As we approach the end of yet another year, I am delighted to look back at all that we have accomplished at Catholic Charities, thanks to your ongoing generosity.

In 2023 our February appeal raised $45,411, compared to $35,330 in 2022. There was also a significant increase in the mid-year appeal – $91,150 against $71,112 the previous year.

The September appeal, which involves a major mail distribution to schools, parishes and donors, has already brought in more than $40,000. However, the increasing demand for assistance from agencies such as Centacare Catholic Family Services and Hutt St Centre makes it all the more important for us to expand our financial base.

To this end, we have gained endorsement from Archbishop Patrick O’Regan to hold a special collection at Christmas Masses around the Archdiocese. Not only will this give us the opportunity to maximise the larger Mass attendances at this time of the year, it also allows us to increase awareness of the good works of the Church by telling more people about Catholic Charities and the agencies it supports. These include Aboriginal Catholic Ministry which was a recipient of the special collection at Christmas in previous years.

Similarly, our me4u campaign in schools is providing new ways of connecting with young people and their families to ensure a strong future for Catholic Charities. Schools are constantly finding different and creative ways to raise money which is wonderful to see.

Coinciding with Catholic Charities month in September was the annual Thanksgiving Mass in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, followed by a Charities Expo in the Cathedral Hall on September 5.

Traditionally held in December, the move to earlier in the year enabled us to welcome more school students as well as supporters, with 140 children from 11 schools participating.

The expo provided an opportunity for students to engage directly with the agencies that Catholic Charities supports – Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Centacare Catholic Family Services, Hutt St Centre and Our Lady of La Vang and St Patrick’s special schools.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Annie O’Neill who has guided Catholic Charities through challenging times and in new directions over the past 11 years.

We wish Annie all the best as she moves interstate and embarks on a different career path; her dedication and commitment to making a difference will be greatly missed.

As you will see on page 2 of the newsletter, Christina Francis has been appointed as the new manager and we warmly welcome her to our Catholic Charities family.

Jenny Brinkworth
Chair Catholic Charities 

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