Dear People of the Geraldton Diocese,

This year, 2022 finds us coming to the end of a pandemic and Europe still struggling with military conflict! Uncertainty around the future is still very present throughout our world and here in Australia.

Despite obstacles of uncertainty and doubt that it could be done, the Church in Australia completed the second session of the Fifth Plenary Council in Australia. For the first time, ordinary Catholics were given a voice with bishops and senior leaders in our Church. The whole process very much the work of the Holy Spirit, where people from all parts of Australia, including the remote areas of our diocese, shared their words of wisdom and insight. Together in Sydney, the many voices came together in an atmosphere of mutual regard, growing in understanding of each other.

The Plenary was a fine example of how so much can be achieved when people come together in support of one another and work together with a common purpose and goal.

The Communio Christmas Appeal is another example of this. Held annually throughout our Diocese during the season of Advent and commencing in every Diocesan Parish on Sunday, 13^th November, the last Sunday in Ordinary Time before the feast of Christ the King.

Despite the vastness and remoteness of many communities in the Diocese of Geraldton, we still manage to care and support each other, and the various ministries, throughout the Diocese through this Appeal. It is only through the ongoing generosity of so many of you that much more can be offered to, or used to benefit, those among us in need.

Families experiencing financial difficulties, people experiencing difficult relationships, and children suffering in the fallout of those relationships, are all assisted by Centacare.

The Appeal also supports those who have requested help via our Priests and Pastoral Associates in our Parishes. This includes the elderly and Aboriginal families in our remote regions.

Communio supports 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. This extended to supporting Cathy Jones travel with Cecilia Kelly to attend the National Catholic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference in Townsville. Cecilia received the NATSICC Catholic Service to Community award in 2019.

Every year we support Nazareth House, contributing funds to enable them to buy items for the wellbeing of the residents that cannot be funded by Government.

Thank you to all those who generously contributed to the 2021 Christmas Appeal totaling $28,9578 and on behalf of all those who benefited from those funds, I request your prayerful consideration in supporting this year’s 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