DONATE NOW TO RECEIVE YOUR TAX DEDUCTION BEFORE EOFY. advertising supplement CONTENTS FEATURED CHARITIES

Sydney French Roman Catholic Charities...... p3 St Vincent de Paul...... p4-5 Mary MacKillop Today...... p6-7 Development & Fundraising Office...... p8-11 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart...... p12-13 ACRATH...... p14 Catholic Mission...... p16-17 St Vincent de Paul 4 Anti-Slavery Task Force...... p20-21 Somascans...... p22-23 Vatican Vaccination Clinic 15

Development & 8 Fundraising Office

Australian Priest: 18 Homeless in Hong Kong

MSC: Missionaries of the 12 Sacred Heart

Anti-Slavery Task Force 20 Development & Fundraising Office - Ephpheta Centre GOOD CHARITIES THE GOOD CHARITIES MAGAZINE Publisher: The Catholic Weekly, 20 June 2021 Editorial contributors: Cindy Wooden Design: Archdiocese of Sydney Digital and Design Team Sales and Marketing: Steve Richards www.catholicweekly.com.au

2 charities magazine • 2021 French Roman Catholic Charities Sydney French Roman Catholic Charities A charitable organisation which began 23 years ago when His Grace Maurice Piat, bishop of Port Louis in visited Sydney.

ur charitable as- privileged adults and chil- sociation began 23 dren, now including around years ago, when 16000 children under 15, His Grace Maurice many of whom are orphans OPiat, bishop of Port Louis or abandoned. in Mauritius (now His Em- Jobs are provided in house inence Maurice Cardinal construction, hand crafts, Piat) visited Sydney. Whilst agriculture, carpentry, me- here he asked our French chanics and welding. Edu- speaking community, es- cation is delivered through pecially the Mauritians, for 5 kindergartens, 7 primary help in supporting the ed- schools, 4 colleges, 3 high ucational program in Mau- schools and 3 universities’ ritius. faculties. More details can From the start our efforts be found on: www.austral- were undertaken in asso- iansformadagascar.org and ciation with the Australian www.perepedro-akamasoa. Catholic University to help net. educate poor children in In 2013, the SFRCC be- Mauritius through the pro- came partners with ‘Catho- vision of qualified teachers. lic Mission’ to improve Our original “Mauri- its fundraising activities tian Night” later became a through the tax deducti- “Charity Night” which took port has contributed to the bility offered for personal place every year on the last holistic social development donations going to ‘Aka- Saturday of October. Since of the poor through educa- masoa’ activities. last year’s imposed re- tion for both children and From 1999 to 2020 SFRCC strictions regarding public adults, and health services has raised $1,303,075. Do- gatherings, our fundrais- for those in the country- nors average: 500. Our fi- ing continues through the side. Mobile dispensaries nancial help is providing generosity of personal do- and small hospitals provide education and health care nations, selling of Malagasy health care for lepers and (when needed) for around artefacts and a lottery. TB and malaria sufferers on 16000 children for a period From 2005, in association the south-east coast of the of about 9 months! with Caritas Australia, we Island. On September 29, 2019 have helped Mauritius and In 2007, our charitable Akamasoa celebrated 30 Madagascar alternatively association was registered years since its foundation. through Caritas Mauritius with NSW government as On September 8, Holy Fa- and Caritas Madagascar. the “Sydney French Roman ther Francis honoured In Mauritius, we sup- Catholic Charities” SFRCC, them with a visit during ported a micro project for (CNF/20467) and recognised his apostolic trip to Mad- accommodation by pro- by the Catholic Archdio- evaluation of activities. In- Non-Government Organi- agascar. Fr Pedro and Pope viding no interest loans to cese of Sydney. The official dependent auditors here sation, AKAMASOA” (‘Good Francis have been good the poor living in slums to committee is made up of and in Madagascar assure Friends’) is assisted by pro- friends since they met at build homes. Funds could 11 persons (Fr Jan Chrzczo- the transparency of our fi- fessional teachers, health University in Buenos Aires, be borrowed from Caritas nowicz as chairman). Our nancial activities. care and social workers, Argentina where Fr Pedro Mauritius on condition that association is based on vol- In 2005, we started help- jobs’ faculties, seven med- was studying, and the fu- borrowers were employed untary membership. The ing Fr Pedro OPEKA of Mad- ical centres and many vol- ture was one and made repayments in Committee is supported by agascar with his endeav- unteers. of his professors! accordance with their fi- around 30 close supporters, our of helping the poorest Akamasoa provides em- Donation enquiries: Fr Jan nancial situation. and meets twice a year for of the poor on the out- ployment and education Chrzczonowicz at new email: In Madagascar our sup- planning, organisation and skirts of Antananarivo. His for around 25,000 under- [email protected]

3 charities magazine • 2021 St Vincent de Paul “As long as she’s happy, I’m happy” - Darren’s love for his daughter Darren vividly remembers the heart break of having his daughter Olivia taken away by DoCS. “She needed my love and my support, it destroyed everything that I believed in,” reflects Darren. Needing to find a stable place to live in order to be reunited with his daughter, the support of Vinnies helped Darren to move forward with his life.

