WINTER/SPRING 2022
Extraordinary Life on Film: The story of Pauline Jaricot told through a contemporary short film Agriculture in Ethiopia: Bringing hope to families in need Reconciliation Action Plan: A new way forward
Celebrating Pauline Jaricot’s Beatification: From France to Australia
Freecall: 1800 257 296 catholicmission.org.au 2
PO Box 1668 North Sydney NSW 2059 T: 1800 257 296 E: info@catholicmission.org.au
Cover image: A young girl ready for school in Ethiopia.
Editor: Aynsley Vernon Contributors: Matt Poynting, Liesje Barratt, Catherine Towiro, David McGovern, Astrid Delayre, John Hyde, Adrienne Williams Photos: Simone Medri, Catholic Mission partners Design: Smarta By Design Printed by: BMS Group
This image: A woman in Emdibir, Ethiopia, displaying her pottery for sale.
Catholic Mission acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. This publication may include images of deceased persons.
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
In this issue... A message from the National Director
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Engaging heads, hearts, hands ... and feet
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Pauline Jaricot’s life on film
page 5
The path to Sainthood: Mayline’s miracle
The next generation is leading the way in mission
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A new plan for school engagement
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Beatification of Pauline Jaricot
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Reconciliation Action Plan launched
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The Pauline of today
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Green light for Ecological Action Plan
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Bringing hope to families in need
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Helping Ukrainian refugees in crisis
page 18
Stay connected with us
page 19
Together, we can reach out and give life
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A message from the National Director Now mid-way through 2022, the Catholic Church has had much to celebrate already this year, especially with the recent beatification of Blessed Pauline Jaricot in May. Sadly, we have also seen tragedy in many communities in Australia and around the world, facing challenges such as natural disasters and ongoing conflict. In this edition of Mission Today you will find a variety of stories about the beatification celebrations and more on the impact that Bl Pauline Jaricot has had for us as a Catholic community. One story in particular, Mayline’s miracle, was the beginning of the path for the beatification of Bl Pauline Jaricot. We also celebrate three significant anniversaries for the Church this year; the first, 400 years since the establishment of Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples; the second, 200 years since the foundation of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith by Pauline Jaricot in Lyon, France; and lastly, 100 years since the Society of the Holy Childhood, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, and the Society of St Peter the Apostle – Catholic Mission’s work with children, communities and Church leaders – were consolidated and conferred as Pontifical by Pope Pius XI. These anniversaries remind us of the important mission work of the Church and how it has expanded over the years.
You will also find stories from our projects around the world – examples of how you can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need through prayer and action. From Ethiopia to Ukraine, these stories show the critical role the Catholic Church plays for communities in most need, and offer us a way to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, as he has called us to be in Acts 1:8.
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I am pleased to share that as an organisation, Catholic Mission has committed to several new plans and strategies that represent our responsibility to work toward reconciliation and caring for our common home. We are also working to form and educate the next generation through the interactive and holistic mission program, Socktober, which encourages students to use their heads, hearts and hands to take action in mission and help children like them around the world. I hope this Mission Today fills your spirit with hope for the future and shows you the real difference that you can make with your prayers and gifts. Thank you for your faith-filled support of Catholic 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 • Missionary Union
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
Pauline Jaricot’s life on film To celebrate the beatification of Blessed Pauline Jaricot, a short film inspired by her extraordinary life has been produced by Pontifical Mission Societies (Catholic Mission) in France. Bl Pauline’s remarkable life and legacy is told from the perspective of Claire, a young woman living in France as she embarks on her own journey in the footsteps of Pauline Jaricot in 2022. In an evocative narrative of spirituality and service, we first learn of Claire’s own life as a 20-year-old woman from Lyon, as she visits friends, studies at the university, and listens to music, with a curiosity of the world around her.
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“Claire, live like her, live like a dove”. Claire is instantly struck by the words as they resonate within the context of her own life. Learning more, Claire starts her journey of discovery and immersion, as she reflects on Bl Pauline’s commitment to mission and evangelisation of the Church. As the founder of one of the cornerstones of the work of Catholic Mission, Bl Pauline Jaricot is a key figure in our history and our future. We invite you to learn more about the short film by scanning the QR code above, or going to catholicmission.org.au/paulinejaricot. •
By chance, Claire comes across an old book, a gift from her grandmother. Browsing through it she finds an image of Pauline Jaricot with a handwritten message,
You can watch Claire explore more about Bl Pauline in the film, To Look from Above, available to watch at catholicmission.org.au/paulinejaricot.
