Catholic University School

Philippines Project

The Marist fathers have a long tradition of working in the Philippines.

In October 2007, CUS undertook its first pastoral visit to Davao in the Philippines with a group of 5th year students.  The group worked in the Anawin primary school for displaced children and in Balay Pasalungan, a centre for homeless street boys.  They also visited the patients in the Davao Mental Hospital, attending mass with them and distributing food.

Prior to their departure, the boys and their families raised €15,000 to aid the communities they met as best they could.

Every summer since, a group of students from 4th, 5th & 6th year, accompanied by CUS staff, travel back to the Philippines, to continue the work started in 2007.  The students organise their own fundraising throughout the year.  Many of them have spoken about the project in their local parish churches.

All money raised is brought to the Philippines to assist the ventures that the school have become involved with.

For the students and teachers concerned, the trip to Davao is a deeply moving experience, one which they will draw on for many years to come and one which they all feel privileged to have been chosen to be part of.

St Vincent de Paul

CUS St Vincent de Paul a registered charity which assists needy families over the Christmas period.  Transition Year students co-ordinate the yearly campaign which involves the entire school community.  The Transition Year students must elect a committee, who oversee the collection of food and money and the allocation of funds.