Annual Report
2023-24
This image: Children from a school in Uganda that is supported by Catholic Mission.
Cover image: Vitoria and her family in front of their shop in Venilale, Timor-Leste.
We Are Mission People, Organisation, Culture
Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international Mission agency in Australia. We partner with communities, helping them to flourish by supporting grassroots projects, including healthcare, education, and faith formation, and being an active voice for human rights.
Our Vision
That all may have life in Christ. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Our Mission
As the Pope’s international Mission agency, we respond to the call to love God and to love our neighbour by forming individuals and communities as missionary disciples of Jesus who share their faith in action and through prayer. We share in God’s mission to reach out and give life by sharing our personal and financial resources to:
• proclaim the Gospel
• serve people in need
• act for peace, justice and creation in partnership with local churches, so that all may have life in Christ.
“Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)
Our People
Thao Nguyen Accountant
“Working at Catholic Mission for the last five years has been an incredibly rewarding journey, allowing me to contribute to meaningful change and growth. Every day, I am inspired by the dedication of our people and the positive impact we strive to make in the communities we serve around the world.”
Tony Johnston Diocesan Director
“It has been a very enjoyable, learning and challenging five years, however the personal rewards working for Mission far outweigh the challenges. The ability to be part of an organisation that truly cares for others and has the opportunity to empower many groups of people – especially young people and people most in need – make the challenges seem insignificant.”
Souza
A Message from the National Director Fr Brian Lucas
As the National Director of Catholic Mission, it is my great pleasure to present to you an overview of the life-changing work we have undertaken during the 2023-24 financial year. Thanks to your devoted support, we have been able to provide much needed help to children, families and communities worldwide.
Pope Francis’ 2023 World Mission Month theme, ‘Hearts on fire, feet on the move’, inspired by the story of the disciples on the way to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke (cf. 24:13-35), has guided our work, putting our faith into action with a burning passion.
This was particularly the case in Timor Leste, one of the countries of focus in 2023, where, thanks to your generous support we were able to raise funds to provide the Maria Auxiliadora Clinic with a more secure future. Last September and October, Sr Carolina, a missionary nurse, and Sr Alma, a doctor at the Clinic, were our special guests here. Their meetings with our dedicated friends and supporters to share their reality truly resonated within the hearts of many.
As we bear witness to the Gospel, we were honoured to have our work recognised internationally by Pope Francis during his first apostolic journey to Mongolia in August 2023. His Holiness blessed the House of Mercy, a project supported by Catholic Mission, a safe haven for people facing homelessness and domestic violence. “The House of Mercy is meant to be the point of reference for a variety of charitable works, hands outstretched towards our brothers and sisters struggling to navigate life’s problems. A safe haven, in other words, where people can find a listening ear and an understanding heart,” said Pope Francis.
Increasing our collaboration with our worldwide network, we have had a leading role in the development of a content sharing platform for the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) national offices. This new platform is enabling all the PMS offices to continue to raise awareness about the great need to support missionary work around the world. One example was the raising of funds and awareness for seminarians in Nigeria, a country facing many challenges. Together with other PMS offices worldwide, we were able to share content and resources to provide greater assistance to the seminarians.
Another achievement was to conduct an internal review into our governance and structure to ensure we continually adopt best practice.
As we conclude another financial year, I want to express my sincere gratitude as the work we are doing is only made possible thanks to your generosity and support.
Yours in Mission,
Fr Brian Lucas National Director
Part
• Propagation of the Faith
• Children’s Mission
• St Peter Apostle
• Pontifical Missionary Union
of the international Pontifical Mission Societies/Missio network
Impact Snapshot
With your help we supported:
131 projects in 28 countries
2
South America Projects in Working with Communities 2
Africa
Working with Children 26
Working with Communities 4
Working with Church leaders 10 Projects in
40
Number of projects by region
Through our international network of the Pontifical Mission Societies, we contributed to support:
4,461,098 children
81,393 seminarians
6,643 novices
2,402 projects supporting communities
25,563
34,215
2,897
Our Global Network
Guided by Pope Francis’ 2023 World Mission Sunday theme ‘Hearts on fire, feet on the move’, we work hand-in-hand with passionate missionaries worldwide. We are committed to supporting ongoing projects and establishing new ones, always at heart to serve the people most in need.
