Annual Report 2018-19 by Catholic Mission

2018-19 ANNUAL REPORT

This image: A young girl attends Mass in Pan Hlaing, Myanmar. On her face she wears thanaka, a paste made from tree bark and used for both cosmetic and sun protection purposes.

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Cover image: Children play at the Cathedral of St Mary in Kalay, Myanmar.

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Published: August 2019 by Catholic Mission. © Copyright Catholic Mission 2019 ABN 52 945 927 066

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Catholic Mission acknowledges that we live and work on the land of Australia’s First Peoples. We pay our respect to the ever‑present spirituality of Elders past and present.

Email admin@catholicmission.org.au

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

CONTENTS We are Mission: Our People

page 4

Immersions Report

page 14

National Director’s Report

page 5

Programs Report

page 15

Catholic Mission’s Work in Formation and Education

page 6

Fundraising and Donor Services Report

page 16

Catholic Mission’s Work with Communities

page 8

Communications and Media Report

page 17

Catholic Mission’s Work with Children

page 10

Financial Report

page 18

Catholic Mission’s Work with Church Leaders

page 12

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

We are Mission People, Organisation, Culture Who are we?

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Mission forms Australians for mission and raises funds for mission—in Australia and around the world.

Our Mission

Locally and globally, we answer the call to love God and to love our neighbour, and work to establish the Reign of God through building communities of missionary disciples who share their faith by proclaiming the Word, serving people in need, acting for justice and creation, and adopting child‑focused, community‑based development programs.

Our Values

• Be Prophetic

• Be Respectful

• Be Theologically Grounded

• Be Affirming

• Be Missionary

• Be Accountable

• Be Collaborative

• Celebrate!

Our people

Rosanne Brown

Thomas Ng

Mark Toohey

Receptionist/Personal Assistant/ Donor Services Assistant 10 years at Catholic Mission “Knowing that the work we do is helping those in need gives me inspiration to come to work each day. We are all doing our bit to improve their lives in many ways.”

Donor Relations Officer – Sydney, Broken Bay and Parramatta Dioceses 5 years at Catholic Mission “I am honoured and privileged to be a catalyst between the benefactor and receiver. As such, I not only see God’s love and generosity for His people, but also people loving God’s people by giving and sharing what they have. What a blessing!”

Diocesan Director, Diocese of Maitland‑Newcastle 5 years at Catholic Mission “I feel privileged to work with donors young and not so young, who through their generosity support emerging faith communities around the world. These communities are then enabled to address pressing human need and in the process witness to the Joy of the Gospel and the transformative power of God in their lives.”

Anniversaries Term

Name

Celina Speers – Fundraising Coordinator

Pia Espiritu – Data Analyst

Lawrence Gigliotti – Programs Manager

John Goonan – Diocesan Director (ret.)

Matthew Poynting – Senior Communications Officer

Aynsley Vernon – Senior Fundraising Officer

In Memoriam

Jeanette Cardoz Office Manager (2013 – 2019) Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest in peace. (1956 – 2019)

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

National Director’s Report A dedicated staff in the dioceses and in the national office all work to promote our various programmes and engage with our supporters. This is a work of collaboration so that our supporters can truly engage in mission.

In my annual report message last year, I gave some space to the words of Pope Francis and the announcement of the October 2019 Extraordinary Month of Mission. Pope Francis has urged us to join with him and all the local churches in a renewal of Church’s missionary commitment. That month is now upon us and the Catholic Mission website has details of many of the events and initiatives within the Australian dioceses as they respond to this invitation. As I say each year, annual reports, though retrospective in nature, are just as much about looking forward. This annual report celebrates the many wonderful achievements of 2018‑19. The achievements of you, our supporters and stakeholders who contribute your time, energy, commitment and funds to support the Church’s mission in the world are foremost. Without our supporters, the good works that are illustrated in this report would simply not have happened. A dedicated staff in the dioceses and in the national office all work to promote our various programmes and engage with our supporters. This is a work of collaboration so that our supporters can truly engage in mission.

