Roncalli Care
Roncalli Care is a parent-led initiative that embodies our Ignatian values of compassion and service.
Named after Pope John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli), this group of parent volunteers provides practical and pastoral support to College families experiencing hardship, illness, or loss.
Through practical assistance and quiet, respectful care, Roncalli Care helps families feel supported by the College community during difficult times.
Family Liaison Volunteers
Family Liaison Volunteers play an important role in the Roncalli Care process.
They act as a link between the family receiving support and the Roncalli Care coordinator, helping to ensure assistance is delivered sensitively and appropriately.
This role helps maintain clear communication while protecting the family’s privacy and dignity.
How it works
When a family needs support, the Family Liaison Volunteer stays in touch with the family and shares any relevant updates with the coordinator.
This helps ensure the support offered is practical, timely, and suited to the family’s circumstances.
A caring community
Roncalli Care reflects the College’s commitment to community, compassion and service.
By supporting one another in times of need, parents help strengthen the caring culture that is central to College life.
Roncalli Care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roncalli Care?
Roncalli Care is a parent run support system offered to families in the College who are experiencing hardship and suffering due to illness or loss.
How and when it started?
Roncalli Care was created by a committee of parents and staff. Roncalli Care was established in 2008.
Why is it called 'Roncalli'?
Roncalli Care was named after Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (Pope St John XXIII) to mark the 50th anniversary of his papacy. Through Roncalli Care, the John XXIII College community is encouraged to exhibit the qualities of love, compassion and service that characterised Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli's entire life and ministry.
Why we have a formal meal roster system?
A group of parents decided to formalise the meal roster system to make it inclusive, consistent and discreet. Roncalli Care's focus on the anonymity of both volunteers and recipients means the privacy of the family is protected and there is no sense of being beholden. Everyone needs help sometimes, and everyone is able to provide help in varying degrees at different stages of their lives. Roncalli Care provides a simple connection between those who need help and those who are able to offer it.
What are its goals?
The primary goal of Roncalli Care is to provide home-cooked meals to College families in need. It is a sad fact that at the times in our lives when we are in most need of the benefits of optimal nutrition, circumstances mean that planning, shopping for and cooking a meal are tasks that become difficult to sustain. Providing meals to families in these circumstances allows the added bonus of freeing up that time for families to spend with one another.
The secondary goal of Roncalli Care is to recall the people of our College community to the life of service extolled by Pope St John XXIII. It provides a valuable opportunity for College families to serve those in need, within a community that plays a central role in their lives.
How do I contact Roncalli Care?
If you or someone you know would benefit from a meal roster, please email roncalli@johnxxiii.edu.au.
Is there privacy assurance?
The privacy of the family is respected at all times.
What is a Family Liaison Volunteer?
Each family receiving Roncalli Care is asked to nominate a friend to act as a liaison between them and the Roncalli Care Coordinator. It is less intrusive for the family if someone they know is able to give feedback regarding their needs and how the roster is going, instead of well-meaning strangers.
Who is the current Roncalli Care Coordinator?
The current Roncalli Care Coordinator is Steve Jennings.
