The key purpose of the CDF is to provide a treasury service for the diocese, as well as help fund the pastoral works that are so important to the social and spiritual capital of our community.
There are many ways the CDF benefits the wider community. In 2016 the Fund approved $37 million dollars in loans to fund affordable housing projects, St Nicholas Early Education centres, heritage projects, social service facilities and school building projects. Schools that benefited in 2016 included St Francis Xavier Primary School in Belmont, St Aloysius Primary School in Chisholm, St Paul’s High School in Booragul and All Saints College, St Mary’s Campus in Maitland.
Surplus funds from the CDF are vital in supporting the pastoral works of the diocese which helps ensure we remain a local church on mission. The CDF helps support CatholicCare Social Services and the many programs and services they offer within the community. The Fund also contributes to the Community Care Van that provides meals for the homeless, the Apostleship of the Sea that looks after the thousands of seafarers that enter our port each year and CatholicCare Refugee Service that provides vital links and assistance to refugees who settle in our region.
CDF members benefit from having an account at the Fund as there are no fees or charges and they receive friendly, personal service. Investments support the church in achieving its mission locally. The CDF offers a range of accounts including competitive term investments, a premium saver account and student accounts that help educate children in our schools about the value of saving.