National Director’s Report

As the National Director of Catholic Mission, I have the great pleasure to introduce the 2021-2022 Annual Report, a reflection of our ongoing work to promote mission in Australia and around the world.

This past year has been significantly eventful. We have had the tragedy of the conflict in Ukraine forcing millions of people to flee their country, famine in the Horn of Africa, ongoing persecution of Christians and the kidnapping and murder of priests and religious sisters. Yet, on a positive note, we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, one of the four Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), known in Australia as Catholic Mission.

While we are moving into the “new normal” after the pandemic, we are still facing challenges. The conflict in Ukraine has taken the world by surprise, forcing families to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Thanks to the strength of the PMS network, we were able to liaise with our counterparts, particularly in Poland and Romania, to provide material support and pastoral care for some of these families. We are grateful to our friends and supporters for their overwhelming generosity. It will be an ongoing effort to keep providing material support and pastoral care for what seems to be a very prolonged need. Pauline Jaricot, founder of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, was beatified on 22 May 2022 in a moving ceremony in Lyon, France. I was privileged to attend the ceremony as part of the Annual General Assembly of PMS National Directors. This is a unique opportunity to develop first-hand our partnerships with the mission churches.

Pauline devoted her life to the great work of mission. Catholic Mission continues Pauline’s vision to share God’s love by supporting mission development projects around the world where communities are in need.

The young churches, and those that are fragile, suffering persecution and fighting entrenched poverty, are grateful for your support as they grow towards greater self-sufficiency. I am proud of the ongoing resilience and commitment of the Catholic Mission team in finding new ways to engage and carry the work of mission in our world. Our Workplace Giving program, launched earlier this year, aims to provide a more effective way for generous supporters to make a difference using their pre-tax income. Last year, we saw increased involvement from students, parents and teachers through our schools engagement program, Socktober. Students grew in learning about the importance of mission by participating in this holistic formation and fundraising program, where they discover how they can turn their desire to help into concrete action. We continue our work of mission formation and advocacy, especially for those who are displaced or seeking asylum. Our Immersions Program is resuming after the COVID-19 setbacks, giving young people a direct experience of mission in action.

This annual report provides a summary and overview of the great work accomplished through the commitment of our supporters during the year, and shows our dedication to developing new pathways for putting mission into action and proclaiming the Gospel. We are grateful for the support you have provided. Thanks to you, Catholic Mission is able to reach out and give life.

Yours in Mission,

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

Part of the international Pontifical Mission Societies/Missio network

• Propagation of the Faith • Children’s Mission • St Peter Apostle