This year we took the initiative to bring our call centre functions in‑house to strengthen the personal relationship with our supporters. Even though some of the calls are administrative, checking credit card expiry or other details, many supporters engage in conversation with our staff and often tell us of various issues and challenges that are troubling them (bereavements or sickness, for example). We enter those details in our book of remembrance, and during our staff mass all those intentions are included. Catholic Mission has joined with Archdiocese of Melbourne in sponsoring Mass for You at Home (6.00am Sundays on Channel 10) and you might like to tell people who cannot get to Mass of this option (which is also signed for the hearing impaired). Our website has been revamped and we are moving more and more into the world of social communication to connect with the next generation of supporters. Catholic Mission is privileged to have partnered with the Australia Catholic Bishops Conference and is providing some staff to assist with the facilitation and preparation process for the Plenary Council. This is very much a response to our mandate to form missionary disciples. Our main parish appeal focused on the work of the Church in Myanmar, but this is only an example of more than 350 projects in 44 countries that we support through the three international Pontifical Mission Societies of Propagation of the Faith, Holy Childhood and St Peter Apostle (for training clergy and religious).

“The Church, precisely as a body made up of members, is a promoter of evangelization. The support we offer has a very important function: to help missionaries to not feel alone, but rather supported by the whole Church. In fact, just as no one can believe alone, no one can be a missionary alone. The whole Church is subject of evangelization, and therefore no missionary is alone, but supported by the rest of the Christian community, in whose name he carries out his mission.” + Giampietro Dal Toso President, Pontifical Mission Societies

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

The stories and reports in this publication are achievements of which we should all be exceptionally proud, and as always I welcome your feedback at any time. Yours in Christ,

Fr Brian Lucas National Director

Catholic Mission’s Work in Mission Formation and Education Jenny Collins‑White, Mission Formation Manager

The Mission Formation team carries the work of the Pontifical Missionary Union to transform hearts and minds to live the joy of the Gospel and lead mission. We facilitate opportunities to encounter God in the world through an immersive, interactive pedagogy of dialogue, encounter and experience which engages the whole person.

The Pontifical Missionary Union (PMU) is the society of the Pontifical Missionary Societies that seeks to affirm Pope Francis’ call that mission is much more than fundraising. ‘May the missionary ardour that consumed Blessed Paolo Manna, and from which the Pontifical Missionary Union flowed, continue still today to burn, to impassion, to renew, to rethink and to reform the service that the work is called to offer the whole Church. Your Union must not be the same next year as this year; it must change in this direction, it must be converted to this missionary passion.’ Pope Francis’ Address to the Superior Council of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, June 2016. The Mission Formation team carries the work of the PMU to transform hearts and minds to live the joy of the Gospel and lead mission. We facilitate opportunities to encounter God in the world through an immersive, interactive pedagogy of dialogue, encounter and experience which engages the whole person. Our formation and education programs and resources have local and global perspective and include: • I nternational and Indigenous immersions for students and adults; • E ngaging workshops and international guest speakers on mission for school students; •W orld Mission Month resources for students, teachers and catechists; •A dvocacy in support of children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

•P rofessional development and learning programs of contextual mission for adults and leaders working in Catholic organisations, institutions and agencies across sectors of health, social services, education and diocesan local church. This includes a biennial mission leadership conference. Adult Formation and Professional Development The Adult Formation team has been continuing our work this past year in major partnerships with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDOW) and Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP). CEDOW now has eleven schools engaged in the further development and implementation of our Educating with a Mission Lens program. The CEDP has engaged the team in retreats and formation days with their own Catholic Life and Mission Team, as well as Assistant Principals and Middle Leaders within schools in the system. Catholic Mission’s Deputy National Director, Peter Gates, has played a crucial role in the important work of the Plenary Council, supported by our Adult Formation team including Luke Tobin, Jo Kenny, Fr Noel Connolly and Marilyn Bellett. An important development in 2018 has been the establishment of an interculturality program under the expertise of accredited trainer Patrick Fox. The program aims to build cultural awareness and cross‑cultural skills for participants to help them work more effectively in their ever‑increasing multicultural communities and culturally diverse partnerships. Engagement with the program across Australia has been significant.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Catholic Mission has financially contributed to the Women in Leadership program, a graduate certificate qualification sponsored by the Australian Catholic University, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic Mission to assist in the development of future women leaders in mission. Schools Formation Programs and World Mission Month Continuing on from the success of the 2017 World Mission Month resources which incorporated the use of the 360 virtual reality (VR) technology for the first time, three exciting new videos were produced in 2018 with a focus on Myanmar. The formation team continues to improve and expand the schools resources by incorporating a variety of materials aimed at engaging both teachers and students from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experience. Our formation programs continue in schools with a highlight being the facilitation of an entire justice day for Years 7‑10 at St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas in March 2019. Students engaged in role plays, performances, simulations, group work, dancing, thinking, reflecting, and making action plans all aimed at learning how they can contribute to God’s mission in this world in their everyday actions. Through the partnership agreement with Young Christian Students (YCS) and Young Christian Workers (YCW), Catholic Mission connects with and empowers young people from around the country in their understanding of Mission and active, Christian leadership. Importantly, this partnership is a means to reach young people from 13 to 30 years old and is continually evolving with a critical strategy incorporating Catholic Mission’s Immersion Program.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Advocacy in Support of Children and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Catholic Mission is a founding member of the End Child Detention Coalition (ECDC) which was incorporated in 2017. This coalition consists of 27 organisational members, both faith‑based and secular, who are seeking legislative change to ensure children will not be detained in the future. These collaborations are fundamental to the success of the Church’s work in the advocacy space. We continue advocating for child rights and work with other coalition members, such as the Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum and Jesuit Refugee Services, to uphold the dignity and humanity of people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Through ECDC, Catholic Mission has added its voice regionally and internationally through taking on a regional advisor role for the International Detention Coalition. Advocacy in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is focused on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) partnership, assisting with NATSICC events such as the NATSICC Assembly held in Perth in 2018 and the development of a leadership formation program. The Mission Formation team is extremely grateful for all the support of its partners and stakeholders in the work of living mission to bring about the Reign of God here and now.

