In our Community … Staff Spirituality Day – From the REC

Outreach in Action – Staff Spirituality Day 2026

Our “Outreach in Action” Staff Spirituality Day, held on Friday 5 June 2026, was a meaningful opportunity for staff to live our Faith in Action mission through service and reflection.

Staff volunteered with a range of community organisations that support those experiencing hardship. Each staff member chose an outreach placement that matched their interests or strengths, and many shared how enriching and eye‑opening the experience was.

Leading up to the day, the staff were involved in a Reflection Before Action session led by Josie Charbel from the St Vincent de Paul Society, who spoke powerfully about homelessness and its connection to Catholic Social Teaching. Her insights grounded the day in purpose and reminded us of our call to uphold the dignity of every person.

Our staff returned inspired, grateful, and renewed in their commitment to serving others – a true expression of the Domremy spirit and the Presentation charism of compassion and justice.

Below is a reflection of their day by one of our staff members.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

What a remarkable and meaningful day today was.

Our group arrived at Vinnies West Ryde at 10:00 am and immediately immersed ourselves in the work at hand. From the moment we stepped into the warehouse, it was clear that there was no shortage of tasks to complete. The space heaved with donations of every kind – food, toiletries, clothing, winter warmers, blankets, nappies, wipes, and snacks – all generously donated but in urgent need of sorting and organisation.

Throughout the day, we unpacked and sorted countless bags and boxes, packed Vinnies vans, organised storage areas, and transformed what had been an overwhelming collection of donations into a far more functional and orderly environment. One of our major tasks involved opening and sorting large quantities of donated snacks into sixteen oversized plastic tubs, which will be used over the coming week for a self-service collection through the Vinnies Vans by those experiencing hardship.

By the end of the day, the difference in the warehouse was striking. The space was noticeably tidier, more organised, and better prepared to support those in need. We also prepared fresh fruit salad for the Night Patrol and located, sorted, and packed essential personal care items such as deodorant and toothpaste – two items that are in particularly high demand.

Although there were only eight of us participating, we achieved an extraordinary amount. Joanne, who coordinates the warehouse, had prepared a lengthy list of jobs, and we completed far more than anticipated. Our small group worked exceptionally well – everyone focused, efficient, and wholeheartedly committed throughout the day.

A particular highlight was the opportunity to work alongside dedicated volunteers, such as Joanne and Tony, whose commitment to serving the community day after day was truly inspiring. Hearing directly from Joanne and Tony, about the scale of need in the community was both humbling and eye-opening. To put things into perspective, the sixteen huge tubs of snacks we packed will meet demand for just one week.

We also learned that toothpaste and deodorant are among the most urgently needed items. This sparked a discussion amongst us about a possible drive for toothpaste, toothbrushes, and deodorant. If every staff and student at the College donated just 1 toothbrush, 1 tube of toothpaste and 1 deodorant, some 1,000 sets could be collected. Joanne agreed that this would make a significant difference to the lives of many, but also brought home the reality that this covers but a month’s need for such items. A sobering thought.

Vinnies’ relies on the very generous donations it receives to respond to the most basic and essential +needs of the rising number of people experiencing disadvantage, homelessness, and significant hardship.

As a group, we agreed that the day offered valuable opportunities for both shared and personal reflection. Through practical service, we were able to reflect deeply on the realities faced by many in our community, the ongoing nature of need, and the impact that even a few hours of dedicated service can have.

Spending time actively assisting an organisation such as Vinnies – one that relies heavily on volunteers and community support – was a powerful reminder of the importance of service, compassion, and solidarity. We all agreed that the experience brought our values to life in a tangible way and provided a rich and authentic opportunity for reflection. It was a day that left a lasting impression on all of us and a rewarding way to spend the day: helping, even in a small way, to bring a little joy and hope to those doing it tough, and sharing that experience with such a dedicated and compassionate group of people.