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2024-12-31-accounts

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO

Annual Report and Accounts

31 December 2024

Charity Registration Number 1189330

Contents

Reports

Reports
Reference and administrative details
of the charity, its trustees and advisers 1
Trustees’ report 3
Independent auditor’s report 35

Accounts

Accounts
Statement of financial activities 40
Balance sheet 41
Statement of cash flows 42
Principal accounting policies 43
Notes to the accounts 48

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers

Trustees Sister Catherine Corrigan
Sister Rose Mary Harbinson
Sister Margaret Doherty
Sister Pauline McDonald
Sister Margaret Murphy
Sister Mary Brigid Toner
Provincial Leader Sister Catherine Corrigan
Provincial Bursar Sister Brigid Quinn
Finance Officer Helen McLoughlin
Provincial House 108 Spencer Road
Wealdstone
Middlesex
HA3 7AR
Charity registration number 1189330
Auditor Buzzacott Audit LLP
130 Wood Street
London
EC2V 6DL
Investment managers Rathbones Wealth Management Limited
8 Finsbury Circus
London EC2M 6DL
UBS AG
5 Broadgate
London
EC2M 2AN
Evelyn Partners
45 Gresham Street
London
EC2V 7BG
Sarasin & Partners
Juxon House
100 St Paul’s Churchyard
London,
EC4M 8BUA

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 1

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers

Principal bankers HSBC Bank plc Level 6 London Commercial Banking Centre 71 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4AY Solicitors Stone King LLP 13 Queen Square Bath BA1 2HJ McCarthy Denning 70 Mark Lane London EC3R 7NQ

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 2

Trustees’ report 31 December 2024

The trustees present their report together with the accounts of the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO (the “charity”) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 43 to 47 of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s Constitution, applicable laws and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

INTRODUCTION

The Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions (the “Congregation”) or the Religieuses de Notre Dame des Missions (RNDM) was founded in 1861 by Euphrasie Barbier, a young woman from Normandy, France. It is an International Religious Missionary Congregation whose members minister in Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, France, India, Italy, Kenya, Peru, Bolivia, Myanmar, New Zealand/Samoa, Philippines, Senegal, UK and Ireland, USA, Vietnam, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand and Tanzania. The sisters develop and organise a wide range of activities in these countries. With a central focus on missionary work and evangelisation, the Congregation is heavily involved in the management of convents, schools, orphanages, hostels, maternity homes, and dispensaries. Their priority is to be present to and working with those who are vulnerable, neglected and marginalized with particular care towards women, children, youth, indigenous peoples, migrants, and victims of human trafficking. Project-based work is dictated by the needs of the local communities.

The Congregation is divided into geographical provinces, of which the UK and Ireland Province is one. The Congregation’s Generalate is in Rome.

The accounts accompanying this report are the accounts of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), through which the assets of the UK and Ireland Province, but excluding that part in the Republic of Ireland, are held and through which its finances operate.

The charity is governed by a constitution dated 4 May 2020 and is registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Registration No. 1189330.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Principal aims

The object of the charity is the support of such charitable purposes as to advance the religious and other charitable work being carried on by, or under the direction of, the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO. Such purposes include the promotion of the Roman Catholic religion, seeking ways to foster interfaith dialogue. The Congregation takes a holistic approach to education, empowerment of women and the spread of Christian values, of caring for the needy and promoting justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

When setting the objectives and planning the work of the charity for the year, and when encouraging the work of individual sisters, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

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Trustees’ report 31 December 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (continued)

Principal activities

Throughout 2024, the UK and Ireland Province consists of 10 communities spread over Scotland and England. Its members engage in a variety of activities all of which benefit many members of the public. These activities can be classified as: all aspects of pastoral work in parishes which includes visiting the elderly and housebound, working with and journeying with young adults, liaising with and between schools and parishes, working with young mothers, caring for families with special needs, accompanying refugees and asylum seekers, and care of its own elderly and sick members.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Missionary work and donations

The Leadership Team in Rome continues to advise us as to the areas of greatest need in the Congregation’s work abroad. The trustees’ policy is to consider their advice and direct support to these areas.

During 2024, our objectives have remained the same in our planning of the works of the charity throughout the year. The Trustees gave careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidelines on public benefit. In 2024 the following projects initiated and supported by the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO were funded:

During the year £75,575 was donated to support missionary work. (2023 - £40,653 was donated).