Learn more about our work in mission formation and education

Catholic Mission’s Work with Communities

Catholic Mission’s work with communities is delivered through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and encompasses church and community building programs that bring fullness of life to people across Africa, Asia and the Pacific. This work is profiled each year in major appeals, which generate positive responses from parishes, individuals and families, and schools across Australia. In 2018‑19, the focus was on an “education revolution” in Myanmar and our supporters responded generously, contributing $4.9 million to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

5 million distributed to community programs.

projects supported in 12 countries.

5,656 catechists supported.

That powerful description of the work of the Church, particularly in northern Myanmar, to bring a new style of education to children came from Father Lucas Tha Ling Sum, Chancellor of the Diocese of Hakha, in the north‑eastern Chin State. Education levels in the state were some of the lowest in Myanmar, which itself was lagging behind other countries in the region, largely due to the political and civil unrest which have troubled the country for decades. A military coup in 1962 saw missionaries expelled from the country and the schools they ran shut down. Over the following decades, the education system struggled to recover, and Chin State, with its remoteness, was one of the worst affected. ‘In the past, in the whole country, the methodology of teaching and learning has not been up to the mark,’ Father Lucas says. ‘In Hakha, because of difficult transportation and communication, there is almost no opportunity to educate so many young people.’ For two years, Catholic Mission has been directly supporting the Diocese of Hakha and the broader Myanmar Church as they work to overcome the deficit in education across the country. We helped establish St John’s School in Hakha—the first non‑government school in over 60 years—and helped to staff it with teachers trained at specialist teaching academies in Yangon and Mandalay. The teacher training program equips passionate young professionals with a certified diploma in education before sending them out to remote schools to teach largely disadvantaged children. Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

We helped establish St John’s School in Hakha – the first non‑government school in the state in 60 years – and helped to staff it with teachers trained at specialist teaching academies in Yangon and Mandalay.

In 2018‑19 we shared about other life‑giving programs supporting communities around the world. In India and Ethiopia, women are being empowered to gain skills and start their own businesses and cooperatives in order to make a living, provide for their families and ensure their financial and personal security. In Uganda, the St Joseph’s Demonstration Farm is providing local people with vital agricultural skills to optimise the rich natural resources in their own backyards. Forty secondary school teachers, 15 primary teachers and 13 health centre staff were involved in this important program, broadening the reach and shoring up the sustainability of the program. These programs and others like them all around the world receive crucial support from Catholic Mission through the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. The generosity of Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Australians in 2018‑19 meant that women, men and children were supported to receive an education, pursue a livelihood and enjoy fullness of life.

Learn more about our work with communities

Catholic Mission’s Work with Children

Catholic Mission’s work with children, through the Society of the Holy Childhood, supports programs designed to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged young people around the world. Significantly, if these health, education and holistic development programs were not run by local faith communities and missionaries and supported by Catholic Mission, other means of support may never arise for some of the world’s most vulnerable young people, like the children at Mother Claudia Nursery and Primary School in Uganda, the focus of our Children’s Appeal at Christmas in 2018.

3 million

distributed to children’s programs.

124

Mother Claudia is more than just a nursery and school; it is a home for many children who board there to avoid long and dangerous walks home at night. The Sisters always keep the safety of their children front of mind, but the incident with the three girls, only one of whom escaped, haunted them and illustrated that although it is rare, child abductions still do happen in rural Uganda.

projects supported in 15 countries.

