#139 SUMMER 2014
FAMILY
LIFE:
LOVE BEGINS
AT HOME
> TYPHOON
HAIYAN
BUILDING BACK
BETTER
>MIDDLE EAST
HEALING
THROUGH
PUPPETS
>LORD, HEAR
OUR PRAYER
HELP FAMILIES
IN CRISIS
>GIVE WITH
CHRISTMAS
GLOBAL GIFTS
END POVERTY. PROMOTE JUSTICE. UPHOLD DIGNITY.
1800 024 413
www.caritas.org.au
The Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development
THANK YOU
FROM THE CEO
Thank you for your support
throughout 2014.
Since November 2013, the Australian Catholic
community and Australian Government have
contributed over $7 million to our Typhoon
Haiyan appeal. In this issue, we share the story of
Mary Faith and her family from the Philippines (as
featured on the cover). They now have renewed
hope for the future.
I know that everything we do through
our work in the field hinges on the
generosity of the Catholic community.
We are fortunate to have so many
supporters who are part of our Caritas
family and share our commitment to
making a difference to marginalised people around the world.
In this issue we focus on caring for God’s family, which is timely
as the Special Assembly of the Synod on the Family was held
in Rome in October. Since Pope Paul VI established the Synod
of Bishops in 1965, there have only been two previous such
Extraordinary Synods.
At the gathering, the Bishops prayed for families around the world:
Father, grant to all families the presence of strong and wise
spouses who may be the source of a free and united family.
Father, grant that parents may have a home in which to live in
peace with their families.
Father, grant that children may be a sign of trust and hope and
that young people may have the courage to forge life-long,
faithful commitments.
Father, grant to all that they may be able to earn bread with their
hands, that they may enjoy serenity of spirit and that they may
keep aflame the torch of faith even in periods of darkness.
Father, grant that we may all see flourish a Church that is ever
more faithful and credible, a just and humane city, a world that
loves truth, justice and mercy.
With modern day complexities affecting families in 2014, and
this being the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations’ Year of the
Family, this prayer is more poignant than ever.
In this festive season, and with the presence of Mary, Joseph and
Jesus – I wish you, and all the Caritas family, a safe and peaceful
Christmas and New Year.
Our 2014 report, Fearless Voices is now available
at www.caritas.org.au/congo. Help us speak up
for peace, equality and justice in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
In September 2014, a group of supporters took
the ultimate Caritas Ks Challenge and climbed
Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising $71,710
to help communities
worldwide.
Learn, pray and act
this Christmas with
our popular Advent
Calendar at
www.caritas.org.au/
advent. Available online
and as an app.
CONTENTS
03 LOVE BEGINS AT HOME
04 THE WAR ON EBOLA: WEST AFRICA
06 OUT OF THE SHADOWS: MIDDLE EAST
07 GIVE WITH GLOBAL GIFTS
BACK BETTER:
08 BUILDING
THE PHILIPPINES
09 BOXING DAY TSUNAMI: 10 YEARS ON
10 DRIVING CHANGE: FIRST AUSTRALIANS
11A PRAYER FOR COMMUNITIES IN CRISIS
In solidarity,
Paul O’Callaghan, CEO
FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND UPDATES HEAD TO:
twitter.com/CaritasAust
www.caritas.org.au
facebook.com/CaritasAU
1800 024 413 (toll free)
9am – 5pm AEST Monday – Friday
youtube.com/CaritasAustralia
Cover: Romila and Ronald Echavez with their children Mary Faith, 8,
and Mary Kate, 9 months. Romila was eight months pregnant when
Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) hit the Philippines. Their story is
on page 8. Photo: Lukasz Cholewiak/Caritas
All photos Caritas Australia unless otherwise stated.
Caritas Australia
acknowledges the traditional
owners of the land.
2 | CaritasNews
Caritas Australia is a
member of the Australian
Council for International
Development (ACFID).
Caritas is fully accredited by
the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade.
HELPING FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE
LOVE BEGINS AT HOME
Mother Teresa said, “Love begins at home and it
is not how much we do, but how much love we
put into that action.” This year, Caritas Australia is
celebrating 50 years of love and compassion for
children, women and men worldwide.
