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  • Formation and community engagement
10 Dec 2025

This year BCE’s Woolloongabba office supported another 20 families in need through Adopt-a-Family. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2025).

As the countdown to Christmas begins, Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) and it’s 146 schools are spreading compassion, community and the true meaning of Christmas.  

Adopt-a-Family

This year BCE’s Woolloongabba office supported another 20 families in need through Adopt-a-Family, a partnership between BCE, Sue Treweek (a former recipient of the program), Father Wally Dethlefs and Life Without Barriers National Immigration Services.  

BCE Officer Services Team Leader Helen Hartwig said the program was extra merry this year with 91 wrapped boxes filled with Christmas gifts and non-perishable food items.  

“For 21 years the program has generously provided relief to those experiencing hardship such as unemployment, disadvantage, homelessness, family breakdown or those seeking asylum,” she said. 

“No family should ever stand alone at Christmas. 

“This program builds hope and brings joy to those who need it most this Christmas.”  

The boxes are now on their way merry way thanks to Father Wally Dethlefs and his helpers who will deliver the boxes to families ahead of Christmas. 

Advent adventures in giving

Students at Mt Maria College, Petrie are also giving back this Christmas, donating non-perishable food items to St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal. 

In a special Christmas liturgy, students were invited to place their donations under the College’s Giving Tree for those in need to receive. 

Mt Maria College Petrie Assistant Principal Formation & Identity, Jared Press said that for two years, their donations had continued to grow. 

“Students and families did very well to provide items, and students enjoyed placing them under the tree,” he said. 

“It’s very rewarding to see. Staff have also raised over $700 in food vouchers for those in need.” 
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©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mt Maria College, Petrie (2025).

The true meaning of Christmas

Prep students at Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West, have brought the Nativity story to life for their school community. 

The performance was a true reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

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©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mater Dei Catholic Primary School, Ashgrove West (2025).


🎶 Caroling with compassion

St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket students joined their ‘grandfriends’ at Mercy Community Aged Care for a third consecutive year. 

In a special visit, the students had the opportunity to sing Christmas carols, share stories and do Christmas crafts with the very people they have built special bonds with throughout the year. 

The partnership between St Ambrose’s Primary School and Mercy Community Aged Care helps students build meaningful relationships with people of different generations, while also bringing joy, companionship and purpose to aged care residents.

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©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ambrose’s Primary School, Newmarket (2025).

Baking up kindness

Christ the King School, Graceville Mini Vinnie’s team have been baking up kindness this Christmas. 

The student team have been busy making delicious biscuits, with all funds raised from the sale of the baked goods going directly to St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal.

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©Brisbane Catholic Education, Christ the King School, Graceville (2025).