What is Communio?

Communio is the name given to the Bishop of Geraldton's Appeal to help the needy people in the Diocese of Geraldton, conducted annually at Christmas time as the 'Christmas Communio Appeal'. It is also conducted annually throughout the Diocese in each school for one week, and is known simply as 'Communio Week in Schools'.

The name was chosen by Bishop Justin Bianchini (1992-2107) when he initially setup the Appeal in 2001.

But what does it mean?

We, as a Church, support needy people in other parts of Australia and the world through Catholic Mission and Caritas. Various people themselves support other countries through other organisations as well.

Money collected through Communio goes to the needy people here in our own Diocese.

The word is a Latin one which means ‘Communion – union with’. In other words it says that in our Church we are linked to and connected to people all around the Diocese. Needy people are part of us and our family. In fact all needy people are part of Jesus and therefore a part of us because Jesus said “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do to me”.

Communio Week in Schools takes place in the second term of the school year in all the schools across the Diocese participate.  This is a time when students learn more about some of the people that our Diocese supports, to pray for these people and to raise funds for them. Various activities are suggested during the week to help young people understand and be involved.

Centacare.  This organisation was set up over twenty five years ago and reaches out in a big way to people in our Diocese. Regardless of race, beliefs, colour or circumstances – all are helped in many ways.

Such people assisted are:-

• ·       Individuals and families who need counselling
• ·       Parents in their important role of relating to and caring for their children
• ·       Children who have separated parents and difficulties in relationships
• ·       Separated parents who still wish to do the best for their children
• ·       People who need food and some basic financial help.
• ·       Unemployed people – helping them train for work
• ·       Children who have to be witnesses in court
• ·       People with personal problems or with mild disabilities who find it hard to get work
• ·       Victims of violence

Centacare is in Geraldton but has centres in Carnarvon, Mount Magnet and Exmouth. However it reaches out beyond these places to the Midwest and other rural areas according to needs that can be met by this organisation.

Snuggles. This is a first time Mums group in partnership between Centacare and St John of God Hospital for Mums, for babies under 8 months and expectant Mums. This friendly group has a variety of speakers who are specialists in their field. This parenting group provides a safe environment to meet with other new Mums, build strong support network and lasting friendships. A variety of friendly professionals are on hand to answer any questions of concern they may have.

Nazareth House Nursing Home. Our contributions also support the great work done by the Sisters and Staff at Nazareth House where one hundred and twenty people, either frail aged or with dementia, are lovingly cared for.

Other outreach. There are individual people and families who sometimes find themselves in difficult financial circumstances which our Priests and Sisters working in our Parishes come across or know and bring to the Bishops attention for Communio assistance.