The charity helps fund projects in:

The Christmas gifts received in December 2023 and January 2024 supported the following projects in Vietnam, India NE, Myanmar and Kenya:

Kenya - Providing quality health services in Kariakomo Parish

The Dispensary began operating in 1973 under the auspices of the local parish, thanks to funds raised by that parish. It grew to have more facilities and eventually upgraded to a Health Centre. The government seconded certain qualified staff to assist in the delivery of services. Over the years the facilities deteriorated and due to financial challenges and staff being withdrawn, the services were not adequate, and the Centre was closed.

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Trustees’ report 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Kenya - Providing quality health services in Kariakomo Parish (continued)

In 2023 there was still a great need for these health services in the area. As the RNDM Sisters have a community in Kariakomo they were invited to take responsibility for this Health Centre. Now the Centre attracts many patients because of the presence of the sisters but it requires major repairs and better facilities.

The Christmas Gift Money sent in 2024 helped to support and renovate the Health Centre and for purchasing equipment, medicines and paying staff salaries.

Myanmar - Supporting children affected by civil war, Sittwe

Myanmar has been facing very difficult times. Poor families and unemployed people are mostly affected by the country’s sociopolitical and economic unrest and they struggle to cope with life. The youth are revolting against the military government in order to support the people. The lives of youth and children are traumatized, and one cannot imagine the future of Myanmar. Added to that are the natural disasters that often hit the country leaving

many families homeless and in poverty. Education is the only hope for the children, especially girls who have no chance to go to school. The RNDM Sisters accommodate 5060 children at the residential home in Sittwe, giving them the opportunity for education. The sisters are unable to meet all their needs because of financial limitations. The sisters asked for help so that the children could be given a dignified and hopeful life.

India North East - Education affected by climate change, Silchar

The RNDM Sisters run a diocesan school at Silchar in India Northeast for 450 students from nursery to class VI. The school lacks basic facilities like desks, chairs, shelves etc. The children come from remote villages and povertystricken families. Frequently they experience power failures, so there is a need for solar lamps to provide the light necessary to help them with their studies. Their parents are unable to support them financially, but they are grateful for the education, care and support they receive from the donors through the sisters.

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Trustees’ report 31 December 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Vietnam - Empowerment of indigenous children, Vinh Trang

RNDM Vinh Trang community is surrounded by various indigenous villages where people are mostly farmers and live a hard life. Being also uneducated they do not think of sending their children to school. The villagers live in remote areas, so there is no access to schools for the children. The RNDM Sisters run a residential home for indigenous children from where they can attend public schools in town. After school hours, the Sisters tutor them in the core subjects and help to improve their human development, life skills and faith formation. The students find a safe place to stay and a healthy environment to study in this home. Besides, the Sisters provide them with quality food, school fees, study materials and any other needs. The Sisters also assist the parents to see education as a possible way to overcome poverty and thus motivate them to support their children. Thank you for your help in enabling a better future for the ethnic children of Vinh Trang.

Bangladesh - Supplementary Nutrition and Health Care for St Peter’s Orphanage

This is part of St Scholastica’s Convent, Chittagong, Bangladesh and has 49 girls with ages ranging from 6-20 years The Sisters support their wellbeing and educational needs through the generous donations of benefactors and other agencies and so contribute to a creative, safe and healthy environment for learning.

The children learning to play musical instruments

Children having tiffin-Energy biscuits, cake & milk

India Central - Basic facilities of furniture and clean water and sanitation for Children at Chatterhat

St Thomas Hostel is a second home for boys and girls, and it is an integral part of St Thomas Primary School, Chatterhat. The residential home has 165 children aged 4-10 of whom 80 percent come from families of tea garden labourers and daily wage earners who belong to

Scheduled Tribes and other economically disadvantaged classes of Society. These children benefit greatly from the care and financial assistance to help them live healthy and happy lives.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

India North East - Education and Boarding of Tribal Girls of a Tea Garden School in Assam

To provide furniture for the Residential Home of St Agnes’ Convent, Udharbond, Silchar. The project began in January 2024 and was completed in September 2024. 15 Tribal girls benefitted from this project. The donation enabled us to purchase chairs and desks for the 15 girls. The project has made a tremendous difference to the lives of the children. The new tables and chairs in the study room create a conducive environment for concentration. Being appreciative and able to focus, we witness the gradual improvement in their performance.

