Catholic Mission more than doubled the number of children it supported through community-based programs, the charity has revealed in its recent 2014/15 Annual Report.
In a statement issued last week, the organisation paid thanks to Australians for donations which have enabled them to directly support 536,460 children around the world
Catholic Mission National Director Martin Teulan says the impressive figure shows the generosity of Australians.
“Catholic Mission is one of the few Catholic charities with works specifically dedicated to children overseas,” Mr Teulan said.
“Our supporters appreciate that and have reached out with love through their kind donations.”
The organisation reported an income of $20.4 million in 2014/15. The return was on par despite a dip in giving, experienced by many Australian charities in the first half of 2014. Giving has since returned to previous levels.
The Archdiocese of Perth was exceptionally generous in its support of Catholic Mission, raising a total of $1,831,091 towards Catholic Mission’s work with communities, children and Church leaders.
Mr Teulan says the generosity of Catholic Mission’s donors is inspiring.
“Our wonderful supporters have again put their faith in us to deliver life-saving programs to children, communities and Church leaders in developing countries right around the world,” Mr Teulan said.
“Thanks to this generosity, we were able to reach out to more than twice the number of children, while also supporting community-building initiatives, and training seminarians, novices and catechists.”
Catholic Mission this year supported programs in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the Pacific, as well as remote Indigenous Australia, through its home Mission Fund.
These works included the support of 1,600 seminarians and novices in 47 countries; the funding of nine Catholic television and radio stations; and the construction or repair of 30 pastoral and training centres as well as 61 churches or chapels.
Mr Teulan says that Catholic Mission’s formation, education and advocacy results were equally outstanding. “Our Mission formation team engaged over 100 Church leaders in reflection in colloquiums and conferences, while we connected with 55,000 Catholics through our school and parish programs.
“It was truly a remarkable year, and the generosity our donors have shown through their support ensures that we can continue our life-giving work in the coming year and into the future.”
A copy of the Annual Report can be downloaded from their website at www.catholicmission.org.au.