One of our key achievements was the blessing of the House of Mercy in Mongolia by Pope Francis in August 2023. This project provides a safe haven for many people living on the margins of society in Ulaanbaatar. During the blessing, Pope Francis highlighted the missionary effort on the ground as being more than evangelical, with people focused on the greater good. He described the House of Mercy as a tangible expression of the Church’s care for others.
These (charitable works)
internally developed into long-term
projects are carried out mostly by the various missionary institutes present here and much appreciated by the population and civil authorities. Indeed, government has sought help from Catholic missionaries in confronting the numerous social emergencies,”
Pope Francis said.
It was an immense honour to have our work on the ground acknowledged as key in the development of the Church at an international level.
We are constantly reaching out to our sisters and brothers living on the margins, in synodality with the other Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS), and continue to provide life giving support to many communities worldwide. PMS agencies worldwide adopted the 2023 World Mission Sunday theme to highlight our solidarity and unique identity as being the Pope’s own Mission agency, and to celebrate the work of the missionaries on the ground.
Integral to the 2023 World Mission Month celebration was the impactful #Wearestillhere campaign, a unique global initiative that unites lay and religious missionaries from all corners of the
world. The video promotion was an invitation to answer the burning passion of our hearts and set ourselves in motion. By listening to our missionary call, we are able to open our hearts to welcome one another, as a global family.
‘We are ordinary people, yet our hearts are ablaze with an extraordinary passion, a flame for God, for humanity, for our collective future’ can be heard in the background of the video in many languages, reminding us of our global unity.
This image: Illustration of the 2023 theme chosen by Pope Francis to celebrate World Mission Sunday.
Mission Development Work
Since the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) began in 1822 it has prioritised what is referred to today as localisation. Simply put, this means local people making local choices to respond to local issues.
This practice is one of the longstanding strengths of the PMS and the wisdom of the organisation’s founders. As the Australian branch of the PMS, Catholic Mission has continued to focus on localisation as a key part of its ministry.
In 2019, Catholic Mission embarked on an ambitious pilot project, opening a Regional Mission Development Office (RMDO) in Cambodia. The goal was to provide a centralised location to empower and develop the Church across mission territories in South East Asia. Staff at the RMDO work with partners to build the capacity of the local Church, responding to daily needs. Today, the RMDO is manned completely by local Khmer staff, who operate across the region and beyond.
“Creating the RMDO team has enabled Catholic Mission to delve deeper into relationships and projects. Ultimately, this will be a vital part in providing the best support to communities we serve in the region,” said Lawrence Gigliotti, Associate Director of Programs at Catholic Mission.
Through a series of workshops and exchanges conducted across Asia, the team has brought together different project partners to exchange ideas, successes and challenges, and to encourage each other to explore the possibility of change in their communities.
Combining localisation and Catholic Mission’s unique Mission Development Theory has allowed for a continuing cycle of positive impacts. Creating
shared values, grounded in faith, ensures that we are meeting the needs of the people who are most disadvantaged.
To guide us in our work, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are being applied. This provides a universally shared blueprint for peace and prosperity across the world, now and into the future. The 17 objectives seek to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.
The blueprint is essential in guiding us in our interactions with project partners, fostering relationship development, and shaping a sustainable strategic approach. It has enabled us to establish a long-term vision with them, as together we aim to address grassroots issues within the community,”
said Lawrence.
Through supporting Catholic Mission in the past year you have helped address a broad range of issues, including access to health, education, food security, equality, increasing economic growth and creating more sustainable farming practices.
This image: A Cambodian family supported by a Catholic Mission project in their community.
Work with Children
In Timor-Leste, where 97 per cent of the population is Catholic and the median age is 21, the youthful population brings a message of hope and change. However, the challenging economic landscape leaves many young people struggling to find employment, particularly in rural areas like the Diocese of Baucau.
Venilale, a remote town situated 40 minutes by road from the town of Baucau, is a representation of this reality. The ability for young people to pursue higher education or learn a trade is severely hampered by financial constraints.
Thanks to the St Maria Mazzarello Vocational School, more students have access to education. The School was established in 1994 by the Salesian Sisters and renovated in 2023, as a result of your generous support. It is a growing and thriving education offering, equipping students with a variety of employable skills in the areas of hospitality and cooking.