Having separated from helped secure permanent his previous partner due accommodation for Darren. to unsafe living condi- With a place to call his tions, Darren nomadically own and Vinnies advocat- moved wherever he could ing to DocS, it wasn’t long find shelter for his young before Darren felt renewed daughter. by the love of having his Out of work, couch surf- daughter back in his life. ing and without a rental “When I got that place, history to call upon, the she came and visited me lack of stability affected for the first weekend, and his mental wellbeing along her face was just price- with depriving Olivia of a less. She just ran around much-needed routine. the house, jumping up and “I’d pretty much cry my- down saying, ‘This is ours, self to sleep because I this is ours!’”, recalls Dar- couldn’t give my daughter ren. what she needed to live.” “It’s given me and Olivia “She always used to ask so much freedom. It’s made ‘Where are we going to- me feel a lot better inside day?’, ‘What are we going myself knowing that I have to have for dinner, dad?’ – I a house, and I can lock that could see that it was affect- door, and it’s mine. ing her.” “Giving her that secu- Already struggling with- rity of knowing that’s our out a permanent place to home; it’s improved with call home, Olivia’s health her school, the teachers al- suffered due to a poor diet “Darren and Olivia have a bright future ahead now that they have a roof over their head, but ways tell me how much she of takeaway and quick many more people are facing uncertain futures. With more than 37,000 people experiencing improves every year.” meals stemming from a homelessness on any given night in NSW, social support payments being stripped back With Olivia back in his lack of available cooking below the poverty line and the expiration of the rental moratorium leaving many vulnerable life and his prospects look- facilities, while during the to evictions and backdated debts, Vinnies is needed more than ever to ensure people are ing up, Darren is looking harsh winter months the protected in their times of need. You can help Vinnies continue assisting individuals and forward to getting back into father and daughter were families by making or encouraging a donation to the Vinnies Winter Appeal 2021.” work while balancing the stretched in their ability to responsibilities of raising manage the cold. Darren turned to Vinnies Undertaking parenting it worked so well, because his daughter. “We had to huddle up to- where he was introduced to courses, financial coun- he wanted it. He wanted “I just want Olivia to be gether with blankets, and Danielle, one of our home- selling and re-establishing Olivia back; he wanted a happy and have a safe and I had a little stove cooker less support workers. communication with Ol- home, he wanted his fam- healthy life.” that I used to get going; I’d “When Darren first came ivia’s mother, Darren’s de- ily,” says Danielle. “[Without Vinnies] I open the door up on it so to us he was very concerned termination to be reunited Continuing to see Olivia wouldn’t have a house and we could get the heat from about his daughter going in with his daughter left an on visitations made possi- I wouldn’t have my daugh- it.” to foster care. To have any impression that resonated ble by Vinnies, who provid- ter back. Reaching a crisis point af- child taken off you would with Danielle. ed assistance with trans- “As long as she’s happy, ter DoCS deemed the living be a very emotional thing,” “He was participating the port, a major breakthrough I’m happy, at the end of situation to be untenable, recalls Danielle. whole way, and that’s why occurred when Danielle the day.”

HOW TO DONATE TO THE VINNIES WINTER APPEAL Visit www.vinnies.org.au | Call 13 18 12 | In-store at any Vinnies Shop

4 charities magazine • 2021 St Vincent de Paul

You can help rescue a child from homelessness.

DONATE TODAY.

5 charities magazine • 2021 Mary MacKillop Today Why ‘Education for Life’ is so important Jane Woolford, Mary MacKillop Today’s CEO, talks about lifelong learning

Jane Woolford, CEO of Mary MacKillop Today

ducation is one of paper – it’s the stimulation and the best invest- The theme ‘Education for inspiration you provide around Recent graduate, Hayden, a Mary ments a country Life’ is about enabling access learning. It was exciting to see can make to al- to education throughout the my students building a vision MacKillop Today First Nations Scholar. leviate poverty. various stages of life. As hu- of their place in the world.” EThrough her time working mans, we never stop learn- portant. you, our programs provide with communities around ing. To ignite a passion in the Having firsthand experi- I see increased vulnerability access to education in are- the world, Mary MacKillop earliest years means opening ence in teaching, Jane has levels where people face a lack as such as traditional liter- Today’s CEO, Jane Woolford, windows to the world. This come to see the areas of of literacy skills, even here in acy and numeracy, or broad has come to deeply appre- early learning builds our own significant need for educa- Australia. There’s a real need skills for living, across the ciate the relationship be- strengths so we can contribute tion – both in Australia and for training in life skills. That’s various seasons of life. tween education and pov- to our community and devel- overseas. why, for example, Mary MacK- Through our education and erty. Jane shares why she op compassion to help others. illop Today is running work- life skills programs, people believes ‘Education for Life’ I think of Mary MacKillop’s “I think back to the first shops in budgeting and finan- develop essential skills for is important. words – ‘Find happiness in time I arrived in Timor Leste cial literacy in Central Western self-sufficiency. making others happy.” in 2001, to help rebuild com- NSW to give people economic Saint Mary MacKillop “So often, children miss out munities after the conflict. independence and escape cy- was a teacher and saw ed- on education because of pover- Like Saint Mary MacKil- I saw schools burnt down. cles of growing debt.” ucation as a pathway out ty. When families are in hard- lop, Jane spent time as an The Sisters of St Joseph were of poverty. Everyday people ship, it means their access to educator in the classroom there helping people to sup- Education for Life is about through their support of learning is compromised. That – teaching English at a sec- port the education system. lifelong learning. At every Mary MacKillop Today are affects their ability to live a ondary school in Western Timor Leste has come a long stage of the life cycle, it’s helping to carry on her leg- full, healthy life. Schooling is Sydney. She shared what a way but there’s still significant important to keep learning acy. It is the generosity and an opportunity to build skills, privilege it was to teach and need – so I’m grateful to still so we can continue to grow compassion of supporters capabilities, wellbeing, and build connections with stu- be involved in developing liter- as healthy individuals and that makes our Education confidence. Missing out on dents. acy and life skills with young contributing members of for Life programs possible school puts a person’s chance people, parents, and teachers our community. around the world, especial- of later gaining employment at “Teaching showed me that in their own Tetun language. ly during this time of in- risk. They won’t be job-ready the greatest impact you have In the later stages of life as Thanks to our support- creased vulnerability due to or money-wise. is not necessarily the marks on adults, education remains im- ers, kind readers just like the pandemic.

6 charities magazine • 2021 Celebrate Saint Mary MacKillop's legacy this Feast Day! "I'm a teacher, let's start today! "

This August give the gift of education by raising funds for Mary MacKillop Today's Learning for Life programs.

Give in Celebration - mark this special day by inviting friends and family to raise awareness and funds for vital education programs.

Host an Event - whether you want to bake, cycle, walk or run, there are lots of ways you can fundraise.

Involve Your Community - we have fun ideas for your school or group to try!

Learn more about how you can support Mary MacKillop Today. Call 02 8912 2763 or donate via marymackilloptoday.org.au/donate

7 charities magazine • 2021 Our Catholic faith and works Today’s Catholics in Sydney continue to support our agencies like the Charitable Works Fund, the Priests’ Retirement Foundation and the St Mary’s Cathedral National Trust.