For the Cistercians, including Sister Cecilia who is the superior at Mother Claudia, it was an urgent reminder that the security of the children in the home needed reassessment and some extra provisions had to be made.

52,777

The Sisters set about constructing additional dormitories for both girls and boys, especially senior students who often choose to study at the school after class and risk walking home long distances in dark and unsafe conditions. Our supporters responded generously through our 2018 Christmas Appeal, and these vital projects were completed, ensuring children in Hoima can continue to access safe and high‑quality education and care.

children supported through Catholic Mission programs.

Just a few short years ago, the Cistercian Sisters who operate the Mother Claudia Nursery and Primary School in the rural Ugandan Diocese of Hoima were horrified when three girls were violently abducted on a nearby road on their way to school.

Our work with children extends across many areas of life, from education to spiritual growth, to health and disability support. In the Philippines, one little girl has experienced a new outlook Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Our supporters responded generously through our 2018 Christmas Appeal, ensuring children in Hoima can continue to access safe and high‑quality education and care.

on life, simply through the provision of a wheelchair, funded through Catholic Mission’s support of the Canossian Health and Social Centre in Manila. The centre runs a suite of health services, and is notably the only fully equipped tuberculosis clinic in that part of the megacity. The often‑fatal disease is rife throughout the low‑socioeconomic, high density areas of Manila, and the Canossian Sisters have developed programs to prevent and cure the condition, saving countless lives. Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, the Jeevanie Home has welcomed around 35 girls, many of whom have been abandoned or come from unstable family situations, providing them with shelter, education, food, and loving care. ‘Our primary aim is to give a sound Christian formation to all our children who are under our care,’ says Sr Shathini Fernando, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary, who runs the home. ‘From the beginning, we take every step to develop in them Christian values through their experience in the home, parish and school.’ Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Australians threw their support behind each of these and other programs for children through the Society of the Holy Childhood, contributing $6.1 million in 2018‑19.

Learn more about our work with children

Catholic Mission’s Work with Church Leaders

Catholic Mission’s work with Church leaders is delivered through the Society of St Peter the Apostle and supports seminarians and novices throughout their initial stages of formation for religious life. In 2018‑19, our annual Seminarian Appeal raised crucial funds for this work, sharing the story of Francis Xavier Huu Tinh, who had a stirring personal encounter that led to his vocational discernment. To this and other stories of emerging Church leaders our supporters responded, contributing over $3.4 million to the Society of St Peter the Apostle.

970 K

distributed to programs for Church leaders.

76,759

seminarians supported by the Society of St Peter the Apostle.

144

projects supported in 15 countries.

Francis Xavier was a teenager when his life was shaken up dramatically. The seminarian from Nha Trang on Vietnam’s southeast coast recalls the time when everything changed. ‘One day, … I saw my friend die in a traffic accident,’ he recalls. This made a deep impression on me.’ The traumatic incident made Francis wonder why there is suffering in the world. There was one person to whom Francis knew he could turn for answers. ‘I sought out my former parish priest,’ he says, ‘and he told me, “It comes from sin and freedom.”’ Francis knew then that he could help others in similar situations to him, and at the advice of the priest, he began on a path of discernment for religious life, though he knew all along what his future held. ‘I knew my answer [about becoming a seminarian] was “yes”,’ he says. ‘From that day, the priest helped me join the seminary.’ This remarkable story of self‑discovery formed the basis of Catholic Mission’s Seminarian Appeal in early‑2019, and our supporters responded generously as they had throughout 2018‑19 to other stories of future Church leaders, who we support through the Society of St Peter Apostle. We shared about young men in Ghana who, as part of their seminary formation, are learning crucial agricultural skills which will help in their development as community leaders as well as faith leaders, in in a part of the world where farming is the predominant livelihood.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Catholic Mission is supporting seminarians and future church leaders through the Society of St Peter the Apostle, ensuring they have access to the resources and formation to discern their calling.

Joseph La Nu, from Myanmar, is a success story we shared with our supporters in 2018. A seminarian at St Joseph’s Major Seminary in Yangon, Joseph came from a region heavily affected by conflict. He has turned his experience into a commitment to bring peace and reconciliation to his home through his ministry. ‘All faiths must work together to resolve the issues in our country,’ Joseph says. ‘People are longing for pastoral care and support.’ Support for Church leaders through the Society of St Peter the Apostle extends also to the places where they live and study. In March 2019, we shared with our supporters about the Betsaide Propedeutic Seminary, located in Toliara, Madagascar. The world’s fourth largest island faces enormous poverty challenges and this affects its seminarians greatly. The Betsaide Propadeutic Seminary plays an important role in helping seminarians to discern their calling to the priesthood. ‘The formation at Betsaide is focused on the deepening of spiritual life,’ says Fr Alphonse Ramela, Rector of the seminary. Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

‘The aim is to lead to discernment of the vocation and initiation of community life.’ From Madagascar to Vietnam, Catholic Mission is supporting seminarians and future Church leaders through the Society of St Peter the Apostle, ensuring they have access to the resources and formation to discern their calling and develop their spiritual and practical experience.