Upon graduation, students have access to a range of employment opportunities including in hotels, restaurants, bars, bakeries, and catering services.
Through their studies, the students are taught how to prepare a variety of local and international dishes, learning how to run a kitchen and organise and supervise work in restaurants and bars.
In recent times the school was in urgent need of being updated so it could continue welcoming students and offering them quality education.
Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of our friends and supporters, the school was able to be refurbished, enabling students like Fernanda* to pursue her dream.
All new equipment has been purchased and installed, including cake mixers and blenders. Students have been taught how to use the new equipment to grow their skills.
Additionally, a study room with laptops, a projector, photocopier and airconditioning is creating a welcoming environment conducive to student learning.
“On behalf of the Salesian Sisters of Venilale, the teachers, staff and the students, we express our gratitude to God who has bestowed on us through our friends of Catholic Mission this refurbishment.
May God bless you and grant you all the graces that you need. Thank you very much for your loving care,” said Sr Carolina Maria Correia.
The resilience of the Salesian Sisters and the spirit of the students means that the School will continue to shine bright and provide the Venilale community with essential learning opportunities. Today, the School supports 214 students and stands as a beacon of hope for the youth of Venilale.
What I like the most is that in the future I will be able to live independently and will be able to help the family if they are no longer capable of helping me. I am willing to work to help them.”
Fernanda*, a student at St Maria Mazzarello
*Name changed to protect identity
$1.9m distributed to support children’s programs
81 projects supported in 18 countries
25,563 children supported
This image: A student at St Maria Mazzarello Vocational School, learning culinary skills for her future career.
Work with Communities
Providing access to basic healthcare and health education is essential for the wellbeing of communities – a need that was identified in 1995 by the Salesian Sisters in the rural town of Venilale, Timor-Leste, resulting in the creation of the Maria Auxiliadora Clinic.
Over the years, the Sisters have worked to establish positive and strong relationships with the people they serve, as they develop access to resources and infrastructure, and increase the number of healthcare professionals.
From June to December 2023, nearly 3,000 people were treated through the clinic for a range of conditions including acute diarrhea, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin diseases, anemia, hypertension, arthritis, and providing nutritional support for babies in need.
In providing people with physical and psychological care, the clinic takes a holistic approach by sharing healthy lifestyle skills and habits.
The Sisters have focused on health promotion, developing a health prevention program that aims to empower members of the community to have autonomy over their wellbeing.
Part of the program is promoting the importance of having a nutritious diet. To raise awareness, a nutrition program targeting students has recently been launched.
This healthy nutrition education and promotion program is for long term. The knowledge always remains (with each) individual person throughout their life...we can change the life of children by preparing them for the future...they will know how to prevent malnutrition,” said Sr Carolina Maria Correia.
Currently, 4,921 students across 24 schools are participating in the nutrition program. The program is being delivered by 13 staff including a nurse, midwife, public health professional, medical doctor and nutrition teacher.
Run in collaboration with teachers in the schools and parents in the community, the program aims to reach further as children are developing healthy eating habits for themselves and their families.
Students are taught a range of skills including how to maintain a healthy diet, how to identify different fruits and vegetables, and how to maintain a healthy weight range.
“We also learn how to prepare food, choose what is good and from this knowledge we know more, and we can have concentration in our study,” highlighted a student.
Thanks to generous contributions from people like you, the clinic has been able to continue its life giving work, reaching more members of the community to ensure they have access to better health outcomes.
This image: A young boy going for his regular check-up at the clinic.
$3.1m distributed to support community programs
33 projects supported in 15 countries
34,215 community members supported
This image: Sr Carolina standing in front of the clinic where she provides life-giving medical services for the local community of Venilale.
Work with Church Leaders
As part of the Pontifical Mission Societies, we are committed to providing support to Church leaders across the world. We offer prayers and financial support, so they can pursue their calling to become faith and community leaders.
This year, our support was essential to many Nigerian seminarians who are on their faith journey in a troubled environment, with the constant fear of being persecuted due to their beliefs.
Tragically, Nigeria was back in the international headlines late in 2023, following the massacre on Christmas Eve which claimed more than 200 lives and saw 37 villages razed.