Every day, Caritas Australia’s programs are focused on addressing the
extreme poverty that afflicts marginalised families and communities.
In collaboration with our partners, many of them agencies of the local
and national Church, we accompany people, supporting them to
increase their resilience, independence and influence.
We work with families and communities in long-term development
such as access to clean water and year-round nutritious food. We also
provide shelter, psychosocial support and emergency aid to people
who have been affected by disasters and traumas.
Read more about our Caritas family and the
communities we work with in our 2013-14 annual
report at www.caritas.org.au/annualreport
IN MEMORY OF JOHN PHILLIPS AO
A former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of
Australia, John Phillips passed away in early November.
From 1994 to 2001, he served as the Honorary
Treasurer of ACR/Caritas Australia.
During that time, John was instrumental in advancing
the financial structures of our organisation and
promoting transparency and accountability.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife
Margaret, their two children and four grandchildren.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
10 DECEMBER,
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY:
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted
on 10 December 1948. The date has since served to mark
Human Rights Day worldwide.
12 DECEMBER,
GLOBAL GIFTS:
to ensure your printed cards arrive before Christmas Day,
please order before 12 December. E-cards can be
purchased any time during the festive season at
www.caritas.org.au/globalgifts or 1800 024 413.
Drawing from the stories of the families and communities with whom
Caritas Australia and our partners work, in this issue we highlight:
• The response by the international Caritas network to the Ebola
outbreak in West Africa.
• An innovative program in Lebanon and Syria, in partnership with
No Strings International, which is using puppets and film to build
hope and turn the lives of children around.
• The work being done by Caritas to build back better in the
Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan struck in December 2013.
• The Boxing Day tsunami, 10 years on. Today, the Caritas network
continues to accompany tsunami affected communities in their
long-term development.
• Our partnership with the Kinchela Boys’ Home Aboriginal
Corporation which is working towards justice and healing for the
Stolen Generations.
For more about Caritas Australia, please head to
www.caritas.org.au
26 DECEMBER,
ASIAN TSUNAMI, 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY:
on 26 December 2004, an earthquake triggered
a massive tsunami. Our network is still
assisting with long-term development.
10 JANUARY,
EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI,
5 YEARS ON:
in January 2010, an earthquake
devastated Haiti. Our agency
continues to work with local partners
to bring hope and security to the nation.
#139 SUMMER 2014 | 3
EMERGENCY UPDATE: WEST AFRICA
THE WAR
ON EBOLA
The international Caritas
network is responding to the
Ebola outbreak in West Africa
by working with communities
to reduce and prevent spread
of the disease. But we need
your help.
The Ebola outbreak began in Sierra Leone
in May 2014. Caritas Australia is working
with our Caritas partners to provide urgently
needed assistance to over 230,000 people at
risk of Ebola on the ground in Sierra Leone.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people have
died from the disease, and the World Health
Organisation (WHO) estimates there will be
10,000 cases per week by mid-December.
A young boy washing his hands at a Caritas stand.
Photo: Tommy Trenchard, Caritas Internationalis
A DIFFERENT AFRICA
Caritas Sierra Leone, supported
by the international Caritas network, is
working to reduce the impact of Ebola
through community-based activities
including:
• RAISING AWARENESS
OF THE TRANSMISSION
OF THE DISEASE.
• TRAINING
COMMUNITY ADVOCATES
IN PREVENTION.
• DISTRIBUTING HYGIENE KITS
(INCLUDING SOAP AND CHLORINE)
TO HOUSEHOLDS.
4 | CaritasNews
Caritas Internationalis Special Advisor on HIV and AIDS and Health,
Monsignor Robert Vitillo, who was recently in Australia for the United
Nations 20th International AIDS Conference and the Catholic
pre-conference in Melbourne, has been in Liberia responding to the
crisis. He says the need for international help is great.
