Mission Today Winter/Spring 2021

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WINTER/SPRING 2021

Catholic Mission leads global discussion Our biennial conference is going virtual Regional Office focus

Socktober ramps up for another year of action


PO Box 1668 North Sydney NSW 2059 T: 1800 257 296 E: admin@catholicmission.org.au

Freecall: 1800 257 296 catholicmission.org.au 2

Editor: John Hyde Contributors: Matt Poynting, Lawrence Gigliotti, Catherine Towiro, Felipe Beltran Photos: Simone Medri, Catholic Mission partners Design: Smarta By Design Printed by: Horizon Print Management

Cover image: The Socktober community engagement program has been launched for another year. Money raised will help support Cathodic Mission supported projects in Thailand.

Catholic Mission acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work.

This image: All smiles at lunch at the Kindergarten run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand.

M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e


In this issue... A message from the National Director

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Catholic Mission Australia leads online global discussion

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Helping Sisters help the vulnerable

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Mission: one heart many voices conference

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Interfaith Encounters Program

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Socktober gets bishops’ backing

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Regional Office focus

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Caring for community during COVID‑19

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Appeal puts its faith in war‑torn regions

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Reconciliation Action Plan

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David’s story: To me, this is legacy

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Catholic Mission TV

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A message from the National Director Most nights the television news will feature stories about local conflict. This might involve gang violence, home invasions or domestic incidents, which in some cases tragically result in people losing their lives. Other news stories do not involve physical violence but focus on political unrest. For some reason, stories like this are of interest to us, and news editors have done their research to identify what grabs our attention. Around the world there are many situations of even more dramatic and widespread conflict. I offer this from the Pontifical Mission Societies’ news agency, Agenzia Fides, from April this year, as an example of the heroism that is frequently part of the Church’s missionary work. The article focuses on Comboni Monsignor, Christian Carlassare, bishop‑elect of Rumbek in South Sudan, who is a victim of an attack in which he was wounded in the legs. In a video message in English, addressed to the Rumbek Catholic community, posted on the Comboni Missionaries website, the Bishop says: “I take this opportunity to greet each one of you, brothers and sisters in Rumbek. I am well and I am improving. It will take me some time to walk on my own legs again, but I am sure I will return to be with you. Please let us remain united in prayer and ready for forgiveness in our community. Seek justice with the same heart of God, that is, a merciful heart that can teach peace, mercy towards each person, because these values are present in the depths of the heart of each of us. Even if I am far away, I feel united with you, let us remain united in this process of reconciliation”.

Our experience in Australia in connection with the pandemic has been different to other countries, but has affected every one of us one way or another, some more than others. Perhaps, as we give thanks for that, in a local context, we might find the motivation to take more notice of the needs of those not so fortunate. The stories in this edition of Mission Today are just some examples of the way in which your support makes a difference to the mission churches which are often fragile because of poverty or persecution. To be Christian is to be missionary as we share what we believe with others through our prayerful and material support.

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

The message of the gospel is a message of peace. When the risen Lord met the disciples, his greeting was “peace be with you”. We exchange a sign of peace during the Eucharist, and this reminds us that the mission of the Church is to bring the peace of Christ to those longing for the fullness of life. The pandemic has left much of the world in turmoil, and in some instances civil unrest resulting from the frustration and sense of helplessness which many people are feeling.

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View here to learn more

Online collaboration: Catholic Mission leads a global discussion aimed at building a stronger international network.

Catholic Mission Australia leads online global discussion A unique series of seminars hosted earlier this year by Catholic Mission, in partnership with the Pontifical Mission Societies in Rome, has built a stronger international network, with an emphasis on sharing resources and expertise to better support the mission areas of the world. Entitled Church’s Mission: Media Communication, Charity and Fundraising, the seminars featured international experts and presentations from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Social Communication, Radio Maria and Agenzia Fides News Agency. “While there were some logistical challenges, it was an opportunity to harness the power of collaboration,” says Catholic Mission National Director, Fr Brian Lucas. “It was a privilege to work closely with the authorities in Rome and in particular the contribution of Elena Grazini,

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from the PMS, and Simone Medri, from Catholic Mission, ensured the conference was well planned and ran smoothly,” he added.

