New horizons for Caritas

27 November 2013

New horizons for Caritas

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is embarking on a transformation process as its support base grows, and to meet the challenges of a constantly changing world.

‘These are new and exciting times for us,’ says Director Julianne Hickey. ‘We’ve been engaged for a year in reviewing our structures and processes – with all staff involved, and the support of the New Zealand Bishops and our Board. We are now ready to put in place new structures and ways of working that will allow us to be more focused on our core priorities; more accountable to our Bishops, donors and supporters; and more agile in responding to the complex challenges and needs of our world today.

‘Our mission remains to serve Christ in the poor and to transform structures and attitudes so that all can live the fullness of life that God intended for them. But to do this, we need to be organised and effective.’

This is in line with Pope Benedict’s words from Deus Caritas Est (2005): ‘The Church's charitable organizations, beginning with those of Caritas ..., ought to do everything in their power to provide the resources and above all the personnel needed for this work.’

Currently, Caritas is recruiting for three new senior managers to lead its Development, Community Engagement and Operations Support teams. An Advocacy and Research Manager is already in place. The three new managers are expected to be appointed by early in the new year, after which other permanent roles will be filled.

In addition, the collaborative style of working at Caritas will be built upon with cross-departmental teams to spearhead particular projects. These will encourage shared leadership and innovative ideas.

Echoing Pope Benedict’s words, Mrs Hickey says, ‘We are seeking people who are not only “professionally competent” and “properly trained in what to do” but also people who have a “heartfelt concern”.’

As Pope Benedict said, ‘Those who work for the Church's charitable organizations must be distinguished by the fact that they do not merely meet the needs of the moment, but they dedicate themselves to others with heartfelt concern, enabling them to experience the richness of their humanity.’

‘These changes will enable Caritas to engage in a fuller and more lively way with the Catholic community and wider New Zealand society,’ says Mrs Hickey. ‘An example is the Caritas Challenge fundraising event aimed at young people, which will run for the first time in Lent next year on 4-6 April.’

Details and job descriptions for the new roles are available on the Caritas website www.caritas.org.nz.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS.

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