LIFTED GO inspires students to put faith into action for a more just community

Year 8 and 9 students from across Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) gathered at West HQ Rooty Hill for LIFTED GO, a day of formation, encounter and faith in action inspired by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s first 2026 Social Justice Statement, The Cost of Our Living: Economic and Social Justice for the Common Good.

The event invited students to look beyond the statistics of the cost of living crisis and consider its impact on individuals and families, exploring themes of human dignity, economic and social justice, and the shared responsibility each person has to contribute to the common good.

LIFTED GO

Through interactive activities and opportunities for discussion, students were encouraged to reflect on how they could turn their awareness into meaningful action within their own school communities.

Students also heard from Jesuit Social Services about their work supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship across Western Sydney. Their insights helped students connect the themes of the Social Justice Statement with the lived experiences of people in their local communities.

LIFTED GO

Putting their learning into action, the students donated toothbrushes and toothpaste to the Jesuit Social Services Ignite Food Store in Emerton, supporting people experiencing financial hardship.

For Marian Catholic College Kenthurst student Sienna, hearing about the challenges faced by many families highlighted how something as simple as giving everyday necessities can make a meaningful difference.

LIFTED GO

“I really liked the fact that we were all asked to bring toothpaste and toothbrushes to donate to those in need,” Sienna said.

“There are many people in Australia that are giving up basic hygiene just to feed their families and the least we can do is provide them with the support they need. By giving the basic things lots of people take for granted, you can make a huge difference in one person’s life.”

LIFTED GO

LIFTED GO encouraged students to recognise the needs and dignity of others, and reflect on the everyday choices they can make to build more compassionate and supportive communities.

The experience reinforced an important message from the day: social justice is not simply something to learn about, but something to be lived through everyday actions.

By connecting faith, learning and action, LIFTED GO empowered students to see that even small acts of generosity can contribute to a more just and compassionate community.

Read The Social Justice Statement 2026 - 2027 here.