Day

It is important to understand that many First Australians still experience cultural, geographical and language-based discrimination today. This can lead to a lack of access to education, basic human services, skills training and employment opportunities.

Caritas Australia’s program is responding to the immediate needs of First Australians experiencing health problems; but we are also working to address these deeper issues. For more information, you can watch the Walk as One powerpoint for schools.

8th April

God Creator Spirit, put in us the spirit of unity with our Indigenous Sisters and Brothers from around the world. Lord, with your grace, help us to endure the challenges placed before us and our Earth. Let us take time to reflect on the spiritual connection to our lands and the fragility and beauty of mother Earth.Amen.

Prayer taken from Caritas Australia’s Walk as One campaign.

Take the path to justice. Join Caritas Australia and host a Walk As One event. The gold coin donation proceeds could go to Project Compassion.

8th April

As well as health, education is still one of the great challenges facing Indigenous communities around the world today. The United Nations says that education systems often do not respect Indigenous Peoples’ diverse cultures. The Caritas Walk as One report found that, “The result is an education gap – Indigenous students have lower enrolment rates, higher dropout rates and poorer educational outcomes than non- Indigenous people in the same countries.”

Students at the Akah Literacy Program in, Kengtung, Burma. The program upholds and protects the rights of an ethnic minority group to maintain their language, culture and traditional ways of life.

9th April

Pray for wise government leaders, both federal and state/territory, as they develop and implement policies to help our Indigenous brothers and sisters live life to the full.

Give 50c for each year of your life.

Students at the Akah Literacy Program in, Kengtung, Burma. The program upholds and protects the rights of an ethnic minority group to maintain their language, culture and traditional ways of life.

9th April

Lorraine’s father and mother, Jonny Yungut and Walungkura Napananka, live in Kintore. They are well-known artists, and paint for Papunya Tula Artists. They paint their stories of country on canvas. The Papunya Tula painting style is inspired by traditional body and sand painting associated with ceremony. Aboriginal art frequently reflects the spiritual traditions, cultural practices and lives of Aboriginal people.

Tradition is integral to our community development programs in Indigenous Australia. Aboriginal art can be encouraged to promote sustainable livelihoods.Cr

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10th AprilWorld Poetry Day

Be still, wait, do not rush things.Let life happen by itself.Work with it, trust in the spirituality and wisdom that is around you.With confidence, we wait for God too.His time is 'right time'.Wait for Him to make His Word clear.'Right time', gentle time, don't rush.Sometimes waiting is painful.Sometimes it's a struggle.But,Circle is always turning.'Right time' will come.Be patient.Be still.Listen.

Taken from a reflection inspired by the words from Dadirri - A Reflection By Miriam - Rose Ungunmerr - Baumann of the Ngangikurungkurr people from Daly River in the Northern Territory. See the full reflection here.

Make and sell your own drawing for Project Compassion!

10th AprilWorld Poetry Day

Although Lorraine feels far from home in Alice Springs, she enjoys her time spent at The Purple House, where she can call home and speak to her family. Caritas Australia is supporting a new income-generating social enterprise at The Purple House –making and selling bush balms. “My favourite balm is Irremenke Irremenke. It is a good bush medicine that our grandmothers used to make. It is good for pain and headaches. It is a cheeky plant, it is hard to find and hard to grow. I love the smell of the bush balm mix boiling up. It reminds me of home,” said Lorraine.

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11th April

Creator Spirit,Blessed are you who made all things.You are wondrous with your blessings.You have given me land.This is where I come from.My sacredness,My identity,My food and shelter,My healing,My knowledge,My strength,My hope.

Taken from a reflection inspired by the words from Dadirri - A Reflection By Miriam - Rose Ungunmerr - Baumann of the Ngangikurungkurr people from Daly River in the Northern Territory. See the full reflection here.

What could you make and sell for Project Compassion?

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11th April

Before her diagnosis and move to Alice Springs, Lorraine enjoyed daily life in Kintore with her family and friends. Every day they would sleep under the moon, wake up with the sun and cook breakfast on the fire. Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray and communicate with God every time before going out in ministry somewhere.

Aratja growing in the bush.

Lord, we thank you for the example of Jesus your Son who showed us the importance of taking time to pray and communicate with you. Amen.

Take some time out to recharge and reconnect with your friends, family and with God.

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12th April

Read from Mt. 26:14 (The Passion). The Jesus who now calls us to carry on his healing mission on earth, is the Jesus who gave his life for every human person, be they African, Asian, South American or from other lands. We can reflect God’s love to each and every person alive today. When civil war destroyed Sri Lanka from 1983-2009, Nirangini, her 67-year-old mother and seven-year-old son, were forced to flee from temporary shelter to temporary shelter many times. In 2009, thanks to a Caritas Sri Lanka program, supported by Caritas Australia, the family secured a permanent home.

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13th AprilPalm Sunday

Lord, we pray that we can enable people to experience unconditional love, bringing them peace, hope and life. We pray too for healing within ourselves and others, and that we may be instruments of peace in our world. Help us to embrace simplicity so that there is more room in our hearts to understand others. Amen.

Visit Caritas Australia’s interactive Global Community and learn more about Nirangini’s story.

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13th AprilPalm Sunday

Conflict is an important global issue today. Poverty, inequality and natural disasters are the major causes. Sri Lanka’s civil war turned Nirangini’s life upside down. She remembers her childhood fondly, growing up in a family of nine siblings during peacetime. But when the civil war started, her entire community was forced to leave. During those years, there was little food or water and Nirangini’s son became undernourished. Today, Nirangini has a permanent home and an income source thanks to a Caritas Australia-funded program, which means Jenson can attend the village school and gain a good education.

