1998

7th May 1998
Catholic Students Confront Inequality
Fifty students and teachers representing Catholic high schools from the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Manning and Hunter areas will gather tomorrow (8 May) with the Most Reverend Michael Malone, Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, to participate in the annual "Pauper's Feast" organised by the church's official aid agency for children, Children's Mission.

By random selection ten people will enjoy a generous hearty meal - the rest will be given a small bowl of rice and water. The rice eaters will have no access to the meal of pleasure and plenty enjoyed by the 'feasters' but will simply watch from the sidelines as huge amounts of food are eaten and enjoyed.

This simulation is a powerful role-play designed to provoke a thoughtful response in the participants as they reflect on the experience of millions of children around the world, and get a small taste of the emotions associated with deprivation and hunger, or the experience of 'feasting' while others go without.

A discussion and sharing of insights will follow the "Pauper's Feast" as students attempt to come to grips with the vast differences that occur in the lives of children in third-world countries and those in affluent countries like Australia.

Students will then be invited to take on the challenge of Catholic Mission's annual "Fast for Kids" and to encourage their peers to join in.

Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission, Gail McBurnie, says that "During 1998 Catholic Mission is financing 94 projects specifically focused on the needs of deprived children world-wide. This will add to the more than 5 million children in 7000 projects financed in the last 5 years by Catholic students throughout the world. Each diocesan high school will be invited to choose a particular project to receive the proceeds of the Fast, thus providing a focus for the students."

She says, "The young adults in our high schools are very open to the needs of others; they are prepared to do what they can to make a difference. "Fast for Kids" will be organised by the students who have attended the Pauper's Feast and have an enhanced understanding of the issues involved in global inequalities. I am confident these student leaders will be well motivated to undertake the work of staging "Fast for Kids".

The "Pauper's Feast" will take place on Friday 8 May between 12.30pm and 1pm at the Diocesan Centre, 841 Hunter Street Newcastle .

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