Roncalli Care FAQs
What is Roncalli Care?
Roncalli Care is a support system offered to families in the College who are experiencing hardship and suffering due to illness or loss. It is run by the parents of the College and overseen by the principal.
When did it start?
Roncalli Care was established in 2008.
Who created it?
Roncalli Care was created by a committee of parents and staff.
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 do we need a formal meal roster system?
Before Roncalli Care was created, meal rosters were undertaken by friends of the families in need and well-meaning fellow parents. Some families with fewer social connections were not getting meal roster support when they needed it, and some families who wished to help were not being asked. In many instances, the details of the roster - and the reasons for its existence - were discussed at length by parents in the school car parks and grounds within earshot of classes. This meant that the privacy of families needing help was not respected, nor that of their children, whose peers were often privy to discussions held about their family's hardships.
A group of parents decided to formalise the meal roster system in order to make it more inclusive, more consistent and more discrete. 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?
The primary point of contact for Roncalli Care is Principal of the College, Daniel Mahon. If you, or someone you know, would benefit from a meal roster, please speak to the Principal via his PA, on 9383 0404. Alternatively, send an email to roncalli@johnxxiii.edu.au, which will be forwarded to the Principal.
What happens once I accept an offer of meals from Roncalli Care?
The flowchart of events below outlines the Roncalli Care meal roster process:
Is there privacy assurance?
The privacy of the family is respected at all times. Only the Principal is privy to the name of the family and the nature of their hardship, unless instructed otherwise by the family.
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 Convenor. 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 receives the emails sent to:
roncalli@johnxxiii.edu.au
The Roncalli Care Convenor receives the emails and either answers them (if appropriate) or directs them to the principal, Daniel Mahon.
Who is the current Roncalli Care Convenor?
The current Roncalli Care Convenor is Steve Jennings.
