Archbishop’s Message
As the treasury of the Archdiocese, the Catholic Development Fund (CDF) enables the mission of the Church to practically continue.
It does so in our Archdiocese and across Australia through loans made in its own right or in syndication with other CDFs. The wise stewardship of the CDF fund ensures sufficient income to cover operational costs and to provide funding for archdiocesan works. The CDF General Manager and Administration staff, in collaboration with the Archdiocesan Financial Administrator, ensure a professional yet pastoral approach to their policies and practices.
I acknowledge and thank the primary investors, namely the parishes, Catholic Education, Congregational Schools, Marymead CatholicCare and Catholic Healthcare. In supporting the CDF, they further the mission of the Church in terms of their particular apostolate and in support of the wider Church.
Indeed, the CDF is a practical expression of Pope Francis’ oft-repeated call for “Missionary discipleship.” In our diversity, we together affirm “to make Jesus known and loved” in our times.
+ Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Charter
The CDF was established on 1 January 1987 as an amalgamation of the separate Provident Funds of Canberra & Goulburn. It was formed to assist in the implementation of the mission of the Church in the Archdiocese by seeking funds, making loans, providing advice, assisting income generation and by prudent financial management.
Functions
- The provision of treasury facilities for the Church: accepting funds from agencies of the Church and returning them an adequate interest rate.
- Making funds available to the agencies of the Church on projects approved by the trustees.
- Providing loan facilities to Catholic Church-related non-archdiocesan entities to benefit the local Church or to expand the Kingdom of God.
- Returning to the Archbishop, by way of a regular appropriation, a percentage of any operating surplus.
- Providing advice as required to parishes and other Church agencies on financial issues relating to Church matters and operations, especially building projects.
- Acting as a good corporate citizen by abiding by all legislation relevant to its operations.
- Forming constructive working relationships with Catholic Development Funds throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Mission
The CDF assists in the implementation of the mission of the Church in the Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn by:
- Lending funds invested with the CDF to parishes, schools and agencies.
- Investing uncommitted funds in secure bank products that will provide a reasonable return.
- Providing advice to parishes and agencies on financial matters.
- Returning a regular appropriation to the Archdiocese.