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The path to Sainthood: Mayline’s miracle A remarkable lay woman with formidable faith, Pauline Jaricot had a passion for mission and was fervently committed to supporting the missionary activities of the Catholic Church. Her love, determination and vision created the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Formed 200 years ago for the promotion of prayer, acts of charity, and encouraging the material aid and support for global mission, it is a fundamental aspect of our work at Catholic Mission. In 2020, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints issued a decree on a miracle, Mayline’s miracle, attributed to Pauline Jaricot’s intercession, leading the way to her recent beatification. What does it take to be a saint? We are all called to be saints. A saint is someone who has lived a virtuous, holy life; whose life is worthy of imitation. There are three steps to someone being officially recognised as a saint. 1. Venerable: their life is seen as having been lived virtuously. 2. Blessed: a miracle through the candidate’s intercession is recognised. 3. Saint: a second miracle is recognised.
Pauline Marie Jaricot was born on July 21, 1799, in Lyon, France.
1816 1799
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Following tragic life events, Pauline dedicated herself to creating a prayer union known as the Association of the Reparation of the Sacred Heart.
Mayline’s miracle In May 2012, three-and-a-half-year-old Mayline choked on food and suffocated. Unable to resuscitate her, doctors explained that she was brain dead and that she would die in the next few weeks. Upon hearing the news, students and parents of Mayline’s school in Lyon, France, decided to pray a novena for her recovery to Pauline Jaricot. Mayline lay in a coma, hooked up to respiratory machines and being fed through artificial means. In July, her parents began looking for a child-sized coffin. Mayline, in her vegetative state, received the Sacrament of the Sick. Soon afterwards the doctors were surprised to confirm that Mayline’s condition had changed – indeed, she was coming back to life. Mayline was released from the hospital in December, fully healed. Mayline’s father shared: “Before, I always wondered if prayers were being heard. This Scan here to is proof that the power of prayer can move mountains. learnI thank more Pauline Jaricot, God the Father, and Our Lady each and every day for this miracle. I will thank them to the end of my days.” Doctors have been unable to explain the change in her health. Mayline’s parents are convinced of the intervention of Pauline Jaricot. A diocesan enquiry occurred in 2019, where a medical board validated the miracle of healing, and the theological commission certified the intervention of Pauline Jaricot in the full recovery of little Mayline. •
To sustain the work of the missions, Pauline created a network of contributors giving a weekly penny. From this network emerged the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
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Pauline founded the Association of the Living Rosary to incite a renewal of faith.
1822 Pauline’s work obtained the support of the Foreign Missions of Paris and the mission spread across countries, leading to the creation of The Society of Mary, an initiative supported by the Church.
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M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
Beatification of Pauline Jaricot On Sunday May 22, Pauline Marie Jaricot was raised to the order of Blessed in the French city of Lyon, where she was born a wealthy heiress and died poor, having embraced not material but spiritual wealth in the love of God. At the direction of Pope Francis, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, presided over the beatification. The ceremony gathered nearly 12,000 people from around the world in the Eurexpo Exhibition Hall in Lyon, and was broadcast globally. The procession was led by Mayline Tran, the young French girl saved by the intercession of Pauline, who presented Pauline’s wooden cross and the relic of her heart onto the altar. The ceremony highlighted the faith that inhabited Pauline’s heart and the bold courage that she used to find creative ways to enhance people’s generosity. She is an inspiration of devotion to the great work of global mission. “Pauline dedicated her life to the mission, to the service of the poor and to prayer,” wrote Pope Francis in his letter read during the beatification. While her story started in France, her legacy has spread internationally, with Catholic agencies carrying the love of the Gospel and mission across the world. In Australia,
1835 Despite her fragile health, Pauline undertook a pilgrimage to Saint Philomena’s shrine in Italy, where she miraculously healed.
Pauline invested in a social factory to provide employment. She lost her money due to dishonest managers. Pauline became penniless and lived in poverty for the rest of her life.