“Over the years, I have been blessed with the privilege to visit and
accompany Caritas and other Catholic Church-inspired organisations
in Africa as they responded to the epidemic of HIV and AIDS. I always
received warm greetings of welcome and warm handshakes even
when people were traumatised by the massive loss of life that resulted
from AIDS.
“On my present visit to Liberia, however, I found a ‘different Africa’. From
the moment that our plane touched down at Monrovia airport, we were
confronted with buckets of bleach water to wash our hands and with
people armed with ‘gun thermometers’ to take our temperatures before
we could even step into the terminal building.
“Perhaps the most striking difference from my other visits to Africa was
found in the ‘no touch’ policy. Africans usually are warm and physical in
expressing welcome – they usually offer hearty handshakes. Now, in the
Ebola-affected countries, everyone seems uncomfortable as a result of
the need to avoid physical contact in order to prevent further spread of
this virus.”
WHAT IS CARITAS DOING?
WHAT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT?
“The Caritas network has mobilised to help our brothers and sisters in
West Africa,” says Monsignor Robert Vitillo.
As part of the Australian Government’s
Humanitarian Partnership Agreement (HPA),
Caritas Australia and three other Australian
humanitarian agencies (World Vision, Save
the Children and Plan) have been allocated
a total of $2.5 million to provide urgently
needed assistance.
“Any major health crisis puts a strain on already weak healthcare systems.
We’ve seen that with HIV and AIDS over the years,” he says. “Caritas
members on the ground are now educating people to prevent the spread
of Ebola and providing other support, like food assistance and help for
orphans, widows, as well as those who have recovered from the disease.”
Caritas Sierra Leone, supported by the international Caritas network,
is working to reduce the impact of Ebola through community-based
activities including:
• Raising awareness of the transmission of the disease.
• Training community advocates in prevention.
• Distributing hygiene kits (including soap and chlorine) to households.
The response aims to help over 16,000 people, and is especially looking to
help children and youth most vulnerable to Ebola, as well as families who
have been impacted by the virus though the loss of family members.
The Caritas and Catholic Church network is using the expertise gained
through years of tackling HIV to combat Ebola as the deadly virus spreads
in Africa. The diseases are different, but the way to spread information
about them is the same. Communities trust the messenger because
information is coming from already-existing networks that fight HIV.
“MANY FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES WILL
SUFFER LONG-LASTING TRAUMA AFTER
THE DISEASE IS GONE, INCLUDING
POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND
WE’LL ALSO NEED TO HELP FAMILIES
AND COMMUNITIES RECOVER.”
Caritas Australia’s Manager of Humanitarian
Emergencies, Melville Fernandez, said the
current outbreak is unprecedented in scale and
geographical reach.
“The situation is grave and the spread of Ebola
transmission continues to double every three to
four weeks. Some parts of Sierra Leone are now
becoming hot spots. So there’s an urgent need
to scale up community awareness in the country
to change behaviour, stop the transmission of
the disease and strengthen the health system.
“The latest HPA funds will boost efforts to fight
Ebola across remote villages, slums and towns
in Sierra Leone. But it’s clear that many families
and communities will suffer long-lasting trauma
after the disease is gone, including poverty and
social exclusion and we’ll also need to help
families and communities recover,” says Melville.
“The socio-economic impact is very dire,” adds
Monsignor Vitillo. “This is a country that just
emerged from years of conflict and war and now
must deal with the ‘war’ on Ebola.”
DONATE>
Caritas Australia is
supporting the Ebola
outbreak response in
West Africa.
Your donation to the Africa
Emergency Appeal at
www.caritas.org.au/donate
will help us in our fight.
Donations $2 and over are
tax deductible.
A Caritas Ebola poster on the wall of a police
station in Sierra Leone. Photo: Tommy Trenchard,
Caritas Internationalis
#139 SUMMER 2014 | 5
MIDDLE EAST
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
An innovative program in Lebanon and Syria,
supported by Caritas Australia, and delivered by
the Caritas network in partnership with No Strings
International, is using puppets and film to build
hope and turn the lives of children around.
After nearly four years of war in Syria, millions of conflict-affected families
have been displaced to nearby countries, including Lebanon, Jordan and
Turkey. Sadly, millions of children have been affected in what the United
Nations has described as the largest humanitarian crisis in recent years.