“There were 220 registrations, from 41 countries, spanning 18 time zones, giving a unique international experience,” he says. Across ten 90-minute sessions over five days, the seminars focused on communications, charity, and fundraising in a digital environment. Fr Fabrizio Meroni, Secretary General of the Pontifical Mission Union, the body responsible for missionary formation in the PMS, responded to the challenge presented by COVID‑19 and replaced what was to be a traditional conference with the digital format. •

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The Mother and Babies Home reaches out to vulnerable women in their time of need

Helping Sisters help the vulnerable “For we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard” Acts 4:20 At a time when there is a lot of attention given to the vulnerability of women in our own society, the work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand, and in many other places, goes to the very heart of the Christian proclamation of the worth and dignity of every person.

Learn how you can support the Mother and Babies Home

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Catholic Mission is supporting the essential work of the Mother and Babies Home run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok, as they reach out to vulnerable women in their time of need. “To be Christian is to be missionary and to be missionary is to speak out in words and action against exploitation and to give new life and hope to those who are vulnerable,” says Catholic Mission National Director Fr Brian Lucas. Through your support and generosity, Catholic Mission and the Good Shepherd Sisters can offer hope to people like Churai*. As a young girl, she suffered years of abuse and is now pregnant with her third child. Without the Mother and Babies Home, she says she would be alone and helpless, cast away by her partner as he did not want the child. “This place has helped and given women in need an opportunity to grow,” she says.

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“Women who feel discouraged, who don’t know what to do, and who have nowhere to go. This place gave us an opportunity, comfort, and happiness.” The Good Shepherd Sisters provide pregnant women and mothers with young children a refuge with others from similar backgrounds. “It’s about giving a chance to the mothers and the children,” says Sr Chalaad, who manages the Home in Bangkok. “And when they get that chance, they will be able to look forward and they will be able to stand for themselves in the

Learn more about Sr Chalaad

Sister Chalaad “Every value of life is important, and I believe that everyone can support each other in a small or big way. It’s about giving a chance to the mothers and the children.” Sr Chalaad grew up in a faith‑filled family in north‑east Thailand, the fifth child in a family of eight. While in secondary school, Sr Chalaad heard of the Good Shepherd Sisters and through her faith was inspired to join them and support those in need. Having dedicated the past 27 years to working with vulnerable women and children in Bangkok, Sr Chalaad understands the struggle that these women face and how important the love, care and support the programs on offer are for those in need. Believing that everyone has a vocation for love and mercy for all, Sr Chalaad is a vital part of the ongoing work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok, who much like Sister Mary Euphrasia Pelletier (foundress of the Good Shepherd Sisters congregation), understand the importance and worth of each and every individual no matter what their circumstance may be. •

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society for their future. Even if they have no one, we can stand by them.” The Good Shepherd Sisters also run other outreach programs for women and children in need in Bangkok, offering pregnant women and young mothers like Churai a helping hand should they be unable to return to their families by providing them with handicraft skills training and employment to earn a living to support themselves. Pope Francis invites each of us to respond to what we have seen and heard – to carry those stories, like Churai’s, in our hearts – calling us to each be missionary disciples by sharing and supporting vital work like this. To lend your support for the Mother and Babies Home, please go to catholicmission.org.au/mothers • *Name and images altered to protect identity

Learn more about Sr Louise

Sister Louise “One person, it doesn’t matter if she comes with bumps and dirty or torn clothes (or) they never comb their hair for the last month or whatever; they’re still unique in God’s eyes. So, yes, one person, this very person, is of more value than the whole world.” Born and raised in Ireland, Sr Louise Horgan knew she wanted to support those in need from a young age, when a missionary Sister came to speak at her school sharing about her work in Sri Lanka. At just 18 years old, Sr Louise followed the call and joined the Good Shepherd Sisters. She worked in Sri Lanka for a few years before beginning her work in Thailand, where she has remained for over 55 years. Seeing a great need to help women and children who have nowhere to turn, Sr Louise – and a few other Good Shepherd Sisters who had been placed in Bangkok – created and managed what is now the Good Shepherd Centre in Bangkok. Since 1965, Sr Louise has seen the faces and heard the voices of those in her local community, and in response, created and manages many programs for women and children in need. In November 2020, Sr Louise received the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service award, recognising the contribution of the Irish diaspora. Sr Louise was awarded for her work providing care and support for the poor and underprivileged. •

