Central to the religious life of the school is the person of Jesus Christ who came among us ‘as one who serves’ (Luke 22.27). Our Catholic school is committed to reaching out to help those in need, through charitable outreach initiatives. All outreach activities connect to the person of Jesus Christ and to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Drawing on the Catholic Social Teaching of the Church, we have a deep commitment to supporting a range of charitable organisations, families and individuals in need.
Social justice programs offered at Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra are a supportive and practical way of learning about compassion towards other people, and also learning just how easy it is to make a difference to the lives of others, by thinking of them and doing small things for them. All social justice initiatives of the school are underpinned by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. These ideals are promoted through Religious Education lessons and through the work of student organisations. Initiatives include:
- Senior Outreach Program – Students in Years 11 and 12 complete a minimum of 12 hours of service to others.
- SIMS (Sister Irene McCormack Society) provides breakfast to students in need and raises funds to support Josephite and Catholic charities.
- SEAs (Student Evangelisation Ambassadors) educate students and the broader school community about people in need in our world.
- These groups work together and hold fundraising and education events such as “Women of the World” and “Girls for Ghana” to raise funds and awareness of issues for people in need. These activities highlight that MSJ girls really can do anything.
- MSJ also participates in fundraising events such as Project Compassion – Caritas’ Lenten Appeal and support the Christmas appeals of: St Vincent De Paul; Catholic Care; Gethsemane House; and Josephite Counter Trafficking.