Three years ago, Melhem, 12, was forced to leave his home in Syria with
his father, Hassan and six siblings.
Today, Melhem, who is recovering from a recent injury, sleeps in a temporary
dwelling with his family in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. During the day, he
attends the education centre established by the Good Shepherd Sisters.
Throughout the crisis, millions of families like Melhem’s, both within Syria and
those seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, have struggled to meet their
daily needs of food and shelter. They have also found it hard to get education
and psychosocial support.
This year however, Melhem had the chance to attend a month-long summer
camp and to take part in a program that uses puppets, films and activities to
help heal children of the psychosocial trauma associated with the Syrian crisis.
HOPE THROUGH PUPPETS
The two puppet films – Out of the Shadows and Red Top, Blue Top – were
created in partnership with No Strings International and Catholic Relief
Services (CRS). They feature puppet characters that children can identify
with and have been produced in relevant languages.
Through the films and puppet theatre, Syrian children learn to cope with their
traumatic experiences in positive ways. The children also get to make their
own puppets.
Melhem really enjoyed making a yellow Sponge Bob puppet, as well as the
chance to make new friends. He said the experience made him have more
“love and compassion” for others.
“I used to only have two good friends and now I have 20,” he says.
“I really liked the Blue Top, Red Top film the best because it was funny.
My favourite character was Wisam, who was one of the leaders. He and his
friend had a fight and then made peace.”
DONATE>
Help families in need by donating to our Middle
East Crisis Appeal at www.caritas.org.au/donate.
Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Right: Through the films and puppet theatre, Syrian children learn to cope with their
traumatic experiences in positive ways. Photo: Andrew McConnell, CRS
6 | CaritasNews
When Caritas Australia visited Melhem, he was
recovering from a recent injury. He is pictured with
his brother Hussein, 16.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA SUPPORT
Caritas Australia’s Manager of Humanitarian
Emergencies, Melville Fernandez says the
program is now training more counsellors and
teachers to ensure that it reaches thousands
of children.
“Many of these children have witnessed
violence, or may have had to run from various
bombardments. They might have even
experienced the death or disappearance of
a close family member.
“Because of these traumatic experiences,
many of the children continue to experience
nightmares, difficulty sleeping, fear of sudden
or loud noises and social withdrawal.
“The puppets help deal with this trauma and
allow the children to play, to sing and dance,
and to have hope for the future.”
“THE PUPPETS HELP DEAL WITH THIS
TRAUMA AND ALLOW THE CHILDREN
TO PLAY, TO SING AND DANCE.”
We believe in the spirit of Christmas
GLOBAL GIFTS 2014
See the world a little differently this Christmas, give a Global Gift:
Choose from
the range of
Global Gifts.
Receive a card to
give to your friend
or loved one.
STEP
Your donation
changes lives
around the world.
Select the gift you wish to purchase and either:
Complete this form and return it to 24-32 O’Riordan St, Alexandria, NSW, 2015,
call us on 1800 024 413 or visit us online at: www.caritas.org.au/globalgifts
Water $10
Food $25
QTY
Healthcare $70 QTY
QTY
Agriculture $50 QTY
Education $100 QTY
Emergency $250 QTY
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Expiry date:
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Credit Card Number:
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Please allow 7 working days for delivery. Orders should
be placed before Dec 12th to arrive in time for Christmas.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Contact phone number:
Email:
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Please debit my credit card:
THE PHILIPPINES
BUILDING BACK
BETTER
On 8 November 2013, Super Typhoon
Haiyan, one of the largest storms ever
recorded, hit the Philippines. Thanks to your
prayers and support, we’ve spent 12 months
helping communities to build back better.
Known locally as Yolanda, the storm tore through the Eastern
Visayas islands of Samar and Leyte in the Philippines. The
313km per hour winds decimated more than 12,000 villages,
causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Approximately 6,300 people perished in the storm, 4.1 million
people were displaced, and 1.1 million homes were damaged
or destroyed. In all, the devastation affected around 16 million
people and left 5.6 million workers without jobs.