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“Come, let us talk this over. Let us dare to Dream.” (Pope Francis, Let us Dream Prologue 7)

Mission: one heart many voices conference Our biennial conference is going virtual. Last seen in 2019, this year’s conference convened by Catholic Religious Australia and Catholic Mission will be held from 1–3 September 2021, with an additional day of creativity shaped by young people on 4 September. In our context of global cultural, social, environmental, political, and economic change participants will dream, discern, and contemplate the wisdom shared on leading mission and taking action now.

View the program and register today

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A diverse range of international and local speakers will be on offer, including Dr Miriam‑Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM, 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, Mr Hugh MacKay AO, social psychologist and researcher, Mr Craig Foster AM, human rights activist, broadcaster and former Socceroo, Chiara Porro, Ambassador of Australia to the Holy See, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. Join us! As Pope Francis says “Come, let us talk this over. Let us dare to Dream.” (Let us Dream Prologue 7). To view the program and register for the conference visit www.mohmv.com.au or scan the QR code. •

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Interfaith Encounters is an empowering experience. Watch the video to see the program in action

Interfaith Encounters Program In 2020, with support and guidance from the Columban Centre for Christian‑Muslim Relations, Catholic Mission began developing a new inter‑school program, Interfaith Encounters. The program was co‑developed and piloted with 60 senior students from Unity Grammar in Austral and St Patrick’s Marist College in Dundas. “The shared vision for this program was evident as was the structure of the activities. It has made clear that we need to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities of experiencing another faith life,” says Matthew Paton, Assistant Principal of St Patrick’s Marist College In 2021, Catholic Mission’s Interfaith Encounters team will roll out the program with two more school partnerships in Western Sydney. Using Catholic Mission’s educational pedagogy, firmly based on experiential and immersive learning, the program is committed to celebrating difference, deepening faith, and promoting peace and social cohesion. The program provides students with knowledge, skills and experience in identity, dignity, and diversity. “We often look at the similarities, but it is also very important to look at some of the differences, to come to peace and be able to navigate through these differences because this is what makes us unique,” says Sheikh Arshad Khan, Head of Islamic Studies at Unity Grammar.

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During the six‑module program, students come together to get to know one another. Students grow a new appreciation of embracing diversity, experience visiting sacred places of different faith traditions, dialogue genuinely and openly with others from Muslim and Christian faiths and commit to concrete actions of harmony. “What I love about this program is that it’s actually just about being the best human being you can be,” says Aaron Boyd, CEO of Unity Grammar.

“Dialogue between the followers of different religions does not take place simply for the sake of diplomacy, consideration or tolerance. In the words of the bishops of India, ‘the goal of dialogue is to establish friendship, peace and harmony, and to share spiritual and moral values and experiences in a spirit of truth and love’.” Pope Francis wrote in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti For further information, please call 1800 257 296 or email info@catholicmission.org.au •

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“The Joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” Evangelii Gaudium (Image: Simone Medri)


Socktober gets bishops’ backing Lean more about Socktober and register today

Several of Australia’s Catholic bishops have thrown their support behind Catholic Mission’s community engagement program, Socktober, as it ramps up for another year of action. The program, which brings schools across the country together around World Mission Month, has piqued the interest of Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan of Adelaide, and Bishop Michael Kennedy of Armidale, who have lent their voices to the cause. Archbishop Prowse and Bishop Kennedy have temporarily parked their love for Australian Rules football to get behind the soccer‑themed Catholic Mission initiative. Both barrack for Hawthorn in the AFL, yet acknowledge the broader role of sport, especially the world game of soccer, as a metaphor for life.