Today, Catholics in Syd- ney continue to support our agencies like the Char- itable Works Fund, the Priests’ Retirement Foun- dation and the St Mary’s Cathedral National Trust. This in turn continues our works of healing the sick, housing the homeless and caring for our elders. Dear Friends, It supports our mission of providing future priests, Our Catholic faith, and our and catechising Catholic works, have shaped our students in State schools. history for 2,000 years and It provides material sup- continue to do so today, port to sustain our iconic both in Sydney and be- places of worship, like St yond. Mary’s Cathedral and pre- Inspired by the teach- serves our Catholic art, ings of Jesus, our faith has which conveys our story moved Christians to bring and truth. about charity and love in These works have sup- the world, which has led to ported people around the the conversion of nations. world for 2,000 years, and Our moral codes and I ask you today to please canon laws have influ- continue this ministry, so enced legal systems across that future generations Europe, and beyond. may also come to know Institutions like schools, and encounter Jesus. St Mary’s Cathedral National Trust hospitals, aged-care facili- May I take this opportu- ties and many others have nity to thank you for tak- Over many years, Catholics, Christians, vis- • Conserving the Stations of the Cross all largely stemmed from ing the time to read our itors and admirers of our Cathedral have • and much more our Catholic tradition. Catholic story, and for fur- made possible the building of St Mary’s Ca- With your support, St Mary’s Cathedral Disciplines like philos- ther considering your role thedral through their generous gifts left to can be protected and assured to last for ophy, astronomy, science in building our Church for this magnificent heritage building. generations to come. Serving as the heart and medicine were either tomorrow. Since then, similar generosity is what of the Catholic faith in Sydney, the icon- strengthened or born from has preserved and cared for the Cathedral ic Cathedral requires continual updates, our Catholic milieu. Thank you and God bless! which we use today to pray, seek refuge maintenance and restoration. There is no doubt Catho- and adore our faith. If the Cathedral holds a place in your lics have many challenges The conservation program that protects heart or your family’s, consider remem- at present. St Mary’s Cathedral is in ongoing need, as bering St Mary’s Cathredral in your Will, However, there is also the Cathedral endures years of natural ele- where you can leave a lasting legacy in a tremendous amount of ments and human interferences. Sydney for the generations of people to good born from our Church, Michael Mendieta In recent years works have included: come. Director, Development and and remains offered to the Fundraising Office - Catholic • Stone restoration wider community. Archdiocese of Sydney • Replacing roof tiles PLEASE DONATE TODAY.

My gift to help our faith and our works For 2,000 years Catholics have been a force for good in society. To continue this great work, donate today by visitingwww.ourfaithourworks.org or phoning 1800 753 959.

8 charities magazine • 2021 Development & Fundraising office We invite you to join us with our ministries

The Seminary of the Good Shepherd

The heart and future of the Catholic Your donation will: Church in Sydney begins here - at the • cover the daily living expenses of Seminary of the Good Shepherd and the these seminaries which serve as houses of Redemptoris Mater Seminary. spiritual growth, character development It is the training ground for future priests and brotherhood. and deacons of the Archdiocese of Sydney • support the pastoral formation of sem- and surrounding dioceses of NSW. inarians at the Catholic Institute of Syd- These seminaries are places of “intense ney. formation”. They seek to develop men The Seminary needs your help to form strong in faith, hope and love who are will- our future priests for generations to come. ing to give their lives to their Lord and the ones that they have been called to serve. CONSIDER DONATING TODAY.

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine

The formation of our Catholic children in troduces students to the love of God, the public schools is strengthened through the truths of the faith and opens up the path- volunteer catechists that are trained and way to the Sacraments supported by the Confraternity of Chris- Your donation will: tian Doctrine (CCD). • develop programs and resources to Since its formation in 1958, CCD Sydney help spread the Gospel to children. has taught over 1 million students and • provide quality training and profes- every week, a dedicated team of over 2,300 sional development to catechists. catechists travel across NSW bringing the CCD needs your help to teach the Catho- Good News to 30,000 children in over 400 lic faith to children in public schools. schools. Using a pedagogy of inductive and deductive reasoning, the curriculum in- CONSIDER DONATING TODAY.

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry

The Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) pro- The Ministry also provides an interface vides pastoral care and support to Sydney’s between Indigenous Catholics and the wid- Catholic Aborigines. er Catholic and political community. They In his historic Alice Springs address in connect Aboriginal educators and speakers 1986, Pope St John Paul II said “the church in with schools and parishes. Where neces- Australia would not reach its potential until sary, the ACM will act as advocates and pro- Aboriginal people had made their contri- vide counselling services and practical aid. bution to her life”. ACM seeks to make this The ACM hopes to build ties with Nun- hope a reality. galyina and Wontulp Bi Buya Indigenous Operating from two premises, Reconcili- theological colleges to support the spiritual ation Church and its Alexandria Office, the development of Indigenous Catholics in ACM offers a range of services including Sydney. Sacramental preparation, monthly cultural Help our Sydney Aboriginal Catholic Mass, prayer resources, support with funer- reach their full potential. als and baptisms, prayer groups and pasto- ral support. CONSIDER DONATING TODAY.

9 charities magazine • 2021 Development & Fundraising Office

CatholicCare

With more than 100 programs running support, the elderly, the disabled, to assist those in need, CatholicCare the unemployed, children in need of is the social services agency of the foster homes and those afflicted with Archdiocese of Sydney. gambling, addiction or poor mental Every day CatholicCare’s 600 staff health. and nearly 200 volunteers work to In 2018, with the introduction strengthen families, individuals and of CCareline telephone service, build community from their sites at CatholicCare received over 20,000 calls Bankstown, Belmore, Cabramatta, for help. Fairfield, Lakemba, Lewisham,Marriage breakdown, mental health Liverpool, Woolloomooloo and Sydney. issues and an ageing population are Every age has its own invisible people on the rise, and the need for support and since its beginning in 1941, is only going to increase. CatholicCare CatholicCare has cared for those who hopes to expand their services across have no one else. NSW, but to do this, they need your Following the example of Christ, help. their programs seek to assist anyone Consider leaving a legacy gift today. in need; those struggling with their marriage, new parents, crisis pregnancy CONSIDER GIVING TODAY.

