The Social Assistance Secretariat (SAS) of the Malta Catholic Action (VO/1743) will be organising the annual Week of Sacrifice once again. This year the Week of Sacrifice will be held between Friday the 22nd of March, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, and Good Friday the 29th of March 2024. By means of this campaign, SAS intends to raise more awareness among the Maltese population of everyone’s responsibility to help those who are in need. 

This title chosen for this year’s campaign is Restoring the Dignity of the individual (Erga’ Agħti Dinjità). Through the choice of this theme SAS wants to convey the message that when we opt to care about and be of assistance to others, we can help restore the person’s dignity. SAS is making an appeal to the public for their support and generosity in order to continue to strengthen and expand the range of services currently being offered.  

SAS offers a wide range of services, including employed social workers assisting and empowering people in need, helping them explore their potential and acquire new skills to be able to sustain themselves in life without the assistance of others. Apart from social work, SAS provides adults experiencing homelessness, a place to wash clothes, take a shower and spend a few hours in a warm, safe and dry place at Dar Pier Giorgio Frassati in Qormi. Temporary social accommodation is also provided through Dar Regina Pacis in Balzan. These activities and all other services can be offered thanks to the generosity of the Maltese people who continue to make donations to the Social Assistance Secretariat during the Week of Sacrifice and throughout the whole year. SAS also has its fleet of minibuses equipped with tail lifts that are used to provide the opportunity for elderly and persons with disabilities to go out and participate in society, in activities that are not normally easy for them to attend because of mobility issues. This service helps people to contribute to society and it also helps combat loneliness.

The Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi has shown his support to this campaign by issuing a circular about the scope and at the same time informing all Parish Priests about the annual collection carried out in Churches during the Week of Sacrifice. Government Departments and schools also participate in this campaign by collecting funds during this week. SAS encourages individuals and entities throughout the Maltese Islands to support the work carried out by SAS by making their donations to the Social Assistance Secretariat.

Donations to SAS can be made or sent by post to their offices at the Catholic Institute, St Publius street, Florana. Cheques need to be addressed to Segretarjat Assistenza Soċjali AKM. Please note that cheques less than €20 will not be accepted by the bank. A bank transfers can be made or a donation can be deposited into one of the following bank accounts:

  • APS IBAN: MT25APSB 77 0130 0000 0037 2202 10046
  • BOV IBAN: MT38VALL 22 0130 0000 0040 0155 41734 
  • HSBC IBAN: MT08MMEB 44 3360 0000 0033 0768 11001

The public is also encouraged to send donations by SMS on 5061 7925 for a donation of €4.66 and on 5061 9281 for a donation of €11.65.