Learn more about our work with Church leaders

Immersions Report John Kerrigan, Immersions Business Manager

The financial constraints on families due to stagnant household incomes has had an impact on many schools who continue to show interest but fail to get the numbers, unlike previous years. The Immersion program’s response to this is to continue to find ways of reducing travelling costs and reducing our own overheads as much as possible without compromising quality or safety.

The notable success of 2018‑19 has been the sending out of 260 participants on immersion, including seven groups to Timor‑Leste, three each to Alice Springs, the Philippines and Sarawak, and two to Cambodia, with an average group size of 15 people. The Catholic Mission Immersions program has found a niche market in student groups and will continue to prioritise them as its primary business. Timor‑Leste is still the most popular destination, but the increased costs to travel there are limiting the number of participants. Other locations such as Cambodia, the Philippines, Sarawak and the Indigenous Australian program still remain more affordable. Host options in Cambodia and the Philippines have been expanded and the short‑term marketing strategy remains to promote these locations. The financial constraints on families due to stagnant household incomes has had an impact on many schools who continue to show interest but fail to get the numbers, unlike previous years. The Immersion program’s response to this is to continue to find ways of reducing travelling costs and reducing our own overheads as much as possible without compromising quality or safety. A 2018‑19 strategy was to consolidate the Indigenous program and make it more authentic and “true” to its goals. This is a work in progress but has already started to move forward in line with these objectives. Alice Springs was the only Indigenous program offered in 2018‑19. The Camino pilgrimages now include a new 17‑day Portuguese route developed and led by Dr Veronica Rosier OP and will be offered in May of each year. The Spanish route will continue to be offered in September each year. A new initiative “Workshop Service Provider” for other organisations has been developed using existing capacity and knowledge. The service provides a vehicle for other like-minded organisations to stage events in various locations without having to deal with logistics. Many smaller organisations struggle to conduct their own in-house events

due to the workload and complexity required. This will financially support the existing Immersion program. Continued awareness and proactive attention to the many risk factors that are always present has seen another year pass without any major issues and all participants have returned safely and generally in good health. It is hoped that this trend will continue in 2019‑20. The Immersion program has refined some of the protocols around communication and risk oversight in line with “best practices”. DFAT still remains the primary location guide, AIG’s “Travel Guard” has replaced International SOS as the risk management organisation that oversees alert notifications and on‑location assistance. The main strategies in 2019 will be to maintain participant numbers and to reduce costs to clients. This will be achieved by reducing overheads and to amalgamate small groups. The projected number of participants for 2019‑20 remains at 260. Reflections from Mackillop College, Hobart immersion to Timor‑Leste “This immersion has changed my view on the world and my life forever. Before setting foot in Timor‑Leste I did not realise the profound effect the trip would have on my life and how important such experiences are. It has opened my eyes to the world and given me a fresh look on how our own society works.” “It is impossible to express to someone who was not there the profound effect that this immersion experience had on every one of us. It is the single most important and life-changing experience I am yet to have in my life. I count myself extremely lucky to have been one of the few to have had this wonderful experience, through which we all grew as people.” “I loved going to Ataúro and being able to spend the majority of our time in one place, getting to know the small community, experiencing every element of life there and building relationships with the people. It is a beautiful place full of beautiful people. Though Dili was also amazing to see and was busy and full on, Ataúro was where my fondest memories are from and where I wish to return to.”

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Programs Report Lawrence Gigliotti, Programs Manager

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34‑35

Often in our work in the Programs Team, we find ourselves in situations where it can be quite challenging to understand how, in today’s society, certain things can still occur. As part of Catholic Mission’s commitment to accountability and transparency, I regularly visit the programs which we support, and often find myself in the slums of major cities such as Bangkok, Yangon, Manila and Phnom Penh. In all these places I find the Church is living the message of Pope Francis; being a field hospital for the poor. Constantly it is the sisters, the priests and the lay people of the Church being true to the Gospel and serving those in greatest need. I was recently in Bangkok, visiting a project supported by Catholic Mission. This project provides funds for a day care centre which is also the location of a home for unwed mothers and their babies. I sat down with a missionary sister from Ireland, who has spent more than 50 years in Thailand, and listened to the many stories she told. One in particular stuck with me. A Thai girl was found in Laos by Sisters of the same congregation, after being sold and trafficked to work in the sex industry. Later, this girl would often tell the sisters that she felt worthless, because she had been sold for 2000 baht (approximately AUD87). She and her younger sister, who had also been sold by their parents, were rescued by the sisters and returned to Thailand where they have grown up in an environment where they are cared for. Now, they are employed and earning a living in the Sisters’ production centre.

