On Shrove Tuesday, 17 February, Catholic Education school student leaders, teachers, Diocesan staff, representatives from Caritas Australia, and the NET Ministries team gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for the launch of Project Compassion 2026.
Bishop Charles Gauci of the Catholic Diocese of Darwin led the liturgical procession. Students carried symbols including water, fruits basket, a plant, and a first aid kit to represent the four featured stories highlighted in this year’s Project Compassion theme, “Unite Against Poverty this Lent.”
Students proclaimed the readings and led the Prayers of the Faithful, while the NET Ministries team enriched the celebration through music.
Catholic Education’s Leader of Catholic Identity and Mission, Ann Charles, invited school student leaders to receive their 2026 Project Compassion boxes, Lenten prayer cards, and Commissioning Scrolls from Caritas Australia representatives, Dan Skehan and Sr Jessika Trieu.
As students, teachers, the NET Ministries team, the Diocesan office staff and Youth Ministry Team stood to be commissioned by Bishop Gauci, they committed themselves to promoting God’s love and upholding the dignity of life by uniting against poverty this Lent.
The Project Compassion 2026 celebration continued in the hall, where participants enjoyed pancakes prepared by the Diocesan Youth Ministers. Each school’s student leaders then delivered a short, creative presentation reflecting on the theme, “Unite Against Poverty this Lent.” Their presentations highlighted the values of Catholic Social Teaching, reminding everyone of God’s love for us and our call to love and serve others.