Catholic Mission is the representation of her legacy, as we continue her vision of supporting mission work in communities in most need. Events took place across Australia, as many gathered to celebrate the beatification of Pauline, her life, and her devotion to mission. In Western Australia, in St Joseph’s Parish, Manjimup, a Women with a Mission Weekend gathered local parishioners and national guests through the live stream of the event. The weekend focused on honoring Pauline and other women who, like her, devoted their lives to the work of mission. In Melbourne, a special mass was celebrated to honour the beatification of Pauline and her work in the Genazzano FCJ College chapel; meanwhile in Brisbane, celebrations were held in the Banyo Nundah Parish, and in Logan with a fun family day.
“I lit the match that lit the fire.” The beatification of Pauline Jaricot marks a key milestone in her journey to become a Saint. A second miracle needs to be recognised by the Church as the next step in the process of her cause for canonisation. •
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On May 3, 1922, Pope Pius XI declared the Society for the Propagation of the Faith “Pontifical”.
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2022 1922
Pauline died on January 9, 1862, in Lyon, France.
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On May 22, 2022, Pauline Marie Jaricot was beatified in Saint-Nizier Church, Lyon, France.
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The Pauline of today Compelled by the need of her brothers and sisters around the world, Blessed Pauline Jaricot knew that she must take action. Pauline’s faith called her to be a witness for Jesus Christ, and her determination helped her create a program which funds practical and spiritual mission work around the world. From humble beginnings, this incredible movement that Pauline established 200 years ago now funds over 160 projects in 14 countries each year, reaching out and giving life to families and communities in need.
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training, so they can gain employment and earn a living to support themselves and their families. Having helped over 1,347 students gain employent since 2016, Kidist Mariam is well-known in the community for being a centre of opportunity. As the younger sister of current student, Meseret, says,
“When I finish my school I will study here to be a very good cook, like my sister. And we will work together to help our family”.
These missionary programs range from healthcare and education projects, to training and forming catechists to serve in remote communities where the Church is not yet well-established, to the building of churches for communities to gather and worship together.
The spirit of Pauline Jaricot shines through mission programs like this, where dedicated missionaries and generous people like you collaborate in prayer and practical support to improve the lives of those in most need.
Just one example of this work is the Kidist Mariam Pastoral Centre in Meki, Ethiopia. The Centre empowers women from disadvantaged backgrounds through skills
To learn more about more mission programs like this, scan the QR code above or go to catholicmission.org.au/our-work today. •
The Kidist Mariam Pastoral Centre is just one of many hundreds of Church-run programs which are possible today through the actions of Pauline Jaricot, and everyone inspired by her to continue missionary work around the world.
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M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
Bringing hope to families in need Malnutrition is a challenge that continues to affect millions of people across Ethiopia. In Emdibir, the Church and community are working together to reach out to families in most need. Holding her youngest child close to her chest, Neela* watches over the two older children entrusted to her care as they play outside the family home. Only a few months old, Ajani* is frequently sick, and Neela worries for her son’s health. She often struggles to provide for the basic needs of her family, including food, and she cannot afford medications or treatment. With malnutrition a contributing factor in over 50% of deaths in children aged under five years in Ethiopia, Neela knows her son’s situation is extremely serious. Sadly, Neela’s story is not uncommon. Over 70% of families in the region of Emdibir are unable to put enough food on the table each day. The majority of families are reliant on subsistence farming to provide food for themselves. Growing up in Emdibir, Fr Habtesilassie Antuan has experienced these challenges too, and is desperate to share the love of Jesus by helping his community. Having opened and run the Deberety Farm in Embidir since 2018, Fr Habte has witnessed firsthand how this community farming project has supported those in need. By growing produce such as enset, a hardy banana-like fruit, avocado and coffee, the farm has been a blessing for local families. But this is simply not enough.
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
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To reach more families, Fr Habte and the community want to expand the farm to include a Goat Rearing Centre as their milk is extremely nutritious, their meat is commonly eaten, and they are less expensive to purchase and easier to care for than cows. “So, this is a multidimensional benefit when we think of a goat breeding program. There are many children with malnutrition. “When we asked what was required, we thought it was goat’s milk, especially goat’s milk, which contains essential nutrients for a baby.” To ensure that the goats produce nourishing milk for families in need, veterinary medication and feed must also be stocked to help keep the animals healthy. These supplies, along with shelter for the goats, are critical for establishing and sustaining this program, which aims to reach out to families in most need like Neela’s. As Fr Habte says,
“A person who understands the idea that God is love, a believer who cares about his fellow man, grieves, and makes every sacrifice possible”. Your partnership with Fr Habte and the Church in Ethiopia can bring hope for families in Emdibir. Please give generously today by scanning the QR code above or going to catholicmission.org.au/community. • *Name altered to protect identity
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“What we do for our brother, we are doing it for God.” Bishop Musie Ghebreghiorghis OFM (Image: Two boys outside a Church in Emdibir, Ethiopia.)