The children are proud of St Agnes’ for being the educational learning centre for them. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

India South - Education support to the children of single parent and low-income families

Madurampattu is a village located at Tiruvannamalai district in Tamil Nadu. Tiruvannamalai is a district and sub district head quarter of Madurampattu village. The population is approximately 4,000 people. The nearby town is 31 kilometres away from Madurampattu. For 20 years the Sisters have been working in this village offering counselling and education to children and their mothers. Tuition classes We look forward to the support of generous donors who come forward to reach out to the poorest of the poor. Tuition began in July 2024 benefitting 75 children from Nursery to 8[th] standard and from diverse economic backgrounds from Madurampattu Village. The initiative not only offers essential academic support but also creates a conducive learning environment.

We have taken the initiative to plant saplings in the compound, creating a greener environment and instilling in the children a sense of environmental responsibility.

Children's Day Celebration

The parents of the children have played an important role by sending their children faithfully and bringing them for tuition classes.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

India South - Education support to the children of single parent and low-income families (continued)

Games

Planting the saplings

Kenya - A Braille Machine and wheelchairs for children with Disability in Tei Wa Ngai

Lucy Mutave is a blind girl who attends Thika Primary School for the Blind. We are seeking financial help for purchasing a Braille machine because Lucy will be able to read and learn faster in her class. During our home visits we saw the need for her to have this machine to keep studying and prepare for exams.

The project also aims at purchasing specialized wheelchairs for 10 children, to enable them to have better mobility. This gift would also help parents who are at present burdened with carrying their children on their shoulders. We are grateful for your valuable contribution.

The vision of Tei Wa Ngai is that people with disabilities are accepted in society and are able to live full independent and happy lives according to their potential.

Checking Braille Machine with the teachers

Wheelchairs given to Children

28 Wheelchairs for Tei Wa Ngai

The mission of Tei Wa Ngai is to encourage and empower parents and society to accept children with disabilities to access health care and education, to provide protection and financial sustainability.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Kenya - A Braille Machine and wheelchairs for children with Disability in Tei Wa Ngai (continued)

In 2024, the programme has continued catering for children with different disabilities with a particular emphasis on helping with medical care, education, livelihood, training caregivers/ parents and income generating projects. The beneficiaries are the parents and children with disabilities in poor family situations. The level of home-based care will be monitored to ensure the client is not neglected. The Programme focuses most on the child’s development.

Through our home monthly visits, fieldwork, and meetings with parents and caregivers we have found some issues need to be addressed. Life becomes hard for many people. The poor are most affected. Social and economic factors are the main problems for many families around our area.

The project works well by networking with different local and international partners: hospitals, our Congregation, funding agencies and individual friends, joining hands and working together. This is vital in meeting our goal.

Cerebral palsy and physically challenged children are a big number. Most of them have problems with mobility. They rely on regular physiotherapy for a long time and other severe cases need wheelchairs. They are also weak and need quality food and food supplements. Their families cannot afford these basic needs. This year, the Solidarity Fund supported 28 wheelchairs for 22 cerebral palsy children, 4 for hydrocephalous children and 2 for spina bifida children.

On behalf of Tei Wa Ngai staff, I sincerely say a big thank you to our Congregation, for supporting this ministry through IMDO and UK/Ireland Province. Without this support, it would be almost impossible to be able to continue serving our children in this Yatta area of Kenya.

Kenya - Euphrasie School

On the 16 October 2024 the UK Solidarity Mission Fund transferred a donation to Kenya to help towards the funds needed to complete the work on the new Euphrasie School which began in January 2020 before the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. The School is named after our Foundress Euphrasie Barbier who had a passion for education. In the years 2023-2024, Euphrasie School increased its numbers. Lately, the number of pupils has increased to 162. Academically, the pupils are doing well with competent and trained teachers and staff. The parents are happy with the performance of their children.

Architectural view of the proposed Euphrasie School

The construction was set to begin by April 2024. However, heavy rainfall was experienced shortly afterwards, making the site inaccessible. Officially the construction only commenced on 17th June 2024. The project is scheduled for completion in February 2025.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Philippines - Nutrition for Delesan Kailawan Students

Delesan Kailawan is a collaborative project with the Menubu Dulangan People whose main goal is the self-determination and empowerment of the tribe. One of the project components is to provide food and accommodation for 50 students coming from remote villages and enable them to acquire formal education, especially in high school. The proposed budget for nutrition would support us to provide adequate meals for 50 girls in our care and 4 volunteers who help in the centre.