The Ephpheta Centre

The Ephpheta Centre is a special minis- • support a wide range of initiatives for try for the deaf and hard of hearing run the deaf and hard of hearing including by the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, men’s, women’s, youth, craft and other and supported by the dioceses of Par- interests groups ramatta and Broken Bay. • help train seminarians and priests in The Centre organises weekly Mass in Auslan so the sacraments can be more. Auslan (Australian sign language) as well accessible for the deaf and hard of hear- as social and pastoral outreach includ- ing Catholic community. ing a youth group, women’s group, men’s group, craft group and home visits. The Ephpheta Centre needs your For 40 years, Ephpheta has opened the help to spread the Catholic faith to riches of the Catholic faith to the deaf those that are deaf and hard of hearing. community of Sydney and hopes to do Consider leaving a legacy gift today. so for another 40 years. Your donation will: CONSIDER DONATING TODAY.

Priests’ Retirement Foundation

The Priests’ Retirement Foundation of • Nursing home and hostel care for frail the Archdiocese of Sydney ensures all priests. priests can receive the accommodation, • Assistance in transitioning to retire- health care and support they need in ment. their retirement. There are now over 75 • Health insurance. retired priests in Sydney, many of whom • Medical and dental expenses. worked long into their 70’s, caring for the • Assistance with board and lodging ex- spiritual life and welfare of their people. penses. The Archdiocese gives two dollars for Our retired priests have given so much every dollar contributed to the Priests’ to us, and the Priests’ Retirement Foun- Retirement Foundation. dation is an opportunity to give back. The Priests’ Retirement Foundation cov- ers needs such as: PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING • Convalescence care. TO SUPPORT OUR RETIRED PRIESTS TODAY.

10 charities magazine • 2021 Charities in the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Charitable Works Fund • Charitable Works Fund • The Priests’ Retirement Foundation • St Mary’s Cathedral National Trust • Aboriginal Catholic Ministry • Ephpheta Centre • The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine • Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Archdiocese of Sydney Priests Retirement Foundation • Redemptoris Mater Seminary • University Chaplaincies • CatholicCare

Contact our Planned Giving Specialist (Richard Allcock) today. Phone: (02) 9307 8443 email [email protected] Ask for our free Wills guide

St Mary’s Cathedral

Consider leaving a legacy gift today. Please send me your free gift in Wills guide I am interested. Please contact me to further discuss I am leaving a gift in my Will. TITLE:_____ FIRST NAME:______SURNAME: ______ADDRESS:______POSTCODE: ______PHONE: ______EMAIL:______

Questions/Queries Please post to: Catholic Archidocese of Sydney, Development and Fundraising Office, Level 7, 133 Liverpool Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. Ph: 1800 753 959 Email: [email protected]

11 charities magazine • 2021 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart The Heart of God gives MSC Missionaries of the us a Heart for Action Sacred Heart

The MSC Mission Office, as an ap- We are all called to this Mission in initiated. Further to this was the is- ostolate of the Missionaries of the the world, wherever we are. sue of National Parks being closed Sacred Heart, seeks to live out in to beekeepers, parts of which were the world God’s love and compas- unburnt with available flowers. The sion, unity and harmony, as re- Mission Office was able to give $700 vealed in the Heart of Jesus Christ. for relief in this area. In this we endeavour to fulfill the Great Commission to preach Our Christian Good Works the Good News to all people, in our Overseas words and actions. Our first work is that of evangelisation of people KIRIBATI near and far, to renew the world Providing Clean Drinking Water and the Church, creating a better world for all through the projects Sr Kateia OLSH and the Sisters in we sponsor. Manoku Abemama in the Pacific nation of Kirabati are very grate- This evangelisation of the Mission ful to our donors for funding five Office is carried out through our new water tanks, as they now have operation that involves main pro- enough tanks to collect rainwater, fundraising activities and food do- jects areas of : EXAMPLES OF providing drinking water for the nations are received, the MSC Mis- OUR PROJECTS parents and relatives of the four sion Office provides funds to assist • Clean Water, Health (HIV/Aids, newly professed Sisters, as well as in daily expenses. Malaria, Leprosy) In Australia others visiting the village and us- • Disadvantaged Youth ing the Maneaba the village’s large IMPROVING THE • Environment and After the bushfires of the past year, meeting house. ENVIRONMENT • Australian Domestic and support the Mission Office reached out of Missionaries. in a small way, to those needing FIJI This is a new project area for the a hand up, to get started again. A Helping Disadvantaged Youth Mission Office, stemming from our Our generous donors make this small scale Apiarist near Ulladulla concern for the earth as our home. possible together with our extend- had lost millions of bees, hives and The MSC’s Chevalier Hostel caters We have had indications for tree ed reach overseas in many coun- honey, and faced a huge clean up. for underprivileged youths attend- planting projects in Sudan and tries through our various Mission A major part of the recovery was to ing secondary schools. We have mangrove planting in Papua New Offices. re-queen the hives when there was students from single parents, bro- Guinea. At present, we haven’t had Our National Directors, Boards, a great shortage of queen bees. Fol- ken homes and at times we have sufficient funds to assist with these MSC/OLSH/MSC Sisters and friends lowing that there was the wait for ones brought in by the Social Wel- projects. “The environment club generate applications for practical decent rain, for the bush to recover, fare Department. Currently, we (composed of many students) has projects, supervise their imple- to provide flowers for the bees in have thirteen students and two a big concern related to the envi- mentation and acquittal. sufficient density, to allow all the MSC staff. Their life isn’t easy, as ronment, a commitment to defend The love and mercy of Jesus apiarists to operate and survive. To Fiji is recovering from recent trop- and protect the environment by Christ is then implemented in a supplement the needs of the bees, ical cyclones, as well as the effects making the space clean.” (Catholic practical, living and effective way. a project to supply bee syrup was of the Covid pandemic. While local University, Yaounde, Cameroon).

REMEMBER US WITH A GIFT IN YOUR WILL A gift in your Will to the MSC Mission Office is a gift that lives on in helping others. Your generosity allows the financing of the good work done by our Missionaries. For an information pack phone Father Roger or Sally on (02) 9697 0983.