For some of the seminarians, like Isaac, it was a situation too well known. The young seminarian witnessed his family being torn apart by the ethnic conflict in the area, resulting in the death of his three brothers.
“It’s a devastating and heartbreaking situation. I was in the seminary when they called me about my three elder brothers. Being a man of peace, I can do nothing but pray for their peaceful repose and for peace to exist between the two ethnic groups,” shares Isaac.
The current situation is complex and is the result of years of tensions between different ethnic groups, encompassing issues linked to food insecurity and poverty, contributing to the general instability.
Committed to the ongoing support of the Nigerian people and the development of future Church leaders, we are dedicated to assisting seminarians on their path to priesthood. It is envisioned these future priests will be pillars within their communities, embodying and spreading the Gospel values of justice, peace, and love.
The
insecurity in Nigeria is worrisome. No part of the country is safe. It is making missionary work difficult in the country. The attack on Christmas Eve was barbaric and senseless. There is a serious humanitarian crisis in the area now. I call on you all to support us with your prayers so that the insecurity and persecution of Christians in Nigeria will come to an end. Your prayers and support will be greatly appreciated.”
Fr Solomon Patrick Zaku, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Nigeria
distributed to support programs for future Church leaders
25 projects supported in 7 countries
2,897 future Church leaders supported
This image: Seminarians like Isaac are dedicating their lives to serve their community.
Work in Mission Formation and Education
Formation is the work of deepening one’s understanding of God’s mission in the world today and learning how to be more effective in the work of mission here and now.
Adult Formation and Professional Development
More than 350 participants committed to the work of Mission from all walks of life joined us for the 2023 ‘Mission: One Heart Many Voices’ (MOHMV) conference. The gathering was a unique opportunity to discuss the impact of mission on communities and how together we can enhance this.
The conference has been a transformative experience.
I leave here with a renewed sense of hope and purpose, ready to make a difference in my own community,”
shared Danielle, one of the attendees.
Interculturality Program
Interacting with people from different cultures can be a challenge for many – especially for newly a rrived priests, chancery staff, seminarians, permanent deacons, and clergy – who need to be culturally aware to better serve the people in their parish. Through our Cultural Competency for Mission program, we design strategies to facilitate dialogue between people to develop a common understanding of our cultural differences. This program is currently run across several dioceses including Broken Bay, Sydney, Townsville, and Perth.
Advocacy
Being a strong voice for vulnerable groups is core to what we do. To be effective in the advocacy space we are forming our staff in cultural knowledge and skills through the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council. It enables us to better deliver programs that are designed to support First Nations People, such as the Community Catechist Leadership program. First established in Alice Springs in 2021, we are now exploring four new locations for the program in remote Australia.
Our refugee advocacy work has also expanded, as we become an active supporter of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program, an initiative which welcomes and supports newly a rrived refugee families and individuals.
Interfaith Encounters
With the support of a Multicultural NSW grant, the Interfaith Encounters program continues to grow, bringing together 218 senior students, plus staff, of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds from three Muslim and three Catholic schools. As the program developed, new partnerships were formed with Young Christian Workers and Together for Humanity.
Immersions
In 2023, 14 school groups totalling 206 students and teachers participated in a 10 day life changing immersion to five locations in remote Australia and the Asia P acific region, where they discovered a new meaning to mission.
Two new host communities have been developed, one in Thailand and another in the Philippines, where students from De La Salle University in Dasmarinas will welcome Australians for their in c ountry experience.
Ecological Action Plan
We continue to roll out our Ecological Action Plan to further respond to the growing need to take care of our common home as highlighted by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’.
“The plan takes inspiration and guidance from the Laudato Si’ Action Platform and Catholic Mission has committed to its ongoing review and development. I believe it will influence future projects and priorities by listening to the voices of knowledge holders, building vibrant local regenerative communities, and providing ways to act now for a better tomorrow,” said Liesje Barratt, Mission Formation Coordinator at Catholic Mission.
participants in the immersion program
students involved in Interfaith Encounters program
This image: Participants at the MOHMV conference youth event held in May 2023.
Engaging with Youth
We are committed to pursuing our work within school communities, parishes and youth networks, creating and fostering connections to further reach out to young people.