The teacher, 2nd from left, is a former student

Through this project, we were able to ensure that children

receive consistent, nutritious meals, which are crucial for their physical growth and cognitive development. Nutritious meals have improved their concentration, energy levels, and school performance, promoting better academic outcomes.

The project fosters a holistic approach to education and health, ensuring that the girls in the dormitory are equipped to succeed academically and develop into healthy, resilient individuals.

The nutrition project is part of the education program of Delesan Kailawan which is an ongoing commitment of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions to the Dulangan Menubu tribe as they seek social justice and self-determination in the local community and the Philippine society at large.

Parents cooking a healthy meal

By integrating a cultural enrichment program alongside traditional education, this initiative ensures that these young women not only excel academically but also stay connected to their cultural heritage.

A Sister supervising study time.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Senegal - Solar lights in Ndondol (Affordable and Clean Energy)

In 1984 the RNDM Sisters arrived in Ndondol to work with women and children, and this still continues. Over the years they empowered women through different activities to improve their daily lives. Their 39 years of service brought immense changes to the lives of people. Due to the developments taking

place, many children go to school but only some manage to reach university level. Unfortunately, only a few get jobs. The jobless youth are trapped into stealing and becoming drug addicts. In recent years the mission experienced living in insecurity so solar lamps were installed around the house to make it safer and more eco-friendly.

The Sisters were so excited to see the lights at night that lit up the whole compound. They expressed their gratitude for the gifts, that made this project of solar lights in the compound a reality. They brightened up the surroundings and the Sisters felt safe from thieves. The lights benefitted the whole mission center, the priests and the brothers, who are their neighbours as well as the houses around and the people who pass by through the Sister’s gate. Installing solar lights helped to reduce the electricity bill.

Vietnam - Improving sanitation facilities and planting trees to make healthy living environment for indigenous people, Good health and Well Being, Clean water and sanitation

The Sisters have been at Duc Me Mang Den community, Kontum diocese since 2011. They have been called to live among and serve the Bahnar people, especially in the five villages of Konslak1, Konslak2, Konsmuon, Konbokdeh, and Konkotuh.

In serving and helping the people to improve their education, health, faith and other aspects of life we are helping them to live a better quality of life. They will also encourage and support them to plant perennial trees that will support them in the long run as a food supplement.

The Sisters express deep gratitude to the RNDM Sisters in the UK & Ireland Province and all benefactors who supported this meaningful project. Implementing the orientation of Laudato Sí, “Education in environmental responsibility can encourage ways of acting which directly and significantly affect the world around us, such as avoiding the use of plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, planting trees, and any other practices. All of these reflect a generous and worthy creativity which brings out the best in human beings” (Pope Francis, Laudato Sí , 2015, no. 211).

We, RNDMs in Our Lady of Mang Den community responded to the needs of the indigenous people and have provided sanitary facilities for poor families in 4 villages.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

Vietnam - Improving sanitation facilities and planting trees to make healthy living environment for indigenous people, Good health and Well Being, Clean water and sanitation (continued)

Building toilets Toilet with long drop Completed toilet with doors

To raise and improve awareness among poor villagers about the green environment, we provided 300 seedlings to 100 families, such as coconut, durian, avocado, and rambutan. We trained the people on how to plant and take care of these trees. These will give healthy fruits to their families too.

The beneficiaries are happy and grateful for your care and support. They become more aware of the importance and the responsibility of protecting the environment such as surface water, groundwater, air, and soil. They are also more understanding of providing safety, security, and protecting dignity for others. They learned to take care of plants. Hopefully, the villagers in this area will improve their knowledge of the natural resources to protect them and to build a common home for younger generations.

Saplings ready for delivery

The women will plant the trees in their gardens

Once again, we thank you for your generous support and encouragement.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

We also support the following charities: -

We made our annual donation to this project before Christmas 2024 and another donation was sent to them earlier in May 2024.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

St Anne’s Convent 2024, Sturry, Kent

Throughout 2024 we have continued to enhance the skills of our staff team with regular training both on-line and through face-to-face practical sessions. Visiting trained tutors have led sessions in resuscitation techniques, first aid and fire warden training. All the staff have appreciated and benefitted from their training. They are all very competent in the use of the CAREDOCS system for recording the care given to each sister, 24 hours daily, that was introduced last year.