A disaster of this scale not only destroys homes, infrastructure
and agricultural lands, but can destabilise communities, disrupt
family unity and force millions of people into poverty.
“It takes years to recover from a disaster like Typhoon
Haiyan,” says Caritas Australia’s Humanitarian Emergencies
Coordinator, Richard Forsythe. “The devastation can set
families back a generation.”
Though her parents feared for their family’s future, they found
strength in their love for each other and courage to start again
with the solidarity of their global Caritas family.
“When the storm hit, we ran to the church. We just embraced
each other,” says her mother, Romila.
“Everything in our house was totally washed away. We didn’t
know what to do, but after Caritas came, we knew there
was hope.”
As part of Caritas Australia’s emergency response,
Mary Faith’s family received groceries, rice, cooking
utensils, matches, blankets and sleeping mats. They also
received health and hygiene kits, and Mary Faith’s father,
Ronald, joined the Caritas network’s cash for work program,
restoring livelihoods in the worst-affected communities.
“There is nothing to say but thank you very much,” says
Romila. “We will rise again.”
Watch our short films and find out more at
www.caritas.org.au/haiyan
LIKE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES
SUPPORTED BY CARITAS AUSTRALIA IN
THE 12 MONTHS SINCE TYPHOON HAIYAN,
MARY FAITH’S FAMILY ARE LEADING THEIR
OWN RECOVERY.
HELPING FAMILIES RECOVER
In the weeks following the typhoon, as millions contemplated
the dramatic loss of life, savings and livelihoods, many
people described the atmosphere in their communities as
desperate. But with support from Caritas Australia, families
like Mary Faith’s believe in a brighter future together.
“My old house was destroyed in the typhoon,” says
Mary Faith, eight.
“After the typhoon we lived in our uncle’s house. Today we
are living in a new house given by Caritas. The new house
is good.”
Like tens of thousands of families supported by Caritas
Australia in the 12 months since Typhoon Haiyan,
Mary Faith’s family are leading their own recovery. Her father
is now working as a carpenter with the Caritas network,
joining thousands of others who are harnessing their skills
and strengths to lay a new foundation for long-term recovery.
THANK YOU >
So far over 376,000 people have accessed
essential food, emergency shelter,
health, hygiene and household kits,
early livelihood recovery support, and
psychosocial services.
8 | CaritasNews
“After the typhoon we lived in our uncle’s house. Today we are living in
a new house given by Caritas. The new house is good,” says Mary Faith
with her baby sister, Mary Kate. Photo: Lukasz Cholewiak/Caritas
ASIAN TSUNAMI
10 YEARS ON:
REMEMBERING THE
BOXING DAY TSUNAMI
On 26 December 2004, a 9.3 magnitude earthquake
struck in the Indian Ocean triggering a massive
tsunami – one of the most devastating natural
disasters on record. Ten years on, Caritas Australia
remembers the remarkable public support that
transformed communities across India, Sri Lanka
and Indonesia.
In what the former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan,
described as “an unprecedented global catastrophe”, the Boxing Day
tsunami killed approximately 250,000 people and displaced millions
more. It destroyed houses, roads, bridges, schools, marketplaces and
livelihoods, prompting the largest humanitarian fundraising appeal and
emergency response ever recorded.
Although the earthquake’s epicentre lay just off the coast of Aceh –
on the Indonesian island of Sumatra – the subsequent tsunami
devastated coastal communities in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand,
the Maldives, Myanmar, Malaysia, and even affected parts of Africa.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE HEADLINES
The international Caritas confederation was one of the largest
non-government agencies to respond to the crisis. A total of
US$485 million was raised by the Caritas network to fund
immediate relief and long-term recovery.
True to the motto ‘before, during and after the headlines’, within
hours of the disaster, Caritas launched a response, and today,
continues to accompany tsunami-affected communities in their
long-term development.
YOUR PRAYERS AND GENEROSITY REMAIN A
TESTAMENT TO OUR CARITAS COMMUNITY’S
STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY
WITH THE CHILDREN, WOMEN AND MEN MOST
VULNERABLE TO POVERTY.
