Solidarity is about standing together as a community to support those in need, recognising our shared responsibility to create a just and fair world. Through Caritas K’s, we walk in support of those who travel long distances for essentials, raising funds for Caritas to help provide life-changing resources and opportunities to vulnerable communities.
We would like to acknowledge the Jaara people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today, we acknowledge ancestors and elders past, present and emerging and commit ourselves to work actively for reconciliation and justice.
A quiet moment to pause, breathe, and bring our hearts and minds into God’s presence, preparing ourselves to pray with focus, gratitude, and openness.
Take a moment to settle into stillness. Gently close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in… and slowly breathe out.
Again, breathe in deeply, filling your lungs… and exhale, releasing any tension.
As you breathe, imagine God’s love surrounding you—warm, steady, and constant.
Breathe in His peace… and breathe out any worries.
Breathe in His presence… and breathe out distractions.
Breathe in His love… and let go of anything weighing you down.
With each breath, feel yourself resting in His care, knowing you are held, known, and deeply loved.
Now, take one more deep breath in… and as you exhale, gently open your eyes, bringing this peace with you into the rest of your day.
A quiet moment to pause, listen, and open our hearts to God, allowing His presence to guide our thoughts, deepen our faith, and inspire us to live with love and kindness.
Solidarity is at the heart of Project Compassion, reminding us that we are one human family, called to stand with those in need. Through our support and fundraising efforts, we walk alongside vulnerable communities, providing resources, hope, and opportunities for a better future. By participating in Caritas K’s, we take a step—both physically and spiritually—towards justice, showing that our actions, no matter how small, can create lasting change. Together, we embody the love and compassion of Christ, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Water is something we often take for granted, but for many people around the world, it’s not always easy to get. Caritas Australia works to bring clean water, education, and support to communities like Ditosa’s, helping them build a better future. Our actions—like raising money for Project Compassion—can make a real difference. Let’s think about how we can help and be grateful for the things we have.
This video will help us understand what life is like for her and her community, especially when it comes to getting something as simple—but essential—as clean water.
Before Watching:
“Think about how you use water every day. Where does it come from? How do you get it?”
“Now, imagine if you had to walk for a long time every day just to collect water for drinking, cooking, and washing. How would that change your day?”
“As you watch, pay attention to what Ditosa’s life is like. How is it different from yours? What challenges does she face? And how does Caritas Australia help her?”
During the Video:
(After key moments, you may pause briefly to ask questions or emphasise important points.)
When Ditosa walks to collect water:
“Look at how far she has to go just to get water! How do you think this would feel?”
When Caritas Australia helps Ditosa’s community:
“Did you see how their help is making life better? What do you think is changing?”
After Watching – Discussion Questions:
“What was the biggest challenge Ditosa faced in the video?”
“How did Caritas Australia support her and her community?”
“How would you feel if you had to walk that far every day just to get water?”
“What can we do to help others who don’t have easy access to clean water?”
A moment to open our hearts to God, whether in asking for guidance, strength, and help or in giving thanks for His blessings, love, and presence in our lives.
Thanksgiving prompts
Thank You, God, for giving me…
Thank You, God, for helping me…
Thank You, God, for the people who…
Thank You, God, for the beauty of…
Thank You, God, for the lessons I learn when…
Thank You, God, for always…
Thank You, God, for the moments when…
Thank You, God, for the strength to…
Thank You, God, for Your love that…
Thank You, God, for the joy of…
Asking prompts
Please, God, help me to…
Please, God, give me the courage to…
Please, God, guide me when…
Please, God, help me to be more…
Please, God, show me how to…
Please, God, help me to forgive…
Please, God, remind me to…
Please, God, be with me when…
Please, God, give me the wisdom to…
Please, God, teach me to…
Regular prayers
God, please watch over and heal those who are sick, especially…
I am thankful for the love and support of my family and friends, especially…
Lord, help those who are feeling lonely or sad to know they are loved, including…
God, please give strength and courage to people who are facing difficult times, such as…
Thank you for the beauty of creation and the many blessings in my life, like…
Leader:
As we gather in God’s love, let us offer our prayers for those in need, trusting in His mercy and grace.