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14th April

God of justice, we pray today as we remember Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey. We pray for Nirangini and her community in Sri Lanka. Many people in our world are experiencing poverty as a result of civil war. Through Project Compassion, may we support a just and peaceful world where there is an end to poverty. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, Amen.

Learn more about global issues and how Caritas Australia is working to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Nirangini’s son, Jenson (11), on his way to school.Cr

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14th April

During the civil war Nirangini and her family were constantly on the move with no permanent home. “We were displaced 11 times before we came back to Veravil in the Kilinochchi district,” said Nirangini. Jesus and his disciples were constantly on the move throughout Jesus’ ministry, and they relied on other people’s care and hospitality as they travelled from town to town. Throughout the New Testament, we are challenged to show such care and hospitality – but who to? We are called to be hospitable to all, and especially to those in need.

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Nirangini with her mother and son.

Nirangini with her mother and son.Cr

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15th April

Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry.Amen.

Adapted from The Church of England Prayers

How can we be more hospitable in our everyday lives?

Nirangini with her mother and son.Cr

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15th April

In December 2009, Nirangini and her family moved back to her childhood village. In Veravil, a Caritas Sri Lanka program, supported by Caritas Australia, was assisting families to resettle. At first, Nirangini’s family moved into a temporary structure. But in March 2012 the Caritas program supported Nirangini to build her own permanent home. She was keen to take part in the process where she could and helped by carrying bricks, sand and water to the building site. Nirangini was also able to start a home garden and small poultry business. These give her a good income and provide her family with nutritious food.

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16th April

Lord, we pray that as we stand in a shop, as we prepare our meals, we will remember that what we buy and eat comes from farmers, growers, workers and labourers in fields and factories across the world. Amen.

Credit: Fair Trade Foundation

Buy a Fairtrade Easter Egg for someone special.

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16th April

Read John 13:1-15 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet). Who are the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society? Who do you find it most hard to like, or against whom do you harbour prejudices? In Sri Lanka, where Nirangini lives, tensions between different ethnic groups escalated to civil war. Although the conflict has ended, it is still important to work for peace.

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Nirangini leading a community meeting in her village.

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17th AprilMaundy Thursday

Jesus, we thank You that You wash us and made us clean. Thank You for giving up Your life and serving us, so we can have true life. Help us use our life to serve You and serve other people. We pray in Your name. Amen.

Think of ways you can ‘wash someone’s feet’ today: make peace with someone you don’t like; make friends with someone you’ve been avoiding because of their race/religion; challenge someone’s prejudices; say kind words.

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Nirangini leading a community meeting in her village.

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17th AprilMaundy Thursday

Read John 18:1–19:42. In this unfair world, many are voiceless in their struggle against the unfair things they face. Many of these are issues that no matter how far we may be from the communities affected, we can change, through using our voice and making a stand.

God of justice, give me the courage to raise my voice in solidarity with those facing injustice. Amen.

Use the Caritas Australia ‘Way of the Cross’ PowerPoint in your School or Parish

A church in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

18th AprilGood Friday

Read Isaiah 55:1-11 (Invitation to the Thirsty) This beautiful passage from Isaiah is a vision of God’s world – of a just world. A world where anyone who is thirsty can find clean water to drink; a world where anyone without money can come, buy and eat. For Nirangini, being a part of the Caritas Australia-supported program has given her a home – and with that home, has come a sense of peace.

Nirangini in front of the house that she helped build.

God of all creation, You have blessed us with a world of beauty, where no one stands outside your loving care. Open our hearts and teach us your compassion. Amen.

Credit: CAFOD (Caritas England & Wales)

Give 50c for each of the following that you have: food, clothing, a home, family and friends, a democratic government, peace, and health.

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19th AprilHoly Saturday

Read John 20:1-9 (The Empty Tomb) ‘He is risen!’ We feel joyful today because we remember that Jesus is risen from the dead – death has been defeated! This Lent, we have learned about six people, their communities and their homes. We have been reflecting on the importance of home for having life to the full.

For Maristely and her community in São Paulo, Brazil, this is about being aware of their dignity and rights, so that they can access basic services and own their homes and the land they live on. It is also about being encouraged and learning how to live in peace.

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20th AprilEaster Sunday

Watch the Reflection slideshow and pray for each person that you have got to know during this Lent period, that they would ‘have life to the full’. “The Risen One goes before us and accompanies us along the paths of the world. He is our hope, He is the true peace of the world.” (Pope Benedict XVI, Easter, 2009)

Upload any photos of events you have held to our Solidarity Wall to share with the rest of Australia and our partners how you have been standing in solidarity with the poorest of the poor this Lent!

For Deng in South Sudan and Nirangini in Sri Lanka, back home after years of disruption from their countries’ civil wars, Caritas Australia’s partners are helping them rebuild their lives through livelihood programs.

For Archie from the Philippines and Martina from the Solomon Islands, the threat of weather-related disasters meant that home was not a safe or secure place to be.

And for Lorraine in Aboriginal Australia, it is about having a home away from home.

20th AprilEaster Sunday

THANK YOU for completing our Lent calendar and for reflecting, praying and acting with us each day throughout Project Compassion! Thank you for your support of Caritas Australia’s work, which enables us to demonstrate God’s love to people.

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