Programs Report

Lawrence Gigliotti Programs Manager

Catholic Mission has continued to lead the way in assisting vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic.

Each one of us has had to adapt and evolve in line with COVID‑19. Catholic Mission has maintained close connections with our overseas partners through digital platforms and building on the already strong relationships with so many dioceses and congregations across the world. Our mission development model, through building capacity, is to journey together and provide technical support to our partners, as we seek to participate in Christ’s mission of proclaiming and establishing God’s Kingdom. Today, more than ever, we need to be able to assist those in need, giving a voice to the voiceless, assisting the most vulnerable and working with local people who may otherwise not receive the support needed to carry out their work. Catholic Mission provides not only for physical needs but supports the spiritual and pastoral needs of our partners. Many of our partner projects support the training of catechists, seminarians, and community development practitioners. Pope Francis’ third encyclical “Fratelli Tutti”, calls for an accepting Church of fraternity and social friendship regardless of borders, conflict, fear or, of course, the current pandemic. At Catholic Mission, we have embraced this call to work with our partners to ensure a more sustainable future.

As part of our sustainable vision, we have developed our unique impact investing model to ensure long‑term and sustainable assistance can be provided to the most vulnerable. Impact investing ensures that our partners are less dependent on outside support, leading to increased self‑worth. Ultimately, this facilitates the vision and plan allowing for evolving strategies to carry out the Mission of God. This is a new concept at Catholic Mission, embracing Pope Francis’ call to move forward in fraternity without fear.

Through the establishment of our Regional Mission Development Office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2019, Catholic Mission has continued to have a local presence in the South‑East Asian region throughout the pandemic. Our local team was instrumental in supporting the coordination and delivery of relief for disadvantaged families during the lockdown of Phnom Penh City. Catholic Mission has also been working with partners across the world in delivering support in Ethiopia, India, Thailand, and Myanmar. With the ongoing challenges facing the people of Myanmar, Catholic Mission continues to offer prayers and practical support where possible during this troubling time. Over the coming year, Catholic Mission will continue to embark on new and exciting projects in different regions around the world. We will continue to heed the message of Pope Francis, serving as part of a worldwide network to support the mission of the Church and assist other young Churches on their way with prayer and charity.

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