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“Many kids around the world play soccer with a ball made of rags; it reminds us how blessed we are in a country like Australia,” says Bishop Kennedy, in a video aimed at engaging schools across Australia in the program.

They first learn the reality of children in disadvantaged communities through Socktober’s rich learning resources, then they feel empathy for those children and their situation, before taking practical individual and collective action to do something about it.”

“We all are called to be missionaries in the church, and to do something practical with mission. So, here’s your chance to get on board with Socktober, have some fun and be helping people at the same time.”

Last year, 373 schools responded to the call by registering for Socktober and together raising over $115,000 for children in need. Kim Hogan, Assistant Principal at St Kevin’s Primary School in the Newcastle suburb of Cardiff, said Socktober made mission engagement at her school much easier.

Although it enters its tenth year in 2021, Socktober’s underlying soccer theme is a relatively recent innovation for the program, based on the Sport at the Service of Humanity initiative, launched by Pope Francis in 2015. It sees participating schools take on two components: the Socktober Challenge, a comprehensive six‑module journey in mission, complete with activities, prayer, and reflection; and the Socktober Shootout, a whole‑of‑school activity, held on a school’s Mission Day, in which students shoot goals in a penalty‑style tournament and seek sponsorship from family and friends. Throughout both levels of engagement, students literally and metaphorically kick goals for kids in need. Matt Poynting, Catholic Mission’s National Community Engagement Officer, says the evolution of the program is about connection to the mission. ‘In both primary and secondary schools, the general feeling has been that students need a deeper understanding of why they are raising funds for those in need, which is just one part of the Socktober program,’ he said. “Socktober aims to build that understanding in the students through the head, heart, hands framework.

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“The Mission Day we held in term four was stress‑free, and we went from a very labor‑intensive process where we would raise $6‑$8 per head, to raising $25 per head with very little effort.” Over 40 St Kevin’s students signed up for Socktober in 2020, raising a total of $2,762 for children with disabilities in Cambodia, five times the amount raised in 2019. Kim says the fundraising was just part of their involvement. “On the Socktober Event Day itself, we had a range of other activities, including liturgy, social justice education and activities involving the students’ sockballs. The children had an enormous amount of fun.” On whether St Kevin’s would be involved again in 2021, Kim was positive: “If you’re onto a good thing, stick by it. We will continue to access Catholic Mission’s resources on the Socktober website and get our children to think more about the journey of Socktober.” The national launch of Socktober was held in June and Archbishop Prowse offered his encouragement from the nation’s capital. “I hope you give generously with the head, heart and hands reaching out to those in situations far more dire than here in Australia. It’s got my support; I hope it’s got yours.” To find out more information about Socktober and how you can support the school based engagement program visit socktober.org.au •

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Regional Office focus In January 2019, Catholic Mission opened its first international office located in south east Asia. The Regional Mission Development Office, established with approval from Rome, is located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The office provides easy access for Catholic Mission staff to interact with project partners on the ground throughout Asia. It is the first pilot project of its kind for the Pontifical Mission Societies as an international network. “This bridges the usual time gap and provides on‑the‑ground technical experience and support to our partners in the region,” says Catholic Mission’s Programs Manager Lawrence Gigliotti. “This Catholic Mission initiative was developed after our partners identified a need for greater capacity building across the region.” The Regional Mission Development Office is actively engaged in projects in Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor‑Leste, Thailand and Vietnam. Catholic Mission’s partners can more easily access support services and advice, and the office provides a consistent presence in the area. “This service enables us to boost our support in the delivery of projects across the region as we don’t lose as much time travelling back and forth between Australia and the places our partners work,” says Lawrence. The office has facilitated various project visits for donors, Catholic Mission staff, immersion groups of students and adventure groups. “We’ve organised and conducted workshops with priests and religious congregations on Church administration, and joined financial council meetings to discuss future financial sustainability of dioceses and congregations,” says Lawrence. “We also engaged with communities at local events and with Government officials, represented Catholic Mission at Bishops Conferences, and responded to emergency situations when they arise. The Regional Mission Development Office has provided a vital link between the Church of Asia and Catholic Mission.” The office is staffed by Catholic Mission’s Programs Manager, Lawrence Gigliotti, and Pisey Soeurn, a Cambodian Projects Officer who works alongside Catholic Mission’s project partners, helping them to implement and sustainably grow life‑giving, Church‑run programs supporting children and communities in need, and training future Church leaders.