Socktober
Socktober continues to grow, with more students being introduced to the challenges faced by the children in Timor Leste and in other countries around the world. In 2023, the program raised awareness around the importance of having access to healthcare and nutrition education. Students, staff, teachers and families all participated in the program, not only providing financial assistance but also reinforcing their personal commitment to create a more just world.
Praying, Advocating and Acting
Continuing our formation aspect in schools, our team worked directly with 365 schools, providing tangible resources and conducting workshops to educate students on issues of mission and justice. Students have been empowered to contribute to God’s mission in the world by turning their faith into action through prayer, advocacy and fundraising.
Mission Ambassador Program
The pilot program launched in 2022 23 continued to be rolled out in 2023 24. Many schools across the country have now joined the program to extend their engagement in spreading awareness about the work of missionaries worldwide. More than just providing fun activities for children, the program enables them to build confidence in themselves and shares the Good News message beyond the classroom and family setting. Increasing in numbers, Mission Ambassadors are key to being witness to the work of mission in their community.
Images:
Images L-R: A Timorese student beneficiary of one of the supported projects; students in Australia discovering another reality through the 360 VR device; a young student Mission Ambassador making a presentation at a school.
$594,392
raised in schools across Australia
547
schools engaged with Catholic Mission
I would highly recommend the Socktober campaign across our school communities as it allows the students to really bond and develop a strong rapport with one another in a nice and engaging manner.
Our engagement with Socktober and working with Catholic Mission allows the school students to live out aspects of our school core values, which is inspired by the words of St Mary of the Cross, ‘never see a need without trying to do something about it’.
Socktober really benefits the students’ leadership capacity, as they run it alongside the younger students here at our school. Year 10 students were able to take on more leadership roles this year as seniors, as they had already demonstrated those leadership capabilities last year with the junior cohort.
It also allowed them to lend aspects of Mass taught using the Socktober developed resources and helped with developing their own religious understanding, so they could apply some of the liturgical passages they came across in their religious education courses.
I really enjoyed watching the students interact with one another, participating and going through the program together. It was a such a great opportunity and so nice to see. My favourite thing about Socktober was witnessing the senior students
really get involved and lead some of the younger students in the community. We enjoyed some activities throughout the days, such as making sock balls, raising funds through the different ventures we hosted during our campaign and running the soccer shoot out, which was nice to see and was a fun experience for the entire school community to be a part of.”
Teliece Wallace, Wellbeing Engagement Officer at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Aberdeen, NSW
This image: A school group participating in an immersion in rural Australia.
Engaging with Parish Communities
Grant and his wife Kay have been supporting the work of Catholic Mission for more than 20 years, taking part in different initiatives and programs. We asked Grant about his journey with us and the impact it has had on him.
What initially inspired you to get involved and what has motivated you to continue your support for such a long period?
Basically, as a child I was very much aware of Catholic Mission; our family always gave through school. Then in the late 70s and early 80s, I was travelling to Papua New Guinea and came in contact directly with Catholic missionaries. I was very impressed with the work they did and with the actual people themselves. It was probably just over 20 years ago, I was at Mass and there was a visiting priest who explained what Catholic Mission was doing. That prompted me to start making contributions, which I’ve been doing since then.
Over the years, you’ve contributed to various programs. Can you highlight some specific projects that you have found particularly impactful?
We haven’t given to every appeal but we give a set amount every month. It’s just that every now and again, a particular project appeals to our sensibilities. Like when you hear about a project and you are like, ‘This is amazing, we really want to be part of it’. Last year, there was the appeal for the clinic in Timor Leste and that really appealed to me because I could see that it is a very Catholic country but also a very undeveloped country. The program actually made an input into the social
development of the people and nurtured the faith, which is very strong.
It’s not just something where you give some money, which in some ways is easy. You could just throw some money at something and then your conscience is clear. But I think it’s a worthy cause – and the fact that I just felt obliged to be more of assistance. It was probably one of the things that struck me, going and meeting with missionaries. They lived such interesting lives and they were giving so much. I felt the need to do what I can to assist those people and their work.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your involvement?
