Have you ever walked through the middle of town carrying a bucket of water?

The Year 6 students at Cathedral School have, offering a powerful witness this Lent through Caritas Australia’s Long Walk for Water.

Taking to the streets of the Bathurst CBD, dressed in Caritas shirts and hats, the students walked to the river, collected water in buckets and carried it back to their school. While not every school is able to take part in this way, their public witness was a striking reminder of the daily reality faced by 292 million people around the world who walk long distances each day to access clean water.

Behind the scenes, careful planning and preparation made the experience possible. Yet what stood out most was not the logistics, but the visible sign of solidarity these young people offered to others in need.

In walking together, they gave more than their time and energy—they gave witness to their Christian faith. Their actions reflected the Gospel call to stand with the poor, to act with compassion, and to make the struggles of others their own.

It’s wonderful to see the many ways parishes and schools across the Diocese are supporting Caritas Australia and Project Compassion. The witness of the Cathedral School students reminds us that even simple acts can speak powerfully of faith in action.

In going the extra mile, they have shown what it means to walk in solidarity, and to live out the call of Christ in everyday life.

You can donate via your School or Parish or via https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/home

Photos: Cathedral Primary School, Bathurst