The Asian tsunami appeal was the largest fundraising appeal in Caritas
Australia’s history. Together with $1.8 million in funding from the
Government of Victoria, $1.1 million from the Government of Western
Australia, and $750,000 from the Federal Government, Australians
generously contributed almost $25 million towards the relief effort.
This marked a turning point in our engagement with the Australian
public. Ten years on, your prayers and generosity remain a testament
to our Caritas community’s steadfast commitment to stand in solidarity
with the children, women and men most vulnerable to poverty.
In 2014, the Caritas network is still assisting those affected
by the Asian tsunami.
LEARN>
Read more about the Asian tsunami
and Caritas Australia’s response at
www.caritas.org.au/Boxing-Day-Tsunami
FISHING NETS, RECOVERY AND PEACE
In Sri Lanka, Caritas Australia’s response went far
beyond reconstruction and relief. One of our largest
livelihood programs has not only helped to revive
the local economy in Jaffna, but also provides
life-changing opportunities for many war widows.
With support from Caritas France and the
Government of Victoria, Caritas Australia worked
to rebuild a fishing net factory in a community
devastated by the tsunami.
Opened in January 2010, the plant now produces
16,000 kilograms of fishnet per month and provides
a reliable source of quality nets for Jaffna’s large
fishing industry. It also provides direct employment
for more than 120 workers (mainly women) making
it one of the largest employers in Jaffna.
#139 SUMMER 2014 | 9
FIRST AUSTRALIANS
DRIVING CHANGE
Between 1924 and 1970, up to 600 Aboriginal boys
aged between 5 and 12 years were removed from
their families and taken to Kinchela Boys Home.
Ninety years later, the Kinchela Boys Home
Aboriginal Corporation is working towards justice
and healing for the Stolen Generations.
LEARN>
Read Sascha’s full letter
and find out more about our
work at www.caritas.org.au/
kinchela90th
By Sascha Costigan,
Manager of Caritas Australia’s
First Australians Team
During October, our partner Kinchela
Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation
(KBHAC) commemorated the 90th
anniversary of the Kinchela Boys
Home with a three-day event.
KBHAC recognises the physical,
sexual, emotional and cultural
abuse that members experienced at
Kinchela and aims to assist the men,
their families and their communities
to recover their identity, dignity
and wellbeing.
“They gave you your clothes and
stamped a number on them. They
never called you by your name, they
called you by your number. That
number was stamped on everything.”*
WE SHOULD CONNECT AS HUMAN BEINGS TO TRY TO
UNDERSTAND. FOR THIS IS WHAT WILL DRIVE CHANGE.
Uncle Manuel Ebsworth and his son Victor holding the old gate
to the Kinchela Boys Home. Manuel was only five years old
when he was taken to Kinchela. “It was a very cruel place. This
gate is very emotional for us.” Photo courtesy KBHAC
KINCHELA BOYS HOME
A STRONG PARTNERSHIP
Kinchela Boys Home was an institution where power, control and fear were
used to abuse and terrorise the most vulnerable in our community – young
boys who had been torn away from their mothers. Young boys who were
given numbers in place of names.
Led, run and driven by the Kinchela men,
KBHAC has been in partnership with Caritas
Australia since 2011.
The boys suffered on a daily basis. They were denied basic rights and
weren’t given the opportunity to have a childhood filled with the love,
safety and joy that every child deserves.
But it not only impacted the boys’ lives. The removal and subsequent
treatment of the children had an effect on every person they are connected
to – their children, brothers, sisters, wives and parents.
Their stories need to be told, not only for their own healing, but so these
atrocities may never be repeated. We should be upset by what has
happened. We should be angry. We should feel deeply. We should connect
as human beings to try to understand. For this is what will drive change.
Our relationship is based on mutual learning,
values, solidarity, integrity and openness.
We talk about participation and the value of
decision-making occurring from all those in a
community, and we talk about the dignity of
each human person.
Together, we are ensuring that those who
were once voiceless have the capacity and
opportunity to speak.