I don’t think in terms of legacy because basically, my input or financial input is so insignificant in the whole, it’s part of a total contribution. Hopefully, my legacy will be my family will think of me as a good person, someone who gave them some value. It’s just that I’ve had a good life, and I feel like I could give something back to God or to the Church. I feel that Catholic Mission needs support. I really don’t expect anything that I’ve put to make a significant difference, but the point is that if there are other people like me, enough of them will make a difference.
This image: A parish community listening to a talk about the work of mission here in Australia and around the world.
parishes partnering in World Mission Month
This year, you plan to step up as a speaker in the Mission Ambassador Program. What message do you hope to convey to the parishes in Melbourne? Everyone likes a story: what is Catholic Mission about and what they are doing, how we can help them? The fact is that you’re not necessarily looking for everyone to contribute. Some people make ongoing commitments but it’s a matter of virtue just bringing attention to Catholic parishioners. But there’s the other side, what Catholic Mission can do for the parishioners. If you receive something, that’s great, but there is actually a joy in giving, especially for a good cause. There is a reward for the people becoming involved with and supporting Catholic Mission.
I really don’t expect anything that I’ve put to make a significant difference, but the point is that if there are other people like me, enough of them will make a difference.”
Grant, Supporter of Catholic Mission
Engaging with Supporters
To give you deeper insight into what it means to be part of the Catholic Mission community, we asked Beryl Watson, a lifelong supporter and Mission Ambassador, to share her experiences. Beryl’s journey from her early days fundraising with her family to her current role as a Mission Ambassador offers a heartfelt perspective on the impact and importance of Catholic Mission’s work.
Can you please introduce yourself and your connection to Catholic Ministry?
My name is Beryl Watson and I grew up as a cradle Catholic. By the age of 11 I realised that my Catholic faith was deeply intertwined with my family’s efforts in fundraising to help my dad build a church, a presbytery, a convent, and a school over a period of five years. This church is St Luke’s at Revesby, NSW.
I remember clearly fundraising, such as selling tickets for ‘bingo and house parties’ where everyone in the parish came to support.
Later on in my life, I went further into mission by supporting the building of a hospital in Uganda to give women greater dignity and safe delivery for babies.
Subsequently, in my later years, at New Farm Parish I connected with Sue Williams – when she worked previously as an Assistant to the Principal Religious Education at school and now works for Catholic Mission – and cemented my relationship with Catholic Mission as a Mission Ambassador.
What does it mean to be part of Catholic Mission’s friends and community?
I feel a deep sense of connection seeing their work being carried out through their Mission Ambassador program where lay people can represent Christ in the world today. As a speaker, I feel a great sense of responsibility to share and get the message across for the Church leaders who need the financial support for their communities.
I enjoy being with like minded people living their faith through missionary work. While we can’t be missionaries on the ground, we can do our tiniest bit by sharing their work and raising much needed funds for them.
The chance opportunity to meet Sr Carolina from Timor Leste last year has been most transformative. She has anchored me in continuing to practice my faith with zeal and energy like never before. And this year, even meeting His Eminence Cardinal Giorgio Marengo I.M.C. at a talk and a Mass has really left a deep impression and given me the strength to continue to serve as a speaker.
How can people further live their missionary calling through Catholic Mission?
Donating is one way they can help, being a monthly donor is even better if people have the capacity. One amazing way to be more involved is by finding out more about the work Catholic Mission does.
Particularly in Brisbane, the doors are always open to anyone who wants to know more about their work. Their annual Mission Ambassador training is always invigorating, where updates of new projects are provided to existing Mission Ambassadors, and at the same time, gives new Mission Ambassadors a chance to see how mission is carried out.
What does it mean to be a Mission Ambassador for Catholic Mission?
Being a Mission Ambassador means so much more – it is an act of love and demonstrates my faith of God through the work at Catholic Mission. It is also extremely humbling when you have a parishioner come up after a talk and say, ‘thank you for your presentation which meant so much to me’.
I am grateful that as a speaker I can make a difference to help various communities achieve their needs and provide the families, mothers and children around the world a better life.
I am grateful that as a speaker I can make a difference to help various communities achieve their needs and provide the families, mothers and children around the world a better life.”