In Uganda, healthy babies are being born safely in the brand‑new maternity wing of the St Luke Health Centre. Mothers are receiving pre- and post‑natal education and can access the hospital in urgent moments, thanks to a new ambulance. Our partnership with Marist Solidarity continues to bear fruit in the Pacific, with education programs in the Solomon Islands and Fiji serving those facing the increasingly detrimental effects of climate change. This year, as a way to grow our ability to assist the International Universal Church, Catholic Mission has opened a Regional Mission and Development Office in Southeast Asia. This office is based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and aims to build the capacity of local lay people and religious in mission development. We’re already working closely with dioceses in Myanmar, India, Cambodia, Viertnam, and now also in Thailand. Although it does not have the highest profile, the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies (Catholic Mission) plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people around the world. Without the generosity of supporters in Australia, none of this would be possible.

This is among the more confronting examples of the work of the missions – reaching out to those in greatest need. Our educational programs in Myanmar continue to grow and flourish, with two new batches of teacher trainees joining the diploma and general education courses at the Pyinya Sanyae Institute of Education in Yangon. Our schools across the country are continuing to build capacity and accept new students, with St John’s School in Hakha having nearly completed a second classroom block.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Fundraising and Donor Services Report Aynsley Vernon, Senior Fundraising Officer

This past financial year we have had many of our supporters show their commitment to the work of the Church around the world, with our major gift income increasing by nearly $300,000.

Thanks to our faithful supporters, we have had an 11% uplift on last financial year – this allows us to continue to reach out and give life to those in need around the world. The 2018‑19 financial year has been an exciting time for us – last September we launched our new website, which has made learning about the life‑giving work you support even easier. We launched a new monthly giving program, Myanmar Mission Partners, through which our supporters are directly funding a variety of projects around Myanmar, such as education and teacher training. We have also continued to connect with many wonderful branches of the Church in countries like Myanmar, Uganda and Vietnam, where both religious and lay missionaries are working tirelessly to provide for children and communities and to form future Church leaders. This past financial year we have had many of our supporters show their commitment to the work of the Church around the world, with our major gift income increasing by nearly $300,000. These generous contributions allow us to continue funding programs such as building schools, training centres and churches, as well as supporting vital projects such as feeding, health and education programs. Our 2018 Church Appeal focused on the work of the Church in Myanmar as they undergo an “education revolution” in schools around the country. You can read more about the amazing work, led by Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, on page 8. Through the generosity of our supporters here in Australia, the $1.7 million raised in parishes and over $1 million raised in direct mail will go on to support this vital work and many similar programs around the world.

In addition to our dedicated schools resources, our Mission in 360 (virtual reality technology), took children to the remote township of Hakha in Myanmar, where they can see a typical day at school for a child. This helps put into context the work they support through Catholic Mission. Our generous schools throughout Australia raised over $500,000, and we want to thank all of the dedicated teachers, RECs and principals for their effort. For World Mission Month in 2018, we shared updates from the great work from Sister Clara, who you may remember we have partnered with over the past decade; as well as updates on Bridget and the Canossian Sisters in the Philippines; and Ghana where we are supporting young men on their journey to priesthood. These are just a few representative stories of the life‑changing work you support through Catholic Mission. We are very grateful to our faithful supporters who have chosen to leave a gift in their will to continue the crucial work supported by Catholic Mission around the world. Our goals in 2019 and onwards are to share the amazing work of the Church that happens daily around the world, offering faithful supporters like you the chance to make a difference to these vital programs, and continue reaching out and sharing in our mission. Again, we would like to say ‘thank you’ for your generous support this past year – without you, the work of the Church around the world would not have the same impact for the many children, communities and Church leaders it supports.