MSC Mission Office | PO Box 177 Kensington NSW 1465 | Phone (02) 9697 0983 Email [email protected] | www.mscmission.org

12 charities magazine • 2021 Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

Your Help is Needed TAX TIME Donate by 30 June PHILIPPINES lies who tend to burn or kill them because they Del Monte Farm, a new project needing funds are witches, they say; they are responsible for their parents or other family members’ death. A MESSAGE FROM FATHER The MSC Philippine Province aims to achieve From an early age, they live in streets and beg ROGER PURCELL MSC in markets with all the possible consequences a concrete response to the challenge of ‘Laud- Director MSC Mission Office ato Si’ in our care for the common home for re for their lives. Caring for these children gives toration of indigenous flora and fauna through them the dignity again and provides them with How often do we buy things we do not Del Monte Farm. education, and food. need? Over the past 2 years, they have started the We also have initiated a counselling service This can be food, clothing, furnishings, ground work by putting in place basic amen- because we noticed that many of them are electronics, computer programmes and apps. ities including a farm house; training centre; traumatised. For many years now, we do the Do we need it? Could I give the money to demonstration farms and nurseries as well as work of reinserting them into foster families as someone who needs it more? It is easy to with committed people - MSC lay partners, lo- they get older, in order to prepare their future waste so many things by throwing it in the cal farmers, peasant groups, indigenous people in the society. However, we still pay their school rubbish, polluting the environment. When we and other collaborators with local networks fees, as most of those families are generous say we “throw it AWAY!” – where is AWAY? such as government agencies, religious com- but can’t afford to do more than give them a It is actually SOMEWHERE! in the bin, at the munities and NGOs who can share the same shelter. Sometimes they also come back to the tip, ending up in landfill, rivers and oceans. orientation of caring for our common home centre for food. Your on-going support makes a We can easily follow trends, fashions and Earth. $20,000 is needed now for this project, difference to so many young lives. fads, spending needlessly on passing things. can you help? In an economy for everyone, there should PAPUA NEW GUINEA be enough for all to have a good standard THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF Clean Water Project of living with access to the goods of the CONGO earth. Many do not have enough water, Operating an Orphanage in Mbandaka In coastal areas due to rising sea levels, there is clothing, medicine, schooling, food, shelter, a greater need for clean water supplies. In the travel or luxury items, while others have an The Australian MSC mission office working Duke of York Islands, much land is being lost abundance. with Srs Philomene Iketa and Natacha Nseke to the sea including gardens, homes and even Please consider a gift to the MSC has been supporting our orphanage (CNDSC) a cemetery. Christ the King Parish on Manus Mission Office for many years already. The work undertak- Island reports that villages that obtain water en by the daughters of our Lady of the Sacred from wells dug along the village coastline are Scan the QR code, go to our website, Heart in this centre, is to look after and care for now waiting for low tide, in order to fetch water phone our office or complete the the orphaned and vulnerable kids. These chil- for domestic needs. Water tanks are desperate- coupon below. dren are abandoned, rejected from their fami- ly needed to collect rainwater, can you help?

DONATE TAX DEDUCTION: □ CLEAN WATER □ YOUTH □ HEALTH □ AUSTRALIA NON- TAX DEDUCTION: □ SEMINARIANS □ DONATION □ MISSIONS I would like to receive information about: □ Remember MSC Mission Office in my Will. □ Volunteering my time to the Missions Enclosed is my gift: □ $50 □ $100 □ $500 Other $ ______How often: □ Once □ Monthly Gift □ Quarterly Gift □ Yearly Gift □ (Cheque, money order) Or please debit my credit card: □ Visa □ MasterCard □ Amex Cardholder’s signature: ______

Card number ______Card Expiry Date _____ / ______

Mr/Mrs/Miss/Dr/Fr/Sr/Br:______

Address:______Postcode: ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

To support our domestic and international projects, tax and non-tax deductible donations can be made through: Mail: MSC Mission Office, PO Box 177, Kensington NSW 1465 Australia | Email: [email protected] Online/Paypal: www.mscmission.org.au | Telephone: (02) 9697-0983

13 charities magazine • 2021 ACRATH

Speak out against slavery

Approximately 40 million people are trapped in slavery or slavery-like conditions around the world, including Australia - ONE in four of them is a child. These are the people making a lot of food that we eat and drink, the clothes we wear and the phones and technology we use.

YOUR CALL TO ACTION... STAND with the children who pick the coffee and cocoa beans used to produce our coffee and chocolate. Use the Make your school slavery free kit (scan the QR code below). LEARN more about ACRATH’s online resources for schools, parishes and communities who want to stop human trafficking and modern slavery. SUPPORT ACRATH’s WORK by donating today https://acrath.org.au/donate/ We have DGR status.

14 charities magazine • 2021 Story Pope visits Vatican vaccination clinic for the poor

Pope Francis has repeatedly encouraged people to get vaccinated to protect their health, the health of their loved ones and the health of their neighbours.

By Cindy Wooden

ope Francis visited the Vatican’s COV- ID-19 vaccination clinic on Good Friday Pas volunteer doctors, nurs- es and pharmacists contin- ued vaccinating the poor, homeless and refugees as- sisted by charities in Rome. The Office of Papal Chari- ties announced on 26 March that it purchased enough doses of the Pfizer-BioN- Tech vaccine to inoculate 1,200 of “the poorest and most marginalised people who, because of their situa- tion, are the most exposed” to the coronavirus. Guests of a shelter run by the Missionaries of Char- ity near Rome’s Colosse- um were among the first to receive their shots. By the time the pope visited 2 April, the Vatican press of- fice said, about 800 people had received the first of their two doses. “Just before 10am, Pope Francis went to the atrium of the Paul VI Hall while Announcing the vacci- get vaccinated to protect tro Astalli, a Jesuit Refugee of closeness” to people “the vaccinations were under- nation program, the Office their health, the health of Service centre assisting pandemic has made invis- way for some people who of Papal Charities, run by their loved ones and the refugees in Rome, said in ible and, therefore, more are homeless or in difficul- Cardinal , health of their neighbors. a statement March 31 that fragile and more at risk of ty and are welcomed and encouraged people to buy He also repeatedly has people assisted by the cen- getting sick.” accompanied by various a vaccine for “our poorest called for global efforts to tre would be among those The Centro Astalli called Rome associations,” the and most vulnerable broth- ensure equitable distribu- vaccinated by the Vatican. on the Italian government press office said. ers and sisters” by making a tion of the vaccine, rather “It is an important sign to “multiple the pontiff’s “The Pope greeted donation online at www.el- than policies that amount for the life of the refugees gesture” by including in the the doctors and nurses, emosineria.va, the address to wealthier countries buy- we welcome, among whom national vaccination pro- watched the procedure of the papal almoner’s of- ing up most of the available are many vulnerable peo- gram “the homeless and for preparing vaccine dos- fice, which distributes char- shots and reserving them ple, victims of torture and migrants who live in spon- es and visited with people ity in the name of the pope. for their own citizens. intentional violence,” Fa- taneous settlements or in waiting for their vaccina- Pope Francis has repeat- Jesuit Father Camillo Ri- ther Ripamonti said. The occupied buildings or re- tions,” the statement said. edly encouraged people to pamonti, president of Cen- Vatican’s outreach is “a sign ception centres.” - CNS