Beryl Watson, Supporter of Catholic Mission and Mission Ambassador
Partnering for a Sustainable Impact
Together, we can make a lasting difference at a greater scale. Whether you wish to support projects in education, healthcare, spiritual growth or community development, your partnership with us is a testament to your commitment to the great work of Mission, embodying the values of the Gospel. We invite you to partner with us to further our reach and provide enduring, positive change in many communities.
Im pact Investing
Impact Investing at Catholic Mission is similar to the parable of the loaves and fishes; one seemingly small contribution can go on to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of people. We partner with projects that can generate their own income, placing long term sustainability and lasting generational impact at the forefront. At the same time, we are building the capacity of local churches and the communities they serve as they generate reliable income streams through social enterprise.
“Through the generous support of Catholic Mission Australia and the hard work of Bishop Olivier and our dedicated teamwork, this project has transformed an existing old hotel offering guests a unique experience while empowering the local community.
“Finally, we are eager to open our doors and welcome guests from near and far. We are confident that Eden ECO Hotel will not only be a successful venture but also a source of pride for the Kep Province community. We are deeply grateful to Catholic Mission for their unwavering support and belief in our vision. We invite you to visit Eden ECO Hotel soon and experience first h and the fruits of this collaborative effort.”
Oudom Manager, Eden ECO-Hotel
Workplace Giving
Workplace Giving is a powerful way to support children, communities, and future Church leaders around the world; amplifying the impact of our mission to serve the most vulnerable and create lasting, positive change. Regular payroll deductions allow employees and employers to partner with Catholic Mission by making easy and efficient pre tax deductions.
Speaking of the impact of Workplace Giving through the Catholic Schools Office in Maitland-Newcastle, Steve Lemos, said:
“This generosity from our staff can go unnoticed but the impact of more than $30,000 in donations, during the 2023 24 financial year, does transform lives. Small amounts can, and do, add up. It also shows the huge potential there is for this form of giving to grow; if more people, in their work context, donate the cumulative impact would be truly incredible. Please consider your capacity to share through regular salary deductions and join with my peers, from the Maitland Newcastle Diocese, as they lead the way to make ‘thy Kingdom come’, here on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Steve Lemos
Head of the Catholic Schools Office for Maitland-Newcastle Diocese
This image: The Eden ECO-Hotel, recently renovated and now able to generate its own income.
Philanthropic Partnerships
Individuals, families, trusts, foundations and private ancillary funds can partner with us to deliver programs and services to children, communities and future Church leaders in Australia and overseas. These partnerships enable us to create a positive and lasting impact in the lives of the people most in need. The Noel and Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation is a valued partner of Catholic Mission, and has supported us throughout many years and projects.
“For more than 50 years the O’Brien family has supported education projects and programs in developing countries. Through our collaboration with Catholic Mission we have been able to extend our reach and impact in Cambodia, Timor Leste, and Myanmar. Together, we have focused on empowering young people through education and vocational training, with a strong focus on the long term sustainability of these projects. This partnership has resulted in significant infrastructure developments in teacher training and hospitality training, which are vital for community advancement.
“A great example of our collaboration was during the critical early days of the COVID crisis in Myanmar when our foundation was ready and willing to supply oxygen tanks. The distribution of these oxygen tanks during a time of great need was made possible thanks to our partnership with Catholic Mission, highlighting the agility and responsiveness that can occur when foundations partner with ready and able not for profit organisations. The trust and interpersonal relationship we have created during the years of partnership has been an essential part of our journey and collaboration.
The synergy between private foundations and Catholic Mission not only amplifies our collective efforts but also showcases how strategic partnerships can drive meaningful, lasting change around the world.”
Brendan O’Brien Executive Director, NCOBF
Pty Ltd atf The Noel and Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation
Images: Forming future professionals at a vocational training centre in Cambodia.
Empowering Future Leaders of Ethiopia through Education
The Lideta Catholic Cathedral School (LCCS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, provides scholarships to children whose families are unable to cover tuition costs, so they have access to high-quality education and the opportunity to change their futures.
Thanks to your generous support and prayers, 160 students, like Erol*, have been able to continue their education at LCCS, setting them on a path to a promising future.
Erol’s mother, Beth*, works hard selling vegetables and goods at the local market for income, yet faces challenges in paying tuition for her three sons and managing household expenses. But, with the scholarships from LCCS, Erol and his two older brothers have been able to continue their education, ensuring they could follow their dreams and interests.