This year a new digital programme relating to the administration and recording of all the medication given to the sisters has been introduced E-Mar (Electronic medication administration and recording). This programme is monitored by Boots chemist and ensures a more accurate recording of the medication given to each sister as prescribe by their GP. It is open to scrutiny and is audited on a yearly basis. Our Administrator in St Anne’s has been trained and is designated as an “E-mar champion”. She is the person any staff can go to should they need any help in using the programme. Thus, development brings our care home in-line with other care facilities and hospitals where the same system is used. It is also an added safeguard for both staff and Sisters.

Our Safe-guarding Lead continues to support all in St Anne’s and has had meetings and training days. She remains in close contact with the Provincial Leadership Team and the trustees of the congregation.

Changes in the health and mobility of some of the Sisters has necessitated in the purchase of specialised equipment namely hospital style beds and padded tri-chairs that give more security and comfort to those who need such equipment. It also enables the staff to care for and move the Sisters without undue strain and injury to the carers.

Recent inspections of the Fire Safety and Prevention, and Health and Hygiene measures in St Anne’s have been recognised as being excellent and a Certificate of Commendation has been awarded by “Peninsula”.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Missionary work and donations (continued)

St Anne’s Convent 2024, Sturry, Kent (Continued)

The manager and staff were praised by the fire officer for their knowledge and training in’ Fire Prevention’ in a care-setting as well as the cleanliness of the kitchen which is often the primary source of fires in residential homes.

The benefit of having a culturally diverse staff has meant that the sisters have been able to enjoy some of the richness of the music, dancing and food from other countries which the staff have so generously prepared and shared with them. Gatherings, visitors and activities have helped to stimulate the sisters throughout the year which helps to create a vibrant and caring environment for staff and residents.

In St Anne’s the sisters are accompanied and receive spiritual care and comfort. Good communication is maintained with the sisters’ families especially when they experience serious changes in their health. They receive every comfort both medically and physically as they approach their end of life.

Ministries in the UK Section of the Province

Sisters’ individual ministries

Throughout 2024, the province has been engaged in various ministries in Scotland and England. This would include parish ministries where sisters are engaged in helping in their local parish which would include the organisation of liturgies for youth and schools; Eucharistic ministry, visiting the housebound with communion, and various activities related to parish life. Some sisters are still engaged in school ministries assisting in chaplaincy and school visits for religious classes and mission information input. Over the year we have been engaged in various activities for funding raising for the missions and other charities. Many sisters are engaged in tutoring via Zoom and the internet for English and catechetical training. The ministry of SHEN training is still in progress and also our work involving soup kitchens and accompaniment with the homeless, asylums seekers and refugees.

Province Ministries

Euphrasie Barbier Community: Sturry

Two sisters still volunteer with Catching Lives, a homeless centre (a soup kitchen) in Canterbury. Once a week they take their turn to prepare meals for the homeless who during the winter months really appreciate the hot meals provided. Now that these two sisters have

been established they are often involved in bringing clothes and organising the menus. This particular centre tries to raise funds for the homeless, especially to get shelter for the night and to support its own overnight winter shelter that is available during the winter months until mid-March. During 2024, there has been a good relationship with Canterbury Cathedral to raise funds for the plight of the homeless, supported by the BBC Politics

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Province Ministries (continued)

Euphrasie Barbier Community: Sturry (continued)

South East. There has been an increase of 20% since COVID, of footfall in Canterbury needing shelter in this area. It is as an essential ministry for our Sisters.

Every year the Euphrasie Barbier Community donates money for the foodbanks in and around Canterbury.

Every year, as Sturry is the centre for our Heritage House, many visitors come to see the Tomb of our Foundress in St Anne’s Chapel and also Sisters from overseas stay in our Community, especially the International Renewal Group, to visit the Heritage House related to our Foundress, so hospitality is always a gesture they offer.

In March, they welcomed Mrs Laura Ludica from our Sacred Heart College, Austraila and in April, they welcomed the Australian teachers from our two Sacred Heart Colleges in Oakleigh, Melbourne and Sorrento, Western Australia. During the year they had visits from our sisters from as far as Kenya, Toulon in France, Myanmar, New Zealand, Australia and various countries throughout the world.

In September, they welcomed a Sister from New Zealand on her way to Ireland to follow a Retreat and Course.

