This year, our school had the privilege of hosting the Wollongong Diocesan launch of the 2025 Catholic Mission initiative. It was a joyful and prayerful gathering of students, teachers, clergy, and community members, marking the official beginning of this year’s campaign. The theme for 2025 is “Missionaries of Hope,” celebrated in conjunction with the Jubilee Year of Hope.

The focus country this year is Zambia, where food scarcity is a growing concern. Corn, known locally as maize, is the staple food for most Zambian families. However, recurring droughts and poor harvests mean that many people do not have enough to eat. For families who rely on maize as their primary source of food, these shortages create daily struggles for survival.

This year's Catholic Mission initiative seeks to respond to this urgent need by supporting communities in Zambia with both practical assistance and the message of Christian hope. By working alongside local Church leaders, the mission helps provide nourishment and a sense of dignity for families, especially children, who are most affected by hunger.

As a college, hosting this year’s launch was a powerful reminder that we are called to be Missionaries of Hope, living out our faith by standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Zambia. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are invited to share not only resources but also encouragement, ensuring that those who are hungry know they are not forgotten.

Through prayer, awareness, and fundraising, we can play our part in offering hope to those who face food scarcity each day. Let us embrace this mission with open hearts, answering Christ’s call to “love one another as I have loved you.”

For more information about this year’s campaign and ways to be involved, please visit the Catholic Mission website.