The 2016 Caritas Challenge was a great success. We were excited yet nervous as we began to build our cardboard huts, as the weather report was not in our favour. After much prayer and eventually acknowledging that the homeless must have to grapple with the daily reality of finding shelter in all weather, we knuckled down and worked together.

 We saw a mixture of students from Catholic Cathedral College, Marian, Villa Maria and local Parish youth groups come together to raise awareness and funds for those in Cambodia living in poverty. 

We began with a beautiful student led Mass, followed by evening and morning liturgies. Students from all schools involved led each activity, with some being specific to Cambodia and their way of life. We had an amazing Cambodian dinner prepared for us by a Cambodian family from the Marian community, which was very special. This became some of our breakfast the following day. 

Overall the Caritas Challenge was a testing yet rewarding experience, where our students not only got to experience what it is like to be homeless for a night  but build authentic relationships with each other and those from their fellow Catholic colleges. 

We look forward to Caritas Challenge 2017!

Chris Houghton