For the Church – That we may always stand in solidarity with those who are poor, oppressed, and vulnerable, and be a voice of justice and compassion in the world.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those in need – That through the work of Caritas and Project Compassion, communities facing hardship will receive the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For our school community – That we may be moved to act with generosity and love, walking together in faith and service to bring hope to those in need.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For all who suffer injustice – That through our commitment to Project Compassion, we may work towards a world where dignity, fairness, and peace are upheld for all.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For strength in our mission – That God will bless our fundraising efforts, inspire our hearts to give freely, and remind us that even small acts of kindness can create great change.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For those who have gone before us – That they may now rest in the loving presence of God, and that we may continue their legacy of faith and service.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader:
Loving God, hear the prayers of Your people and guide us to be instruments of Your love. May our actions reflect Your call to serve, and may our hearts remain open to the needs of others. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Loving God,
You call us to stand together as one family, united in love and compassion.
Open our hearts to those in need, that we may give generously and walk in solidarity with them.
Bless our efforts in Project Compassion, so that our small acts of kindness may bring hope and change to the world.
May we always reflect Your love through our words and actions.
Amen.
Father,
We believe that St Kilian’s School is a great place to learn and have fun.
We trust our school community will continue to welcome new members and will always help
and care for each other.
We thank you for the love and respect of our families, teachers and friends.
With Jesus as our model, may we grow to be the best people we can.
Amen.
Description
A structured approach to gaining the full attention of the whole class (or school) at the beginning of a lesson or any teacher instruction.
When to Use
Use Ready in Five at the beginning of any teacher instruction or when you need the class’s full attention.
Introduce the Routine
Explain to students that you have a specific way to gain their attention when giving instructions.
Position Yourself
Before speaking, stand in a central position where all students can see you clearly.
Verbal Instruction
Say: "Ready in Five."
Use a hand signal, raising five fingers and counting down visually while pausing and scanning the room.
Wait for Full Attention
If all students are listening: Acknowledge their response with a positive prompt, e.g.,
“I know you are listening when you are looking at me. Thank you.”
If students are not fully attentive:
Name any student who is not focused and wait for their attention.
Once they are ready, thank them and continue.
Teacher:
"I am going to explain a new signal called Ready in Five that we will use to get everyone’s attention.
Whenever I use this signal, I need you to stop what you are doing and focus on me so I can give instructions."
"I will say: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ready? and use my fingers to count down. Your response will be: Ready.
I will know you are listening when you are looking at me and ready for the next instruction."
"Let’s practise."
Teacher: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ready?" (raises hand to count down)
Students: "Ready."
Teacher:
"Let’s try that again."
Teacher: "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ready?"
Students: "Ready."
Teacher:
"Great! Now, every time I say 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ready?, no matter what you are doing, you will stop, say Ready, and look at me.
Remember, I will know you are ready when you are looking at me."
Caritas K’s is a powerful way for our school community to walk in solidarity with those who travel long distances every day for water, food, and education. By participating in this event, we step into the shoes of those facing hardship, raising awareness and funds to support Caritas Australia’s life-changing work. Every step we take helps bring hope, dignity, and practical support to communities in need. Together, we show that small actions, done with great love, can make a big difference.
Why do you think we are participating in Caritas K’s? What is the purpose of this event?
Encourages students to think about the meaning behind their participation.
What does the word ‘solidarity’ mean to you? How do you think walking together in Caritas K’s shows solidarity with others?
Introduces the concept of solidarity in a relatable way.
What challenges do people in some communities face when trying to access basic needs like water, food, or education?
Encourages students to think about the real-world issues that Caritas supports.
How do you think walking in Caritas K’s will help us understand what others experience?
Prepares students to engage with empathy and purpose.