Both of Erol’s brothers have made significant strides in their careers as a medical doctor and an architect. They now give back to their family, helping to reduce the financial burden on their mother.
Currently in Grade 8, Erol is following in his brothers’ footsteps, utilising the scholarship program to further his education and future.
“We are very grateful. Without your support, many children would have missed the opportunity to receive the good education offered here. I really thank you on behalf of these children and their families. This practical support not only benefits the children but also supports families in their journey out of poverty,” said Sr Carmen Sammut SJA, who oversees the scholarship program at LCCS.
*Names changed to protect identity
This image: A classroom of students studying at LCCS.
Hope and a New Beginning for Refugee Families
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has sparked Europe’s largest humanitarian crisis since World War II, displacing millions and creating countless refugees. In response, beyond immediate support in 2022, Catholic Mission provides funding to Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and their partners.
The focus is on the resettlement of refugee communities and offers psychosocial support, healthcare, education, community integration programs and legal assistance to secure work permits and refugee status in host countries.
Inna* fled to Poland with her child when the war started. It was extremely difficult for her to live in a country without any relatives or close friends and to thrive while caring for her child. Back home, Inna was a Chief Specialist in the preschool department at the Education Administration. Upon arrival in Poland, Inna tried her best to find a job in her field but it wasn’t easy.
“First, I was looking for a job corresponding to my position in Ukraine. I failed to find it. I did not know Polish, and there were no vacancies,” said Inna.
She decided to enrol in a Polish language course through the integration program provided by JRS. As her language skills improved, she thankfully received a job offer at a café and was able to make a living working there. With the experience she gained from this work, and support from her parents, Inna was able to open her own café and now works tirelessly to create a place where people feel comfortable and safe.
Thanks to your generosity, 79,767 refugees like Inna have been supported in rebuilding their lives in new environments through access to essential resettlement services.
*Name changed to protect identity
This image: Inna at her cafe in Poland.
Financials Snapshot
Engaging with Managed Fund Partners
Part of our work is to support smaller charities in Australia that do not have access to tax-deductible status due to their operational size. Called Managed Fund Partners, they provide essential support to projects worldwide and specifically focus on one key project. To enable this partnership, Managed Fund Partners need to provide documentation about their registration and comply with the same processes as other Catholic Mission projects to qualify.
This partnership framework allows Catholic Mission to extend its impact beyond its direct initiatives, fostering a supportive environment for smaller charities across Australia. The Managed Fund Partners service not only helps Catholic Mission fulfil its mission of serving those in need but also strengthens the charitable sector by building the capacity of smaller organisations to thrive and grow.
One such example of a charity benefitting from this service is the Let African Children Learn Association (LACLA). This organisation focuses on enabling students from the most disadvantaged communities in Mansa, Zambia, to access an education, thus providing them with a future filled with hope for their families and communities.
Dorothy Makasa, an active volunteer at LACLA, emphasises the importance of this partnership: “In this day and age, when people really want a receipt for tax, as a smaller organisation, not having the capacity to obtain tax deductibility, it is really important for our donors to support our work. By becoming a Managed Fund Partner with Catholic Mission, LACLA can offer tax deductible receipts to our donors, enhancing our ability to attract and retain supporters.”
The Managed Fund Partners service is especially important for smaller organisations that lack the capacity or legal status to provide tax deductions themselves. By partnering with us, these smaller charities can focus on their core mission, and appeal to a broader base of supporters who prefer to donate to causes where their contributions are tax deductible.
“We are proud to be able to support smaller charities in creating a more just world. Managed Fund Partners are leading key projects in many communities around the world, and we are able to make sure they can continue their life giving work,” said Fr Brian Lucas, Catholic Mission National Director. “This model exemplifies how strategic
collaboration can address operational challenges and improve overall community support and service delivery.”
Catholic Mission’s Managed Fund Partners service is a crucial initiative, enabling smaller charities like LACLA to enhance their reach and impact, helping them serve their communities more effectively.
This image: Student beneficiaries of LACLA’s project.
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This image: Students in Timor-Leste are benefitting from projects that offer them greater options