15 charities magazine • 2021 Catholic Mission Reach out, give life Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the in Australia

‘Catholic Mission operates in over 160 countries to support initiatives in 1,100 dioceses, including remote Australia’

atholic Mission is the Austral- ian agency of the Pontifical Mission Societies; the Catholic Church’s global organisation Cdedicated to continuing Jesus Christ’s mission in the world: that all may have life to the full. Catholic Mission operates in over 160 countries to support initiatives in 1,100 dioceses, including remote Australia. Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics to give people the opportunity for a full, enriched life—physically and spiritually—regardless of race, stigma, religion, or gender. Catholic Mission recently launched its major appeal for the year, supporting the essential work of the Mother and Baby Home run by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok, as they reach out to vulnerable women in their time of need. Pope Francis invites each of us to re- spond to what we have seen and heard, calling us to each be missionary disci- ples by sharing and supporting vital work like this. At a time when there is a lot of attention given to the vulnera- bility of women in our own society the work of the Good Shepherd sisters in Thailand, and in many other places, goes to the very heart of the Christian proclamation of the worth and dignity of every person. Help those in need and support Sr Cha- laad and the Good Shepherd Sisters by do- nating catholicmission.org.au If you would like to be part of our “Respond to the call to help those in need” unique mission and make a real and lasting difference in the lives of chil- dren, communities, and future Church leaders around the world, please con- RESPOND TO THE CALL AND DONATE BY: sider a donation to Catholic Mission to- day. You may also choose to leave a last- Freecall: 1800 257 296 ing legacy to Christ’s mission by leaving Online: www.catholicmission.org.au a Gift in your Will.

16 charities magazine • 2021 Catholic Mission Socktober kicking goals for kids in need A nationwide schools engagement program is again shooting for success, using the game of soccer to educate and encourage support for mission projects around the world.

tical with mission. So, here’s your chance to get ‘Socktober for on board with Socktober, Mission Month have some fun and be helping people at the same encourages time.” students across “I hope you give gener- ously with the head, heart Australia to make and hands reaching out a difference for to those in situations far more dire than here in their brothers and Australia,” said Archbishop sisters overseas Prowse. “Socktober’s got my sup- through our shared port; I hope it’s got yours.” The 2021 Socktober pro- understanding of gram kicked off with the the values inherent official national launch in Brisbane. Sue Williams, in the world game Catholic Mission’s Youth of soccer.’ and Schools Engagement Officer for Queensland, says schools in her region are very keen to get in- he Socktober volved. program, run by “We had such a dis- Catholic Mission, rupted year in 2020, but aims to engage the support from schools TCatholic school students’ across Queensland and heads, hearts, and hands Australia was fantastic, in key issues of mission Socktober uses the game of soccer to educate and encourage support for mission projects around the nonetheless,” she said. and social justice through world. The program has the backing of several bishops and archbishops from across Australia. “This year with fewer powerful metaphors found restrictions on gatherings in sport, especially the In the Socktober pro- from friends and family, Michael Kennedy of Ar- and more time in class, we world game of soccer. gram, students are en- with all funds raised in midale, all three throwing know Socktober will be a A Socktober Ambassador couraged to “kick goals for 2021, supporting mission their support behind the great celebration of mis- is W-League soccer star, kids in need” through the projects in Thailand. program. sion for students, as well Sarah Willacy. program, which features The Socktober program “Many kids around the as a valuable learning and “The soccer elements of a six-module journey of also has the backing of world play soccer with a formation experience.” the Socktober program of- learning and formation, several bishops and arch- ball made of rags; it re- Primary and secondary fer a lot of fun for students, packed with activities and bishops from across Aus- minds us how blessed we schools are invited to reg- but it is the tangible les- resources, and a popular tralia. are in a country like Aus- ister for Socktober today by sons about the importance penalty shootout activi- Adelaide Archbishop tralia,” said Bishop Kenne- heading to socktober.org.au of serving those less for- ty which can be held on Patrick O’Regan has joined dy. where they can find all the tunate that will stay with a school’s mission day. As with Archbishop Christo- “We all are called to be resources and activities to them through their life,” students kick their goals, pher Prowse of Canberra missionaries in the church, fully engage with World she said. they seek sponsorship and Goulburn and Bishop and to do something prac- Mission Month in 2021.

For further information: www.socktober.org.au Email: [email protected] | Website: catholicmission.org.au

17 charities magazine • 2021 Story Australian priest: More homeless in Hong Kong than he’s seen in 36 years

“God bless McDonald’s for their compassion to the poor, it was the only place for these people to go”, Fr Wotherspoon said.