How can we use this event to make a difference beyond just walking? What actions can we take?
Encourages students to think beyond the event and reflect on how they can continue supporting others.
Project Compassion is about helping people who don’t have what they need to live a happy and healthy life. It’s a special project that raises money to give food, water, shelter, and education to people in different parts of the world. When we take part in Project Compassion, we are showing kindness and care for others, just like Jesus teaches us to do.
is a single mother in the war-torn Kongolo region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After her husband abandoned her, Irene struggled to support her two children, often going hungry for extended periods of time.
Through Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas Kongolo, Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening program, gaining skills in sewing and farming, enabling her to earn a steady income and support her family.
She also now mentors other young women, empowering them with sewing skills. Irene’s goal is to secure her sons' education, hoping they can one day fulfil their dreams of becoming doctors.
a) What challenges did Irene and her family face that made life difficult?
b) What new skills did Irene learn to improve her situation?
c) In what ways did Caritas support Irene and her community?
d) How is Irene now helping others in need?
e) How can you share Irene’s story with others to inspire change?
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are acts of love and kindness that Jesus teaches us to do for others. They come from this Scripture passage, where Jesus reminds us that when we help those in need, we are also serving Him.
As a class, identify the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy and what they mean:
Feed the hungry – Give food to people who don’t have enough to eat.
Give drink to the thirsty – Provide clean water to those who need it.
Clothe the naked – Help those who don’t have enough clothes to stay warm and protected.
Welcome the stranger – Be kind and welcoming to people who feel alone or left out.
Visit the sick – Spend time with those who are unwell or support them in some way.
Visit the imprisoned – Show care for people who are in prison or feel trapped in their situation.
Bury the dead – Show respect for those who have passed away and support their loved ones.
Which Corporal Work of Mercy relates to Irene’s story?
What did I find challenging about learning Irene’s story?
How do I see myself in this story?
As a pilgrim of hope, where do I see hope in this story?
What is God asking of me now?
Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you are blessed by God! You will share in the kingdom prepared for you since the beginning of the world.
For I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.
I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.
I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear.
I was sick, and you cared for me.
I was in prison, and you visited me.”
Then the people will ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you? Or needing clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”
And the King will reply, “Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me."
During Lent, we are called to deepen our relationship with Jesus through three key practices: Fasting, Almsgiving, and Prayer. Below are some different ways you might explore these practices during Lent. You might like to use these practices in your daily routines.
Donate clothes, toys, or books to someone in need.
Give money or food to a local charity, food bank, or mission.
Offer to help a neighbour or family member without being asked.
Share your time by visiting someone who is lonely or writing a kind note to a friend.
Participate in school or parish fundraising efforts for those in need.
Do extra chores at home and donate your allowance to a good cause.
Be generous with kind words and encouragement to others.
Offer to sit with someone new at lunch or include them in a game.
Pray for people who are struggling, especially those without food or shelter.
Give up sweets, snacks, or soft drinks and offer that sacrifice to God.
Avoid video games or TV for a day and spend time helping others instead.
Skip complaining and choose gratitude instead.
Fast from unnecessary screen time and use the time for family or prayer.
Give up negative thoughts or gossip and focus on kind words.
Eat simpler meals and remember those who don’t have enough food.
Walk or bike instead of taking the car, appreciating God’s creation.
Avoid wasting food or water and be mindful of how you use resources.
Take a break from buying new things and appreciate what you already have.
Begin and end the day with a short prayer of thanks.
Say a prayer before meals, even silently.
Spend a few moments in quiet reflection or meditation each day.
Pray for family, friends, and those in need, including people you struggle with.
Read a Bible verse and think about how it applies to your life.
Write a list of things you are grateful for and thank God for them.
Create a prayer jar, writing down intentions and offering them to God.
Attend Mass or a prayer service with family or school.
Pray a decade of the Rosary or another simple prayer form.
Try journaling your prayers or drawing a picture to express your thoughts to God.