1998

23rd February 1998
Keeping Hope Alive through "Project Compassion
In 100's of very poor communities around the world people's lives are changing for the better - change which may not have been possible without the generosity of unseen and unknown people in Australia .

"Project Compassion", one of Australia 's largest annual appeals for overseas aid and development begins this week, with official launches taking place around Australia .

Conducted by the Catholic Church's aid and development agency Caritas Australia , the "Project Compassion" appeal begins on the first Sunday in Lent (Sunday March 1) and continues until Easter. "Project Compassion" is an appeal whereby the Christian community can express their solidarity with people in impoverished communities throughout the world.

In Sydney this week (February 24) the Governor General, Sir William Deane will nationally endorse "Project Compassion", while in the Newcastle area, Bishop Michael Malone will launch the 34th "Project Compassion" Campaign on Sunday March 1.

Guest speaker at the Newcastle launch will be Caritas National Director Tom Storey. Mr Storey will talk about the difference "Project Compassion" makes to the lives of many people around the world. His recent trips to Cambodia and the Philippines will provide many illustrations of the organisation's work.

The theme for this year's "Project Compassion" is Keeping Hope Alive, one of the virtues the Pope asks the community to reflect on in preparation for the year 2000, designated a year of Jubilee.

"It's our hope that with the community's help Caritas Australia can continue to offer support to those people who are denied the very basics of a decent existence," says Patricia Banister, Caritas Diocesan Director.

The "Project Compassion" appeal helps to support development and relief programs conducted by the Church's worldwide Caritas network, with annual support being given to programs in countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East .

Within Australia , "Project Compassion" helps to support community development in Aboriginal communities and the Church's national education programs on global issues of social justice and human development.

During 1997, $4.3 million was donated to Caritas Australia-wide, with approximately $90,000 coming from people in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocesan area.

Bishop Malone will launch "Project Compassion" during the 9.30am Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral Hamilton. The Cathedral is located at 841 Hunter Street Newcastle West. All welcome.

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