Together, we can reach out and give life Did you know that you can support life-changing mission programs with your pre-tax income through workplace giving? It is a simple, yet powerful, way for you to make an impact for vital community projects through regular contributions from your pay. These contributions go a long way in helping Catholic Mission support children, communities, and Church leaders in Australia and around the world. Workplace giving also allows Catholic Mission to commit to new and existing community endeavours, like the scholarship program for children at the Lideta Catholic Cathedral School in Ethiopia. In one of the poorest nations in the world, this program supports the education of children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds, such as orphans, children of single mothers and children with parents who are unemployed or on low-income. The program’s ongoing success will see long term benefits for the children of families who cannot afford to attend the school. Many former students now work as doctors, engineers and teachers, providing a living wage for themselves and their families, helping to break the cycle of poverty. “Without your help, these [children] would have had no such opportunities, since the Lideta Catholic Cathedral School offers excellent educational facilities in the country with 100% pass marks to universities in and outside the country,” says Sr Carmen Sammut SJA, project manager of the scholarship program.
“My dream and vision for the community are that our projects continue growing and reach other hundreds of families and kids.”
$20
Employee pre-tax donation An example of how Workplace Giving works.
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Companies covers 100% of the admin costs
This program is just one example of how regular contributions from pre-tax income through an automated payroll deduction not only benefits you by lowering your taxable income, but also helps those in need by allowing Catholic Mission to fund mission programs efficiently and effectively. Through one year of workplace giving, your contribution of $16.35 pre-tax income each fortnight, you can cover the cost of a scholarship for one student at Lideta Catholic Cathedral School each year. Your selfless contribution through workplace giving can make an incredible difference. If you are interested in learning more about workplace giving, scan the QR code below, or visit catholicmission.org.au/workplace-giving. •
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$20
$13.50
Total donation to charity
Net cost of the donation to the employee.*
*Based on $50,000 annual income in Australia.
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
Children playing soccer in Emdibir, Ethiopia, with a Sockball.
Engaging heads, hearts, hands...and feet There has never been a more exciting year for Socktober. A scorching World Cup in Qatar looms at the year’s end, and the Socceroos have qualified with a last-gasp shootout win. Many in Australia will view the men’s tournament as a curtain-raiser to the main event, the Women’s World Cup in Australia in 2023, where the Matildas again are a genuine chance at winning the trophy. Whichever way you lean, it’s an exciting time to be involved in the round ball game. With soccer at the heart of its schools initiative, Catholic Mission is hoping the energy is at fever pitch by the time World Mission Month rolls around in October. The national program is gearing up for a sixth year in its current format, which uses the world game to demonstrate common bonds between students in Australia and children in need overseas through a shared love of fun and games. “With the Socceroos now assured of a World Cup berth, there is plenty of excitement building around the time Socktober hits our primary and secondary schools,” said Alan Wedesweiler, Diocesan Director for the Sydney, Parramatta and Broken Bay dioceses. “This year, Socktober will aim to channel students’ enthusiasm into getting active, kicking goals and supporting vulnerable children overseas.” The initiative, which raised over $230,000 in 2021, will be supporting programs in Ethiopia in 2022. It encourages
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
students in primary and early secondary school to securely register online, choose some goals to kick at school or at home, and get sponsored by family and friends, which helps provide children with nutritious food, education, healthcare, and spiritual nourishment. “We hope to have many more schools and students across Australia engaged in the program this year, given we are relatively unencumbered by the pandemic,” says Alan. “I’ve been very proud to witness the growing participation of girls and boys who may just turn out for Australia in a World Cup one day.
“More importantly, they are learning about what it means to be good citizens of the world and then taking concrete action to support children to have access to their most basic needs.” For more information about the Socktober program, register your interest today by scanning the QR code below or going to socktober.org.au. •
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Building the understanding of our call to be missionary in our youth is an important step towards continuing God’s mission.