Local Cambodian Projects Officer Pisey Soeurn grew up in a student hostel supported by Catholic Mission, and is now proud to be giving back his knowledge and expertise to his own community.

Pisey is himself a beneficiary of such a project. He grew up in a student hostel supported by Catholic Mission, and is now proud to be giving back his knowledge and expertise in his own community. •

“We’ve had great success in the work we’ve undertaken so far, creating more sustainable communities. In the coming years we look forward to continuing our work in expanding and supporting the Church to flourish,” says Lawrence.

Regional Office and Catholic Mission Team

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‘Thanks to the support of our Friends in Faith and Cambodia Mission Partners (two of our regular giving programs), families received bags of rice and other staples monthly to help cover their food needs.’

Caring for community during COVID‑19 In Battambang, Cambodia, Catholic Mission is empowering people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. During last year’s COVID‑19 lockdowns, we worked with rural communities in Cambodia to provide emergency relief and food support to people most in need. In all, forty families received 25kg of rice per month to help cover their food needs, and over one hundred more families received a sanitary and food package. Medical supplies were sent to 74 families. Catholic Mission’s Outreach Program works to restore the dignity of People with Disabilities (PwDs) and to promote social‑inclusion, self‑sustainability, and the integration of PwDs and their families into their local community. Through the dedicated work and support provided by team members in Cambodia, the Outreach Program has enabled local families to start businesses. In the communities of Prey Thom and Otanhea, a total of forty hectares of rice were grown. Each family in Prey Thom also received 19 chickens. In the communities of Rattanak Mondol and Koomreang, more than sixty families were provided support to grow cassava for harvesting. One of the participants impacted by the Outreach Program is Chantou San. As a landmine survivor, Chantou received support from the Outreach Program and the Arrupe Centre in the form of education, accommodation,

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and access to healthcare services. After completing high school, Chantou studied accounting with the support of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, at a residential vocational training centre and the Outreach Program’s scholarship program. She returned to train with the Outreach team after she finished her course and became a staff member. “I like my work here because I want to help people like me the way Outreach used to help me. I am very proud of myself when I visit and deliver support for them,” says Chantou.

“I hope one day they will have a better life by our help.” Catholic Mission is grateful for the support of programs like this not only empowering people with disabilities but providing life‑saving care to communities in need during COVID-19. For more information about the amazing mission programs like this in Cambodia, please visit catholicmission.org.au/cambodia • Learn more about how we are working with local communities

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Appeal puts its faith in war‑torn regions St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary has seen a rise in the number of men following their vocation, despite ongoing conflict in north‑western Cameroon. However, with a rising cost of living, many seminarians like Benjamin cannot afford to continue their studies without help. Since 2016, communities like Benjamin’s in the north‑west of the country have faced ongoing conflict due to government oppression and separatist attacks between the French and English‑speaking states of Cameroon. Over half a million people from rural communities have become internally displaced, with many fleeing to larger cities to escape the violence. “We hear [gun] shots every day – it is very troubling, traumatic actually. We have to transform this situation and give witness to justice and peace,” says Benjamin. Witnessing first‑hand the devastation these conflicts have on the people of Cameroon, suffering needlessly due to this violence, Benjamin is desperate to help in some way, and is confident he can become an effective Church leader for his community and provide support during these challenging times. Thanks to the generosity of Catholic Mission supporters, Benjamin can continue his seminary formation to complete his spiritual and practical studies.

“I know I have something to contribute. I just want to do something simple, to be of service,” says Benjamin. “These young men, studying at St Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui, will not only support those in their faith communities but will be advocates for change and carers for all in need,” says Catholic Mission National Director, Fr Brian Lucas. “In many countries around the world priests often fulfil not only a leadership role for their local parish, but for the wider community,” he says. A gift to Catholic Mission will also help many other mission programs supporting the education and formation of Church leaders, as well as Church‑run programs for children and communities in need in Cameroon and around the world. • Learn how your gift can help support and educate church leaders

Supporting the education and formation of Church leaders in Cameroon and around the world.

