The Archdiocese of Sydney’s University Chaplaincies and arts group Artes Christi joined forces to raise close to $20,000 for poor and persecuted Christians with a carols evening at the Sydney Town Hall last year.
The second annual “Carols For Peace” event was also supported by 10 Catholic organisations with the proceeds of 1400 donations from attendees going to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
The success means more than $40,000 has been raised in total for the pontifical foundation through the carols events.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming,” said University Chaplaincies Coordinator Natalie Ambrose of the evening which included music, scripture readings, and traditional Christmas carols.
“To see and hear the voices of 1,400 people together, not just to celebrate Christmas, but to support those in need around the world, truly embodies the spirit of the Christmas season.”
National Director of ACN Bernard Toutounji said the donations will help provide essential support to Christian communities facing hardship across the globe particularly in the Holy Land, Lebanon and the Ukraine.
“It is truly humbling for ACN to be the charity partner of this beautiful carols ceremony,” he said.
As well as fundraiser, the event has become a meaningful tradition in Sydney’s Christmas calendar, bringing together families, students, and community members in a celebration that combines spiritual reflection with practical charitable action.
“What makes this event special is how it connects our local church to the broader global community,” Artes Christi President Anthony McCarthy said.
“Through music and prayer, we not only share the Christmas story but also extend our hearts and hands in charity to those who need it most.”
The Carols for Peace featured more than 70 musicians including acclaimed singers Mark Vincent, Gary Pinto and Emelina Phillips, and special guests Danny and Leila Abdullah and Bridget Sakr.
The next fundraising concert will be “Passion—Stabat Mater” for Lent, to be held at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Lewisham, on Saturday 8 March.
Donate at via www.aidtochurch.org/carolsforpeace or purchase tickets here.