blate Father was in the making, Father John Wother- Wotherspoon said. spoon loves “In my opinion, this is McDonald’s the worst the homeless restaurants, problem has ever been in Oand it’s not because of the Hong Kong,” said Father fries. Wotherspoon, 74, a native The reason the Catholic of Brisbane, Australia, who priest favors the fast-food has been in Hong Kong for chain is that the 24-hour 36 years and in the Jordan stores were among the neighborhood on the Kow- few places that allowed loon side of the city for 11 homeless people to stay in years. the late evening and early But it was a moment of morning hours. The unoffi- apparent divine interven- cial policy even resulted in tion that provided some a nickname, “McSleepers,” relief. for the late-night denizens. A local report in a Canton- “God bless McDonald’s ese-language newspaper for their compassion to the last year about the looming poor; it was the only place homeless crisis mentioned for these people to go,” Fa- the priest’s name and re- ther Wotherspoon said, sulted in an unprecedented noting that the restaurant flood of donations, Father chain has regularly donat- Wotherspoon said. ed meals for the homeless “It just multiplied from in Hong Kong. there,” he said. “I never But the after-hours haven looked for money. It found of the golden arches end- me.” ed abruptly about a year A friend who asked Fa- ago when the coronavirus ther Wotherspoon for per- pandemic tightened its grip mission to post his bank on the city, prompting the account number on a Face- government to order the book page increased the closure of all restaurants at flow of donations. 6pm, recently changed to The funding allowed 10pm, and forcing scores of Australian Oblate Father John Wotherspoon poses on Hong Kong’s Temple Street, where many shopping the priest and the NGO he homeless onto the streets stalls thrived as part of a well-known night market before the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of business started in 2016, MercyHK, to forced many vendors into homelessness. PHOTOS: CNS/STRINGER to look for places to sleep. rent rooms in an apartment “When people couldn’t less people in Hong Kong crippled the economy and spread of COVID-19 have building in the adjoining go to McDonald’s, that’s in 2017. But charities and jobs were jettisoned. The continued the stagnation. neighborhood of Yau Ma when things increased rap- nongovernmental organi- economy reached a nadir With the city government Tei for those without a idly (for the worse),” Father sations say the actual num- as the pandemic intensified struggling to reverse the place to sleep. Some of the Wotherspoon said. ber is much higher now in with waves of new infec- economic tailspin and un- homeless work in a shop The city’s social welfare this city with a population tions. willing to provide shelter in Jordan opened last year department said there of about 7.5 million. Pro-de- Social distancing meas- for the growing number of by MercyHK; it sells sec- were just over 1,100 home- mocracy protests in 2019 ures designed to stem the homeless people, a crisis ondhand goods. Those who

18 charities magazine • 2021 Father John Wotherspoon’s tote bag that he uses to carry food coupons, an umbrella and a sweater is a memento from Pope John Francis’ visit to Uganda in 2015. It is pictured in his room in Hong Kong, above, A man who wished to be identified only by his surname, Yee, works at a second-hand shop repairing electronics in Hong Kong/ He says Australian Oblate Father John Wotherspoon helped him get an apartment and the job at the shop after he lost his job and was homeless, right.

cannot work due to age or ment. infirmity are helped in ap- “This is so much bet- plying for government as- ter,” said 76-year-old Ah sistance. Ming, who moved into his Father Wotherspoon Yau Ma Tei apartment 10 said he and his NGO cur- months ago. “There are no rently rent 40 rooms for planes here.” 60 people at a cost of over But Father Wotherspoon HK$200,000 (US$25,700) a said the homeless prob- month in a city with the lem will get worse as the most expensive residential effects of the pandemic real estate in the world. continue and the economy Soon after MercyHK remains in the doldrums. found apartments for There are still scores of those who used to be on homeless who are addict- the street, a restaurant in ed to drugs, or suffering the same apartment build- from mental illness, who ing agreed to donate free are unsuitable to be placed meals every Wednesday. in an apartment and thus ‘But it was a moment of apparent divine The rented apartments remain on the street. They are each occupied by two are still given food and intervention that provided some relief. A local report or three people of the support. The city’s poorest same gender and include district, Sham Shui Po, has in a Cantonese-language newspaper last year about a shower and toilet. One an even worse homeless the looming homeless crisis mentioned the priest’s man who lost his cleaning problem, he said. job and was sleeping in Father Wotherspoon ad- name and resulted in an unprecedented flood of the noisy airport and other mitted he occasionally has places that were open late difficult days. donations, Father Wotherspoon said.’ said the peace and safety “But it’s never as bad as of his shared apartment it is for these people,” he was a significant improve- said. - CNS.

19 charities magazine • 2021 Anti-Slavery Task Force We ask you to consider a Giving Pledge to Domus 8.7

DOMUS 8.7 REMEDY PATHWAY

Domus 8.7 is an initiative nated response when vic- of the Catholic Archdiocese tims are identified of Sydney to provide emer- • Develop the internal gency housing, legal advice, capability of the Church to health care, financial and respond safely welfare support to address • Abide by Catholic Social the needs of people who Teaching have experienced forced labour and modern slavery. WHAT IS A ‘REMEDY Domus 8.7 is Australia’s PATHWAY’? first ‘one-stop-shop’ ser- vice available to business, The provision of remedy workers or people impact- involves implementing ed by modern slavery to actions and processes to obtain support, advice and investigate and redress im- guidance on how to re- pacts on workers and en- spond to potential situa- sure future incidents are tions. avoided. Your donation enables The right to remedy is a direct services and support basic principle in interna- for victims and exploited tional human rights law. workers. The Sydney Archdiocese Anti-slavery Taskforce was established by Archbishop Anthony Fisher in May, 2017 Unfortunately, victims of The Global Slavery Index PHOTO: GIOVANNI PORTELLI corporate human rights estimates there are 15,000 remedy pathway for these sources. They lack informa- to rapidly respond to issues abuses often struggle to ac- victims of modern slav- victims and there are cur- tion about their rights and of modern slavery or slav- cess adequate or effective ery in Australia, trapped in rently no resources allocat- our legal system. Individu- ery-like conditions. A rem- remedy. forced labour, debt bond- ed to the establishment of als who identify or suspect edy pathway is essential to age, forced marriage or hu- a national modern slavery incidents of modern slav- ensure the safety and sup- The Domus 8.7 service man trafficking. COVID-19 hotline. ery are provided with no port of victims. profile: has increased the vulnera- So, what should you do if clear guidance on what to bility of migrant workers to you suspect someone is a do. They are left to navigate A REMEDY PATHWAY • Guidance and advice extreme forms of exploita- victim of modern slavery? a complex maze of immi- IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL for anyone with concerns tion and cut off the ability Who do you call first? How gration, state and Federal CATHOLIC ORGANISA- about a person or situation to escape and return home can you make sure people legal systems, welfare and TIONS TO: • Coordination with gov- overseas. are safe? social security. ernment agencies, victim The Australian Gov- Victims, are often trau- Catholic organisations • Provide the support support organisations and ernment does not have a matised and have few re- need a ‘remedy pathway’ needed for a rapid, coordi- others