The next generation is leading the way in mission It is often said that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. In several dioceses around the country, however, we are discovering that the youth in Catholic schools are ready and willing to lead the way today. Under a new initiative emerging out of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, students from Catholic primary and secondary schools are stepping forward to take up the mantle of sharing the stories of missionaries serving disadvantaged people in other countries. The Mission Ambassador Program for Students (MAPS) has since been duplicated, in other dioceses around the country, including Cairns, Townsville, Perth and Wagga Wagga. In its first year, more than 120 students volunteered to speak at local weekend Masses, where they shared the story of Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzalez and the Church in Cambodia as they serve children and families affected by disability. Last year, students told the story of the Good Shepherd Sisters working in Thailand, as they reach out to mothers
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and children from vulnerable backgrounds and provide them with love and support during their time of most need. A student from Brisbane Archdiocese shares their experience of the MAPS program:
“I chose to be part of spreading the message. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and feel empowered to share a greater awareness of what’s happening in the world and make an impact”. The MAPS program is set to expand to more dioceses this year, with more and more students keen to be witnesses of Jesus Christ through their words and actions, taking on the responsibility as the next generation of the Church. To find out whether your diocese has a MAPS program, please contact your local Diocesan Director at catholicmission.org.au/diocesan-offices.•
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A new plan for school engagement Catholic Mission has established a reputation as an outstanding provider of formation services for the entire Catholic Education sector. Our innovative and interactive schools program engage the heads, hearts and hands of students and their families, enabling them to contribute support to communities in need around the world. This year we have unveiled a new strategy to closely integrate what we can offer the sector in these areas. A team of Catholic Mission staff, highly experienced in education and mission formation, led the development of the strategy, identifying the core areas where we offer Catholic Education the greatest value for their mission needs and articulating a plan for their development and enhancement. The result: a suite of initiatives that aim to engage young people across Australia, as well as those who support their
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education, with the work of global mission through student and staff formation, immersion opportunities, Socktober, workplace giving and community partnerships. Matt Poynting, National Community Engagement Officer and Chair of the strategy development committee, says:
“Catholic Mission has for decades delivered a strong and rich strategy for engagement with mission among Australian school students and staff”. “It’s a big step forward for us to formalise a new strategy framework and ensure that we are all working continuously to strengthen our national schools program.” To find out more about how you can get involved, scan the QR code above or head to catholicmission.org.au/schools. •
Schools Community Engagement
Catholic Mission’s Schools Engagement Strategy is grounded on six pillars (outside ring), achieved through three actions; Form in Mission; Pray, Advocate, Act; and Fundraise.
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Community Catechist Leadership meeting of stakeholders: NATSICC; Alice Springs Community Elders; priests from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish, Alice Springs; and Catholic Mission. Catholic Mission has a long history of working with and advocating for Indigenous communities, and the new Reconciliation Action Plan further cements our commitment for reconciliation.
Reconciliation Action Plan launched Catholic Mission’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia and launched in March 2022. The uptake of RAPs in recent years is having a significant impact on the Australian workplace and we are excited to take part in the program. Catholic Mission is joining a network of more than 1,100 corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors which have formalised their commitment to reconciliation through the program. Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer at Reconciliation Australia, explains:
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There are four types of plans—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate. Catholic Mission’s RAP is grounded in the Reflect style, which will guide us through establishing an effective governance structure, determining our vision for reconciliation, scoping and reflecting on how we can continue to increase our commitment to reconciliation. By engaging our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network, and with guidance from Reconciliation Australia and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC), we look forward to this next chapter in our journey of walking together towards reconciliation. •
“Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement.
The program’s potential for impact is greater than ever, with close to three million people now working or studying in an organisation with a RAP”. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination.
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Artwork created by Robin Nilco, a Tindji man. Robin’s clan come from an area approximately 100km north of Wadeye in the Northern Territory. His language group is Marie Amiu and his clan has about 20 totems. Robin identifies with the butterfly totem – Awu matamata. This artwork was gifted to Catholic Mission by the Christian Brothers in Wadeye as a symbol of our mission. The butterfly moves out to enhance the world, similar to the missionaries working tirelessly to support and empower those in most need around the world, but always returns to be focused again in our spiritual home.
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Green light for Ecological Action Plan In our recently approved strategic plan, Catholic Mission has committed to acting for peace, justice, and creation, and in keeping with this, we have implemented our Ecological Action Plan (EAP).
7 ELEMENTS OF THE EAP
This plan provides a framework to ensure Catholic Mission plays a positive role in God’s mission by caring for our common home. The EAP takes inspiration and guidance from the Laudato Si Action Platform offered by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Catholic Mission has a long history of working in environmental education and formation that recognises our interconnectedness and independence with all creation – what Pope Francis calls an ‘Integral Ecology’. We have held workshops, colloquiums, conferences and published The Francis Effect II, which incorporated discussion from people in key roles from a variety of sectors and backgrounds.