Sisters with Vicar of Religious:

Photos of our RNDM International Sisters →

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Province Ministries (continued)

Ministry to the Vietnamese

Again this year, one of the sisters is still involved in preparing young Vietnamese couples for marriage online and preparing young Vietnamese for Confirmation. Sister has to visit Birmingham on occasions to celebrate liturgies and rituals related to the sacraments. Here she is with a Vietnamese family she prepared for Baptism.

Photos taken with permission.

St Thomas’ RC Primary School, Canterbury

Each year the school invites the sisters for any event that involves a party! So, four sisters went along to St Thomas RC Primary School in Canterbury, where a team of volunteers from Years 3-6 had prepared an attractive spread for afternoon tea, all of which they, with the help of their parents, had prepared. After welcoming the guests: priests, parents, past

teachers and friends, the children acted as wonderful hosts and hostesses, serving the tea, so politely and gently - a credit to their parents and teachers. The many sisters who had taught in the old and later, the new St Thomas’ School, would be proud that the School is still flourishing, full to capacity, and

Photo with permission

Visits to Deal

Since November 2023, our community in Beech Court closed but the connection with our former Primary School, St Mary’s has continued. Also our meeting with locals, friends and Associates in Deal still continued this year in the parish church for our annual Heritage Day.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Province Ministries (continued)

St Marys Primary School

The Head teacher in Deal invited the sisters for the school assembly, on 19 July 2024, because it was their last school assembly for this term and in the old St Mary’s building. When the students return to school in September, they will enter a newly constructed school building, and the old school will be demolished. So, it carries values of sentiment for the staff and students.

This was an opportunity to give a big thank you to all our Sisters who taught there.

Photos with permission

Manchester and Liverpool Ministries

Manchester - Levenshulme

For the first part of the year, our Sister in Manchester continued her work in Chaplaincy in St Peter’s RC High School, Manchester. One of her main ministries is fundraising for various local charities as well as RNDM Solidarity. She recently terminated her 18 years of work with Stella Maris, Apostle of the Sea, as a contact for her parish who raises funds for the volunteers working on the seas to rescue many people. The National Director of Stella Maris/ Apostleship of the Sea wrote to thank her and quoted Bishop Mason with the reason for such a wonderful ministry: “I often find self-pity utterly lacking in the seafarers. About 100 seafarers die each year at sea, about 50 ships are

lost each year at sea. I think it’s about one ship goes missing per year and no one ever knows what happened to it. Many things can go wrong. Thousands are injured. There’s a risk of piracy, physical abuse on board. It can be rather tough for a seafarer.”

Liverpool- Waterloo and Bootle

The Sister who lives in Waterloo, Liverpool is still involved in her former parish of Bootle where she is the organist at weekends, as well as being involved in some Eucharistic ministries. Her main ministry is a Tutor in Shen Therapy as well as a mentor for new interns in training. This is done weekly and by monthly Zoom meetings. This includes the Shen founder who offers instruction and mediation. The training includes an Annual Retreat and workshop.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Scotland Ministry

Bridge of Weir

The Sister who lives in this part of Scotland, Paisley Diocese, is very much involved in the Parish of St Fillan, often seeing to the Eucharistc needs .i.e. visiting and parish activities. Her parish priest often has to work away from the parish so Sister keeps this moving. She is also involved in the preparation of the sacraments in the Primary School and seen here accompanying Year 7 for their Confirmation at St Mirin’s Cathedral with the Bishop and the chaplains of all the schools in Paisley

gathered for this occasion. Sister is

very much involved in fundraising for the the Missions and contributes greatly to our Solidarity Fund by her jewellery making and activities in the parish and school over the Christmas and holiday season.

Photo with parental permission.

Three Communities in Wealdstone, London

Our three communities in Wealdstone are engaged in various ministries. With a few exceptions, they are mainly in the local parish, for Eucharistic activities: visiting the housebound, giving Communion and attending to some needs in the parish. One sister is a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul and attends their meeting and visits the elderly on their behalf. She also sees to our Province Mission Office. One of our Vietnamese sisters works with the Vietnamese community in East London at the weekends and prepares many young people for the sacraments. This sister also does part-time work in our Finance Office in Wealdstone. She and another sister in Wealdstone volunteer with JRS (Jesuit Refugee Services).

Photos with Permission

During the month of June, 17 Vietnamese teenagers were confirmed by The Right Reverend Nicholas Hudson in The Holy Name and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, Bow Common in London. This parish is the Vietnamese Chaplaincy led by Fr John Hai Pham and assisted by Fr Anthony Tri Nguyen Van. Sister is fully engaged in their preparation for the sacraments.

