Catholic Religious Australia (CRA)

Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) is the public name of the Australian Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes (ACLRI). It is the peak body for leaders of Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life resident in Australia.

The membership comprises more than 180 congregations of Sisters, Brothers and Priests living and working in all states and territories.

Established by the authority of the Holy See in Rome, CRA promotes, supports and represents religious life in the Australian Church and in the wider community. It facilitates coordination and cooperation of Religious with Church bodies and with other authorities.

By combined effort, it works to achieve more fully the purpose of each institute or congregation, while respecting the autonomy, nature and spirit of each. It deals with issues which are common to all and works to establish coordination and cooperation with Episcopal conferences and with individual bishops.

CRA’s mission is to promote and support the contemplative and prophetic service of Religious in Australian society.

Our values are being attentive to the Spirit, inclusive and prophetic.

Catholic Mission

Catholic Mission is the official mission aid agency of the Catholic Church, continuing the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. Catholic Mission reaches out, gives life and calls all people in the world to faith, justice and love.

Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Mission forms Australians for mission and raise funds for mission - in Australia and around the world. This enables heroic missionaries to reach out to help children and communities in need, and provide vital training for seminarians and other young church leaders.

Catholic Mission operates in over 160 countries to support initiatives in 1100 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.
Mission in action happens right now and for generations, to help people immediately, longer term and eternally. We engage in mission when we proclaim our faith through our words, actions and lives*.

Catholic Mission continues the mission of Jesus Christ in the world to share faith by:

• Speaking the Word,
• Caring for people in need, and
• Acting for justice and creation.

Founded in 1822 by a lay single woman named Pauline Jaricot, today Catholic Mission is the Pope's own mission organisation. Catholic people are called to give priority to Catholic Mission as internationally the agency provides essential funding for the Church in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and parts of South America. Internationally Catholic Mission is called the Pontifical Mission Societies or missio, and historically is known as Propagation of the Faith, Children's Mission and St Peter Apostle.

*Refer "Why Mission?" by Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.