Students, families and staff from Catholic school communities in and around Townsville have been devastated by the worst floods ever recorded in the region. This comes on top of the devastating drought conditions which have severely impacted these communities.

Pope Francis has offered his prayers and consoling words after the floods in a letter penned by the Holy See's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the Bishop of Townsville, Tim Harris. 'Having learned of the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the heavy flooding in Townsville, the Holy Father assures you of his heartfelt solidarity and prayers for all those affected by this disaster', Cardinal Parolin said.

'His Holiness prays especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured, and for the important work of reconstruction. Upon all Pope Francis willingly invokes abundant blessings of consolation and hope.'

Catholic Education Townsville's Executive Director Jacqui Francis has said that while most of their schools have been more 'fortunate' in terms of localised damage, the main issue is the individuals and families who have lost everything. While some are covered by insurance, there are many who aren't and money is what is desperately needed to help replace all of the essential day to day items that have been lost, such as clothes including school uniforms, and household appliances and fittings.

For this reason, inspired by a Brisbane Catholic Education initiative, we’d like to ask our CEDoW community to ‘Show the love for Townsville’.

At the Diocesan Education Mass on Thursday 7 March, our community can show communal support for the people of Townsville by bringing a school and/or individual donation to the mass in solidarity. All of the donations collected at the Mass will be sent to Townsville Catholic Education so that they can distribute funds to those families most in need.

We encourage all to participate in this coordinated effort, supporting our colleague schools in Queensland. Every little bit will help families who have lost everything. Thank you for your generosity, as we continue to keep in our prayers the people of Townsville who are doing it pretty tough.