*‘John’, Bringing Them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families, pp 166 & 167
10 | CaritasNews
A
Prayer
PRAY WITH US THIS CHRISTMAS
FOR
COMMUNITIES
IN CRISIS
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus we reflect on
Joseph and Mary’s journey to seek shelter, safety
and security for their unborn child. Over 2,000
years later, and with millions of vulnerable families
still searching for a peaceful home for their loved
ones, at Christmas time their vulnerability is even
more poignant.
Sister Rita from the Good Shepard Sisters visits a
Syrian family and their one-week-old twin girls in a refugee
camp in Lebanon. The Caritas network is providing Syrian
refugees in Lebanon with food, medical aid, building
materials, and humanitarian assistance.
Photos: Rashad Sisemore, CRS
God of hope, we honour those who have died and stand in solidarity
with those who have survived.
We pray,
For all the people around the world who have been devastated by
conflict, disease and poverty. Lord hear us.
We pray,
That all those affected receive the support and assistance they need
to rebuild their lives, families and communities. Lord hear us.
We pray,
For those who are grieving the loss of family, friends, livelihoods
and the familiarity of life and home, may their sense of trust and
belonging grow strong again as they work to restore a secure and
hopeful future. Lord hear us.
We pray,
For those working in the disaster area: that their skills, experience,
and generosity may bring effective relief and may their work be
strengthened by the knowledge of our prayerful support.
Lord hear us.
We pray,
For ourselves, that our generosity and compassion may not grow
weary in the coming weeks and months. Lord hear us.
We pray,
That when the headlines and images have disappeared from our view
the people will remain in our hearts and our minds. Lord hear us.
Amen
AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER
FIRSTBORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM
IN SWADDLING CLOTHES, AND LAID
HIM IN A MANGER; BECAUSE THERE
WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN.
LUKE 2:7
LEARN>
Keep up-to-date with how the
Caritas network is assisting
families and communities in
times of crisis at
www.caritas.org.au and
www.facebook.com/caritasAU
#139 SUMMER 2014 | 11
You can open a window of
opportunity this Christmas
“my father was the only man that
had received some primary education,
so he was trying all the time to find
an opportunity to send me to school…
unfortunately he died and was not
able to reach to his hope.”
Hope and compassion is what Caritas is all about.
Thanks to your support for Rihanna and other participants in the Community Based Education
Program in Afghanistan, the hope and opportunity that you provide is the foundation of a better
future. Rihanna’s father had dreamed of the gift of education for his daughter. She and others
like her need your help to achieve their dreams.
$25 Will help provide classroom resources
for teaching children to read and write
$75 Will buy textbooks for a classroom of
10 students
$125 Will allow to prepare classrooms for cold
weather so children can attend school in winter
$250 Will help fund Internet access for
a whole school for a month
PLEASE DEBIT MY CREDIT CARD:
Visa
MasterCard
Amex
Diners
Cheque
Credit Card Number:
/
Expiry Date:
/
/
/
Name of Cardholder:
Signature:
Date:
From now on I want to give monthly
Please charge my credit card or direct debit account with this
amount on the 27th of each month.
PLEASE DIRECT DEBIT MY ACCOUNT:
Financial Institution name and branch:
I’d like to give $
to support Caritas
Australia community and education programs
Donor Number (if known)
Ms
Miss
Mrs
Mr
/
Account NO:
Account Name:
Other:
Name:
Signature:
Date:
Please send me information about including Caritas Australia in my will.
Address:
Postcode:
Phone:
BSB:
Parish:
Before payments commence, Caritas Australia will provide you with a full Service
Agreement and confirmation of your details regarding this arrangement. Payments
will be deducted on 27th of the month. If this is not a normal business day, payment
will be deducted on the next normal business day. For our full privacy statement
please consult www.caritas.org.au or call us on 1800 024 413.
Complete the form and return it in the envelope provided
or call us on 1800 024 413
visit us online at www.caritas.org.au/donate
N4TD 4.14NL
N4TD 4.14NL
YES I want to support Caritas Australia community
and education programs around the world