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Reconciliation Action Plan Over the past twelve months a group of five Catholic Mission staff members have been meeting virtually each fortnight to discuss and develop the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The process and development of this plan has been intentionally slow and has allowed opportunities to engage our staff across the country.

“The yarning circles provided opportunities to share where we are each at in our Reconciliation journey and to encourage one another to continue actively pursuing Reconciliation.”

“We have learnt much more about the experiences and connections our staff have built together with Aboriginal and Torres‑Strait Islander peoples through their work and community engagement and have begun sharing these experiences,” says Catherine Towiro, Chairperson of the RAP Working Group.

“We have seen an increase in Acknowledgment and connection to Reconciliation in the workplace,” says Catherine.

Speaking with representatives at the National Aboriginal and Torres-Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and Aboriginal Elders on how best to approach engaging our staff in Reconciliation, these conversations have led to a series of yarning circles with staff both virtually and face‑to‑face.

“There is greater communication across departments and dioceses regarding the best ways to weave Reconciliation into our work and overcome any fears or misunderstandings that may have been a hindrance in the past. More staff are voluntarily contributing their stories of Reconciliation and we are learning and growing together.” •

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The formation of the group is having a positive impact cross the organisation.

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David’s story: To me, this is legacy By David McGovern

I see all that I have as a blessing from our Lord, who loves us and wants to see us flourish. This hasn’t always been easy to hold onto, as in 2000, my wife, Celena and I, laid our daughter, Amber Rose, to rest at 137 days old. A decade later, we buried our five‑year‑old son, Brodie Joshua. In both instances, while it did not make their passing easier, I felt upheld by God and trusted His plan. It was hard to grasp this notion, however, when Celena died from liver failure in 2017. It was in the midst of my grief that I decided to arrange my affairs to leave a gift in my will to Catholic Mission. After Celena’s death, I began to fret that my time might come, and I didn’t have anyone to leave my earthly possessions to – there were no dependents and no spouse. But one thing I have learned is the concept of legacy. We don’t always know what impact our prayers and donations have on those to whom our prayers and our financial assistance is directed. We give, in confidence and faithfulness, trusting the work of the missionaries and Catholic Mission, to ensure the best results are achieved.

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To me, this is legacy. Like David, choosing to include a gift in your will to Catholic Mission helps to ensure that the legacy of your life continues well into the future. A gift in your will is a powerful gift with an eternal impact and will make a real difference in missionary communities and the lives of children and families for generations to come. To consider leaving a gift in your Will to Catholic Mission, please call 1800 257 296 or email info@catholicmission.org.au.

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Catholic Mission TV A selection for you

Tune in and subscribe today to discover playlists with a The best way to stay up to date with everything that’s happening at Catholic Mission is through range of updates, education resources, inspirational videos and heartfelt messages for supporters. Catholic Mission TV on YouTube.

#WeAreStillHere

Mission in 360

COVID‑19 has presented the world with new challenges in 2020, but Catholic Mission and our mission are still here. In this playlist you’ll find a collection of updates from Australia and around the world where the missionary endeavours are continuing amid the turmoil of the global COVID‑19 pandemic.

Don’t let travel restrictions hold you back from exploring the world. You’ll find videos that allow you to take a closer look at communities around the world in 360 degrees, and guide you through a deeper exploration of what you’re seeing. Great for kids and adults of all ages.

Good Shepherd Sisters

Socktober

Learn more about the work of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Thailand as they continue their mission to promote the dignity and human rights of all, especially women and children. Here is a collection of clips that will help you get to know Sister Chalaad, Sister Louise and the programs they run to support women and children in need.

You’ll be inspired by the witness of children around Australia playing their part in combating inequality and poverty through their participation in Socktober. You can find out more, meet the Socktober ambassadors, and even learn how to make your own sockball with this collection of clips.

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