The work of sustaining the Church’s mission also depends on the generosity, stewardship and collaboration of the many people and organisations that support it. This was at the heart of a recent encounter in Rome, where representatives of Jesuits in Britain joined Catholic fundraising professionals to present the Catholic Generosity Report to Pope Leo XIV. The report examines the scale and impact of Catholic giving and philanthropy across the United Kingdom, while highlighting the importance of collaboration between dioceses, religious orders, schools, charities and other Catholic organisations. The encounter also offered an opportunity to reflect on how greater cooperation can help the Church make better use of its resources in service of its mission. Below you will find an article originally publish on Jesuits in Britain website.
Two representatives of Jesuits in Britain have met Pope Leo XIV in Rome as part of a delegation presenting the Catholic Generosity Report, a major study of giving, philanthropy and charitable activity across the Catholic community.
Fr Keith McMillan SJ, Head of Finance at Jesuits in Britain, and John Green, Fundraising Manager for the British Province and Chair of Catholics in Fundraising, joined fellow Catholic fundraising professionals for the presentation following the Pope’s General Audience in St Peter’s Square. John presented the report directly to Pope Leo, with Fr Keith alongside him as part of the delegation.
Fr Keith McMillan SJ and John Green present the report to Pope Leo
The report offers a comprehensive picture of the generosity that sustains Catholic schools, charities, religious orders, parishes and social action initiatives, while identifying opportunities for Catholic organisations to work more closely together to strengthen stewardship and philanthropy in support of the Church’s mission.
John Green said:
“The audience with Pope Leo XIV was a moment of encouragement for everyone involved in Catholic fundraising, philanthropy and stewardship. The Catholic Generosity Report is ultimately about mission. It seeks to understand how the Church’s resources can be used more effectively to serve people, strengthen ministries and support future generations.
We were particularly encouraged that the report highlights the value of collaboration between charities, dioceses, schools, religious orders and philanthropists. Many Jesuit organisations contributed to the picture it presents, and we hope its findings will help foster even stronger partnerships across the Church.”
One of the report’s central themes is the importance of greater collaboration across the Catholic sector. This reflects the invitation of Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, for Jesuits and their partners to become ever deeper “companions in mission”, learning from one another and working together through complementary gifts and shared purpose.
Fr Keith McMillan SJ said:
“It was a privilege to present the Catholic Generosity Report to Pope Leo XIV. The report highlights the remarkable contribution of Catholic charities across the United Kingdom, including many Jesuit ministries and schools. One of its strongest messages is the importance of collaboration.
As Jesuits, we are frequently reminded by Fr General that we are companions in a shared mission. The challenges facing the Church today cannot be addressed in isolation. We need to learn from one another, share resources where appropriate and work together more effectively in service of the Gospel and the common good.”
The presentation highlighted a growing commitment among Catholic organisations to share knowledge, strengthen networks and work together more effectively, helping the Church’s resources to support its mission and serve communities into the future.
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