The Social Assistance Secretariat (SAS) of the Malta Catholic Action is organizing the Week of Sacrifice between the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Friday 31st March and Good Friday the 7th of April 2023.
For this year’s campaign the theme chosen is “Do not turn away” which is an excerpt from the Gospel of St. Matthew; “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Mt. 5, 42). These words were specifically chosen because they are very meaningful. This theme encourages people to be messengers of hope and a source of assistance to those in need.
The Week of Sacrifice aims to raise awareness amongst the Maltese and to also help them feel responsible for the people who are suffering, especially for those who are financially poor. During this week, the Social Assistance Secretariat appeals to the generosity of the public so that the services being offered can continue. Recently, the amount of requests for assistance has also increased.
The services being provided by SAS include the emotional, social and financial support and assistance in cases of emergency, but at the same time, the counselling and personalised help provided by the social workers to help the people gain skills and become more independent. SAS also organises training and formation sessions in order to continue strengthening the work being done by volunteers in the community and in the different parishes around the islands and to also raise awareness about the importance of social justice. SAS has its own fleet of minibuses with a tail lift and are used to transport the elderly and people with special needs who are not able to leave their home without adequate transportation. This service is especially important for those people living alone. SAS is also responsible for a number of social projects, such as the humanitarian aid and basic services provided to homeless and poor people at the Pier Giorgio Frassati Centre in Qormi and Regina Pacis which is a temporary social accommodation in Balzan.
This initiative is supported by the Archdiocese of Malta and during the week, the collection held during Sunday masses goes towards such a cause. A number of government departments and schools also participate in this fundraising campaign. Personal donations can be made directly to the Social Assistance Segretariat.
The funds collected during the Week of Sacrifice will be able to help a large number of people throughout the year. Unfortunately the amount of requests for help is always on the rise but SAS intend to continue working with people who are facing any kind of difficulty and to also continue to strengthen the value of social justice in Maltese society.