Dear People of the Geraldton Diocese, 

The year 2024 finds us all affected by the cost of living in Australia and uncertainty around our world affected by major conflicts. We also see that not much has changed since last year’s appeal with homeless people, families sitting on pavements or sleeping in parks and bushland. Very little has changed with the availability of housing. We see this year an increase in families impacted by domestic violence and the broken lives that result from it. Sadly many people know of someone affected by domestic violence. 

We find ourselves saying, “What can I Do, what can I do?” with a feeling of helplessness. The great virtue of our Faith is HOPE, revealed to us through a Saviour who cares for each one of us and strengthened in us through the work of the Holy Spirit. A Saviour who has shown us by example, ‘what we can do’. 

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus, walking through the country of Galilee meets a leper who pleads, “If you want to, you can cure me”.  Like Jesus, we would like to help this person who is in a very difficult situation. Our assistance might not be as dramatic as Jesus’ response, “Of course I want to, be cured”, but by following his example, what little we might do is from our heart, and the simple support we give, in ordinary ways, makes a difference to another person and brings Hope to their life.

Pope Francis also encourages us to respond to the need, “…..thank the Lord that so many men and women are devoted to caring for the poor and the excluded; they are persons of every age and social status who show understanding and readiness to assist the marginalized and those who suffer. They are not superheroes but “next door neighbours”, ordinary people who quietly make themselves poor among the poor. They do more than give alms: they listen, they engage, they try to understand and deal with difficult situations and their causes. They consider not only material but also spiritual needs; and they work for the integral promotion of individuals”. 

The Communio Christmas Appeal, held annually throughout our diocese during the season of Advent, commences in every Diocesan Parish on Sunday, 17^th November, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time before the Feast of Christ the King. This Appeal is a means for individuals to contribute financially, to quietly help offer assistance and bring a little ‘hope’ to others in need of support and encouragement.

Despite the vastness and remoteness of many communities in our diocese, through this Appeal we are able to care and support each other and the various ministries that assist people’s lives. But it is only through your ongoing generosity that any assistance can happen in the first place.

The excellent work of the Men’s Hub at Centacare in Geraldton receives little Government funding, but with support from Communio funds it is able to continue to make a notable difference for the wellbeing of men struggling with personal issues in their lives, that often impacts on their relationships and families.

More and more our Priests or Pastoral Associates are approached for assistance around the diocese. These can often be supported from Communio, as is Nazareth House, who are able to purchase items not funded by the Government, to help improve the wellbeing of their residents.   

Communio continues to support the ministry of Mrs Cathy Jones, Pastoral Leader with the local Catholic and Aboriginal Communities in the Inland Parish of Mt Magnet, Cue and Meekatharra. Your support of Communio lets these communities know they are not forgotten, and we are all connected through our generosity and kindness towards each other in faith.  

Finally, I thank all those who generously contributed to the 2023 Christmas Appeal’s total of $30,269. On behalf of all those who benefit from these funds, I request your prayerful consideration to support this year’s 2024 Appeal. 

Donations $2 and over are tax-deductible. If you require a receipt, please indicate your preference as to how you would like to receive it.

I assure you that your personal details and contribution details are kept strictly confidential. 

Every blessing and peace, 

Yours sincerely

Most Reverend Michael Morrissey DD
Bishop of Geraldton