1. EMBRACED ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF THE ORGANISATION
2. COLLABORATION
As the Catholic Church’s international mission agency, Catholic Mission works in direct contact with the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world. This entails a responsibility to be aware of how they may be adversely impacted by ecological issues and the structural injustices that further contribute to the destruction of our common home.
“We have to realise that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” (LS 49) Leading an organisation in its development of an ecological justice framework requires more than just policies and procedures. It also requires a spirit of communion, education, practices, and above all, a conversion of the heart.
3. SPECIFIC ACTIONS
4. MEASURABLE TARGETS 5. TIMELINES
6. ANNUAL REPORTING
7. ANNUAL REVIEW
Our staff are excited to embark on this journey together as we grow in awe and wonder and give thanks remembering that we too are dust of the earth (adamah), part of God’s family of creation. “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (LS 14) •
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Emergency efforts of the Church for refugees fleeing the conflict are Ukraine is making a great difference, however there is still much to do to support those in need for the long-term.
Helping Ukrainian refugees in crisis The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has left thousands of families homeless and without access to basic resources. Everyday on the news and social media we see destruction and loss – distanced physically, but not emotionally, from this situation. Catholic Mission is standing with those affected, partnering with the Church in Poland and Romania, who are desperately trying to comfort and support refugees fleeing across the border from Ukraine. While emergency relief is still priority, there is also an urgent need for social and pastoral care for children, women and men who have lost so much. Fr Eugen Blaj, National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies (Catholic Mission) in Romania says that while local refugee centres are at capacity, they are still providing urgent care where needed, but it’s only a short-term option. “You can imagine families with children, maybe you can stay one night in a room with 20 beds or more (but) that is not a normal life.
“They are desperately looking for a place where they can stay longer, at least for a few weeks.” 18
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Fr Eugen has welcomed many refugee families into his own home. “The Church tries to help them very much, I try to help them very much, as much as I can. Offering them comfort... here it’s a normal life in my house.” Fr Eugen says that many refugees don’t have official documents with them which makes it difficult to process passport and visa applications, and that local agencies are now focusing their efforts as much on social and pastoral care as they are on emergency relief. Fr Eugen says the generosity from Australia is making a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most. “Thank you very much for the support,” he says. “And if you can continue the support, I appreciate it very much that we can take care of more and more people. May God bless you.” The ongoing prayer and support for those affected by these tragic circumstances is an expression of the solidarity of the universal Church as we reach out to bring hope and give life to children, women and men who are facing desperate need and an uncertain future. Please stand with our brothers and sisters in their time of need today by supporting the Church’s response by returning your gift using the coupon on the back of this magazine, scanning the QR code above or going to catholicmission.org.au/ukraine. •
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Stay connected with us Your window into mission The work of Catholic Mission is ever-growing, and to stay connected with all the latest news, updates from the field and more, you can subscribe to Mission Today Digital. This monthly e-newsletter is an easy-to-read digest of updates from our current mission programs, upcoming events in the Catholic Church both here in Australia and overseas, and extra content not published elsewhere that you may find interesting. You can read the newsletter on your computer, tablet or phone, and signing up is simple, all we need is you email address. Go to catholicmission.org.au/newsletter to subscribe to receive Mission Today Digital each month. We look forward to keeping you in the loop with our work here at Catholic Mission. •
Catholic Mission TV Another great way to stay connected with Catholic Mission is through Catholic Mission TV on YouTube.
Please tune in and subscribe today to discover playlists with a range of updates, education resources, inspirational videos, and heartfelt messages from missionaries around the world. •
Tune in to Catholic Mission TV by following us on YouTube at youtube.com/catholicmissionTV
Mission in 360
Socktober
You’ll find videos that allow you to take a closer look at communities around the world in 360 degrees, and that guide you through a deeper exploration of what you’re seeing. Great for kids and adults of all ages.
You’ll be inspired by the witness of students around Australia playing their part in combating inequality and poverty through their participation in Socktober. You can find out more, meet the Socktober ambassadors, and even learn how to make your own Sockball with this collection of clips.
M i s s i o n To d a y – A C a t h o l i c M i s s i o n M a g a z i n e
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