Engaging with schools is a key strategy for us, in both formation and fundraising aspects – we want to nurture a missionary spirit in children, so they understand how integral the Church is in disadvantaged communities around the world.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Communications and Media Report Matthew Poynting, Senior Communications Officer / Simone Medri Digital & Online Manager

The major initiative of the communications section of Catholic Mission in 2018‑19 was the delivery of a new website for the organisation after ten years. In itself, the process was at least a year‑long one, with thorough research and scoping taking place before any design and implementation could begin. The things we knew we had to get right with the new website were functionality, ease of access and user‑friendly interface. We wanted our supporters to be able to access whatever they need in a convenient and timely way, whether it is project information, contact details, or to make a contribution to our work. Evidence suggests we achieved this, with a significant reduction in enquiries and complaints about pathways through the web platform.

As we progress through 2019‑2020, the first major focus will be on promoting the Extraordinary Missionary Month, in October 2019 and beyond. We have developed a dedicated section of the new website for this purpose; we will engage fully with and lead an international social media campaign, #MYMISSION is…; and we are integrating Extraordinary Missionary Month messaging into our regular program of appeal material, social media content and media output. We look forward to bringing the great stories of Catholic Mission’s work to our supporters in new and innovative ways throughout the coming years.

Increasingly, video and multimedia have become a huge part of how we tell our story at Catholic Mission. Our Mission in 360 virtual reality experience remains a popular form of engagement, especially in schools, where it is not only an entertaining activity but also a transformational learning tool. Students can place themselves in the shoes of children just like them in remote communities from Uganda to India and Myanmar, to Cambodia. Carefully designed questions allow them to then engage with the material they’ve seen and understand why we have created it. Throughout 2018‑19, our strategy in communications was to use these new innovative tools to tell our story and reach a wider audience. The new website complemented the ever‑increasing use of new media, finally providing an accessible and user‑friendly platform to host the brilliant content Catholic Mission has been producing for years. We utilised traditional and new media too, with increases across the board; we’re reaching 100,000 people monthly on social media, and over 250 hits across the traditional mediascape reaching 66 million people (Source: Meltwater). Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Financial Report

Distributions from 2018‑19 Income All figures in AUD unless otherwise specified.

3,089,343

5,092,645

970,046

Catholic Mission’s Work With Children

Catholic Mission’s Work With Communities

Catholic Mission’s Work With Church Leaders

Country

$AUD

Country

$AUD

Cambodia

931,498

Australia

569,490

Bangladesh

Ethiopia

76,287

Cambodia

915,988

Ghana

148,254

Ghana

369,374

Ethiopia

524,130

Kenya

38,158

India

102,016

Fiji

Papua New Guinea

97,924

Kenya

40,481

Ghana

931,279

South Korea

4,297

Kiribati

21,978

India

290,474

Sri Lanka

57,529

Laos

18,975

Laos

315,423

Tanzania

76,918

Madagascar

21,366

Myanmar

241,070

Thailand

74,813

2,675

Thailand

30,284

Timor‑Leste

99,915 35,884

Malawi

Timor‑Leste

265,272

Uganda

28,514

Uganda

697,744

Vietnam

79,269

Vatican, Pontificum Opus A Propagatione Fidei

Myanmar

926,705

Palestine Papua New Guinea Peru

29,457

Country

4,000

Vatican, POPF Fundazione Missionalis

3,003

$AUD 7,905

328,449

Total

970,046

Philippines

16,445

Solomon Islands

37,121

Tanzania

30,000

Timor‑Leste

36,686

Thailand

95,509

Uganda

211,553

Vietnam

31,501

Zambia

7,390

Broome

200,000

3,089,343

Darwin

203,490

Total

279,032

5,092,645

Total Distributions (AUD)

9,152,034

Total includes distribution by Catholic Mission through Universal Solidarity Fund and direct funding partnerships

Australian Home Mission Fund Distributions Recipient diocese/organisation

Amount distributed ($AUD)

Geraldton

8,000

NATSICC

130,000

Port Pirie

8,000

Townsville

20,000

Total

569,490

We would especially like to thank those who have supported Catholic Mission through a gift in their will in 2018‑19, ensuring a lasting legacy after departing this life. D. Battley, N. Bren, C. M. A. Brown, J. T. Coates, F. W. Corry, M. Coughlin, D. E. Crawley, N. L. Dean, N. J. Espie, L. A. Greening, Hansen & Kean, C. Sui‑Yung Ho, R. P. Jolly, P. P. Jones, M. Jordan, C. T. Keen, N. Kendrik, Leo Halpin Trust, P. D. Maher, A. J. McBeath, Fr E. McGrath, P. McGrath, Fr D. J. McQuaid, A. Mennillo, K. T. Monaghan, M. C. Murray, B. T. O’Brien, T. M. Oliver, I. M. Rundell, K. O. Sullivan, N. F. Sultana, J. Vassallo, J. T. Walsh, K. F. Whelan For more information about leaving a legacy in your will, please contact your local Catholic Mission Diocesan Director for a confidential discussion.

Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Distribution of 2018‑19 Income

Gross Income by Diocese 2018‑2019

$AUD

Diocese Adelaide

351,932

Distributable funds

7,389,023

Armidale

77,850

Community education

2,786,656

Ballarat

161,026

Program support costs

1,200,610

Bathurst

145,317

Transferred to/(from) reserves (excluding asset reserves)

2,000,000

Brisbane

1,749,455

Net operating expenses

4,856,560

Broken Bay Broome Bunbury

639,130 84,550

Cairns

113,694

Canberra & Goulburn

359,442

Darwin

36,902

Geraldton

40,957

Hobart

132,918

Lismore

158,705

Maitland-Newcastle

441,800

Melbourne

2,196,155

Parramatta

744,567

Perth

1,456,835

Port Pirie

60,232

Rockhampton

159,338

Sale

125,765

Sandhurst

Total

18,232,849

19,515

73,767

Global Distribution by Pontifical Mission Societies Work with Children Region

$AUD

Africa

17,338,214

Asia

9,429,830

Americas

841,796

Oceania

396,900

Europe

79,380

Total

28,086,119

Work with Communities Region

$AUD

6,163,905

Africa

65,677,478

Toowoomba

103,897

Asia

32,981,351

Townsville

91,770

Americas

5,872,231

162,723

Oceania

3,836,578

14,249

Europe

381,524

501,586

Total

102,876,931

Sydney

Wagga Wagga Wilcannia Forbes Wollongong National Office

Total

1,864,867

18,232,849

Work with Church Leaders Region

Funds Raised by Works in 2018‑19 Work with Children

4,908,956

Work with Communities

6,114,398

Work with Church leaders

3,465,431

Managed Funds

52,496

Other

3,691,568

Total

18,232,849

$AUD

Africa

20,992,727

Asia

5,435,929

Americas

338,745

Oceania

231,444

Europe

18,081

Total

27,016,926

Figures converted from USD at a rate of 1 USD = 1.47 AUD

To view our full 2018‑19 Financial Report, or past annual reports, please visit our website at catholicmission.org.au/annualreports. Catholic Mission – Annual Report 2018-19

Diocesan Directors Toowoomba Ms Emily Connors 0467 191 065

Adelaide Rev Deacon Anthony Hill 08 8210 8199

Canberra & Goulburn Mrs Catherine Ransom 02 6201 9834

Armidale Mrs Jacqueline Toakley 02 6771 8703

Chaldean Eparchy 1800 257 296

Parramatta Mrs Kathryn Endicott‑Allen 02 9919 7842

Darwin Br Bill Tynan 0409 115 876

Perth Mr Francis Leong 08 9422 7933

Geraldton Ms Rosemary Taylor 08 9964 2716

Port Pirie Mr Michael Preece 08 8632 0556

Wagga Wagga 1800 257 296

Hobart Rev Deacon Michael Hangan 0449 837 594

Rockhampton Mr Greg Clair 07 4887 3083

Wilcannia Forbes Mr Michael Deasy 0417 048 880

Lismore Mrs Michelle Sullivan 02 6621 9444

Sale Mr Kevin Meese 03 9412 8410

Wollongong Mr David Harrison 0449 716 363

Maitland‑Newcastle Mr Mark Toohey 02 4979 1141

Sandhurst Mr Kevin Meese 03 9412 8410

National Office Fr Brian Lucas National Director 1800 257 296

Maronite Eparchy 1800 257 296

Sydney Mrs Kathryn Endicott‑Allen 02 9919 7842

Ballarat Ms Sue Searls 0403 902 921 Bathurst Mr Michael Deasy 0417 048 880 Brisbane Mr David McGovern 0431 481 731 Broken Bay Mrs Kathryn Endicott‑Allen 02 9919 7842 Broome 1800 257 296 Bunbury Dr Deborah Robertson 0474 928 765 Cairns Mrs Anna Jimenez 0450 213 042

Melkite Eparchy 1800 257 296

Melbourne Mr Kevin Meese 03 9412 8410

Syro‑Malabar Eparchy 1800 257 296

PO Box 1668 North Sydney NSW 2059

T: 02 9919 7800 E: admin@catholicmission.org.au

Townsville Mr & Mrs Thomas and Helen Tarttelin 07 4726 3253 Ukrainian Eparchy 1800 257 296

Freecall: 1800 257 296 catholicmission.org.au ABN: 52 945 927 066