20 charities magazine • 2021 Anti-Slavery Task Force

‘‘Domus 8.7 fills a gap in providing readily available support from a formal perspective, emergency assistance and addressing other needs for people trapped in modern slavery or facing exploitation in the workforce.’’ - Archbishop Fisher 17th Feb 2020 SMH

• Confidential safe con- my identity out of fear of retal- versations app for the gen- iation against my family back PLEDGE CARD eral public to report sus- home and jeopardising my pected incidents of modern visa. Everyone I reached out to slavery told me to go somewhere else. • Practical and immediate I had no money and I needed a support for people impact- lot of help. So having a service ed by modern slavery like this will make a world of • Accessing the service is difference for victims of mod- free for victims and work- ern slavery in Australia.” PLEDGE CARD ers. *not his real name I wish to pledge my support to the ‘Domus 8.7’ in the amount of: ______Survivor advocate Domus 8.7 is inspired by I am enclosing a cheque for the above amount endorsement: the actions and words of Please make cheques payable to Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney (non-tax deductible). Pope Francis, who has be- I am authorising debit on my credit card details below for the above amount Philippines-born IT profes- come one of the foremost sional *Joshua Cruz left his anti- slavery advocates in Credit Card Payments: MASTERCARD VISA AMEX telecommunications job in the contemporary world. Credit Card Number: ______the Philippines after being His vision inspired “Target lured to Australia with the 8.7” of the United Nations’ Expiry date: ______promise of a job in an IT Sustainable Development firm. On arriving in Austral- Goal (SDG) which calls for Signature of Card Holder: ______ia he found himself exploit- effective measures to end ed, working seven days a all forms of forced labour, Date:______week in a factory and as an modern slavery, human I would like someone to call me to discuss further how I might be able to assist unpaid housekeeper for his trafficking and child labour Domus 8.7. employer. Mr Cruz said he by 2030. The Latin word Name: ______would have benefited great- “Domus” means “home” Phone: ______ly if a service like Domus 8.7 and looks to a world of free- Email: ______had been available after es- dom and family life which Address: ______caping from his employer. the Church holds to be the foundation of all human ______Postcode ______“I was in a really desperate society. position and didn’t know who to approach for help. When I SMS 0439 482 290 called the Philippines Embassy alison.rahill@sydneycatho- For more information please contact Alison Rahill at email: [email protected] or by calling 0439 482 290 I was anxious about revealing lic.org

21 charities magazine • 2021 Somascan Movement Australia Somascan Movement raises funds to help communities suffering from the Pandemic

500 years after St Jerome Emiliani braved the influenza plague to care for the sick and orphaned, Somascan Movement Australia continues to carry on their founder’s work by raising funds to help suffering communities affected by COVID-19.

With COVID-19 vaccines rolling-out around the world while many coun- tries experience a promis- ing decline in cases, it was a shock to witness a new Somascan wave of the virus hit In- Movement Australia dia and infect hundreds of is always accepting thousands of people every donations to day. contribute to any of Among the communities our overseas and affected by this spread of local Apostolates. COVID were those cared for by the Somascan Fathers, a Donations can be Religious Order that since made to: 2019 has had a presence at ACC Name: the Catholic parishes of St SomMvtAus Joseph’s Moorebank and St BSB: 082343 Christopher’s Holsworthy. ACC: 914521777 Motivated by the con- cerning rise in COVID cas- es and deaths, a team of Somascan Movement Aus- young adults from St Jo- tralia and founded on the seph’s Moorebank came Somascan Order of caring together for a blitz “BBQ 4 and assisting the youth in India” fundraiser from 22- the community. 23 May. In addition to supporting Treating parishioners to regular youth initiatives a hot bacon and egg roll Members of Somascan Movement Australia put on a blitz BBQ Fundraiser at St Joseph’s Moorebank to and formation, Somas- and/or a sausage sizzle raise money for communities in India suffering from COVID-19. can Movement Austral- after each of the weekend ia have organised food Masses, organisers man- those orphaned at a time Australian registered asso- pandemic by providing drives for local shelters, aged to raise almost $6000 of pandemic in the 16th ciation and charity involv- education, medical needs provided aid to the poor in donations which will Century, Somascan found- ing both Somascan Reli- and services to our Somas- in suffering communities, go onto directly change er St Jerome Emiliani be- gious and laity. can orphans in India.” and facilitated an annual the lives of many living in came a reflection of Our “Thanks to the support The fundraiser was one parish/school based mis- struggling communities in Heavenly Father’s paternal of generous parishioners, of many projects under- sion, making thousands Southern India. love,“ said Alison De Sou- benefactors and friends, taken by the youth from of Christmas cards for or- “In caring for the poor sa, Secretary of Somascan we are able to continue our Somascan Young Adults, phans in Mozambique and and the sick, especially Movement Australia, an founder’s work during this a ministry supported by India.

22 charities magazine • 2021 Somascan Movement Australia

In addition to supporting regular youth initiatives and formation, Somascan Movement Australia have organised food drives for local shelters, at right, and facilitated a mission making thousands of Christmas cards for orphans overseas.

The Parochial schools in these communities, sup- ported by the Somascan Fathers, have thousands of students, and face the daily struggle of educating these impoverished chil- dren with a lack of teach- ers and basic equipment. “Though we’re unable to solve the problems that these communities en- dure, we can at least bring them some joy, even for a moment, and remind them that they are not for- gotten,” said Alison. On Tuesday, 8 June, So- mascan Movement Aus- tralia began promoting their first Somascan Mis- sions Dinner Dance to be held on Friday 8 October 2021 at Macquarie Paradi- so, Liverpool, NSW. The night will include a three-course meal, live ‘Thanks to the support of music and entertainment, generous parishioners, raffle prizes, silent auction and a live local sketch art- benefactors and friends, ist. All funds raised will go we are able to continue directly to various Somas- our founder’s work during can Apostolates around the world, providing care this pandemic by providing for those most in need. education, medical Tickets are $100 each needs and services to our or $900 for a table of 10 and can be purchased at Somascan orphans in India.’ somascandinnerdance. eventbrite.com.au

23 charities magazine • 2021 THE GOOD CHARITIES GUIDE 2021