This year marks the 200th anniversary of the foundation for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which in Australia is known as Catholic Mission.  The Foundation was born from the vision of a young woman, Pauline Jaricot, who after the French Revolution became concerned for the missionaries across the world who were facing extreme poverty and were in desperate need of support. 

Catholic Mission today is a network of lay missionaries and church leaders who work together with many communities that are in need.  The development of all initiatives, projects and programs are identified at the grassroots level through the extensive network that the Pontifical Mission Societies have throughout the world.  Catholic Mission contributes funding and project support to critical church-run initiatives and this year Catholic Mission’s major appeal is for a community farm project in central Ethiopia.  This project is working towards a solution to bring hope to families and children suffering from malnutrition.  We are invited to partner with the Church in Ethiopia as they create hope and provide life-changing support for families that are in need in rural communities.  

Subsistence farming is the way of life for the vast majority of families in Ethiopia, but challenges such as persistent drought ruin crops, and cause basic food prices to rise, becoming more and more unreachable for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In consultation with the local community of Emdibir, it has been resolved to build a goat rearing centre to help provide a solution for families.  Goat milk can be produced and sold at an affordable price, so infants may have a nutritious food source to help keep them healthy and strong.  

Although the land for the centre is secured, constructing the sheds, procuring the goats, feed and veterinary medication are all still goals the community needs help to achieve.  Your financial support can assist with this project.

We are invited to partner with the community and Church in Ethiopia through Catholic Mission today, to be part of this critical work in Emdibir, and many other life-giving mission programs around the world.  

Your financial support will make an ongoing impact, and a one-off gift is also very helpful in supporting those in most need.  Inspired by Acts 1:8, ‘You shall be my witnesses’, Pope Francis calls us as Christians to “take up the courage, frankness and parrhesia of the first Christians, in order to bear witness to Christ in word and deed”.  (Message of his holiness Pope Francis for World Mission Day 2022).

Appeal envelopes are available in all our churches or you may wish to donate online.