The sisters in Wealdstone are also a community of hospitality as they welcome many visitors from our other provinces around the world. During the year, they welcomed sisters from New Zealand and Australia and there was a special day when the International Renewal

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Three Communities in Wealdstone, London (continued)

Group visited from Sturry for the day, where they offered them a lovely lunch before they visited our former school, Sacred Heart Language College and some sites in London.

Our visiting sisters from New Zealand and Australia

Our Provincial Office is also in Wealdstone, so much activity and movement takes place with visiting our communities, especially in St Anne’s Care Home in Sturry and our other communities in the north of England and Scotland. This year we have been able to attend many Collaboration Meetings set up by COREW (Conference of Religious, England and Wales) relating to Religious Life and Future Planning for the elderly and for Religious Life in general. Safeguarding is also a major ministry that we promote and training of our sisters in all our communities are of the essence.

One sister in our other community in Wealdstone has a ministry that involves Mission Appeals and is coordinator of the Missionary Sisters’ Commitee under CMU ( Catholic

Missionary Union). She also organises the visits of our International Sisters to visit our former school, Sacred Heart Language College. This year she organised to commission one of our Canadian Vietnamese Sisters to paint an image of the Sacred Heart for the College chapel. This was presented to the College with the Head Teacher, governors and head girl on Sacred Heart Day.

Photo with permisssion .

Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS)

Three sisters volunteer with JRS, one in Sturry who does translating for Vietnamese Refugees by phone and two sisters in Wealdstone. One Sister has a phone ministry translating for the Vietnamese and an occasional visit to Heathrow ICR (Detention Centre)

Photos with permission.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Three Communities in Wealdstone, London (continued)

Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) (continued)

and to Bhahita House (Safe House Community) visiting Vietnamese trafficked women and the other sister is working at the Main Centre in Wapping with asylum seekers and the trafficked. As this is more controlled by the Centre, Sister was able to accompany other volunteers and JRS staff to take individual refugees into London and this year they took a group to visit Kew Gardens.

Mission Appeals

We are still involved in Mission Appeals. Parishes were covered this year in Brentwood Diocese. The Catholic Missionary Union (CMU) operate in England and Wales and two RNDMs are involved, one in the main organisations of appeals, as co-ordinator, and both in attending bi-annual meetings and setting up the allocations of parishes for the 15 Congregations in the Committee. This year, Sister organised a training for the new members of the Missionary Sisters’ Commitee and this was done via Zoom. As Coordinator, Sister is looking also at future planning regarding the scarcity of Parish Priests and the emerging partnerships of Parishes that really have an impact on the future of Mission Appeals and its organisation, so working more in close collaboration with the CMU and Bishops’ Conference to look at new methods of visiting parishes for Mission Awareness.

Sacred Heart Language College

We still have a regular communication with our former School here in Wealdstone. One sister joins the pupils and staff for Mass every Tuesday and helps to organise Mission Days involving other Congregations and lay people involved in missionary activities. She is invited to give the occasional class on various aspects of Mission and our RNDM life and work overseas. The College is actively engaged in fundraising so we send our international sisters to visit the College to offer thanks to them each year when they come to the UK. This year, our Mission Day took the theme “Solidarity with the changes that we need to make in our world regarding the climate and causes of homelessness”. We invited one of our sisters from Rome to come again this year to talk about her ministry in South Sudan and another sister talked about our Snake Bite Clinics in India. Our Mission Team were from diverse cultures and ministries, so the girls really had a good day of learning and entered into a very active participation by their creative responses for action in the future.

International Renewal Group

This year we had 15 Sisters from across the Congregation - the International Renewal Group – who visited Sturry, our Heritage House and Chapel; the community in Sturry, our historical sites in Deal, Kent and eventually to Wealdstone, to visit the communities there and Sacred Heart Language College. Each year this group is organised by our Congregational Leadership Team to allow Sisters who have not had a chance to move out of

their country of origin or who are returned missionaries to visit some of our early Historical/ Heritage Sites, which includes France and Rome. Again we used the Benedictine

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Three Communities in Wealdstone, London (continued)

International Renewal Group (continued)

accommodation in Minster, like last year, because of the numbers. We find it also a good opportuntiy to learn something of their way of Religious Life.

The Group had the chance to visit Canterbury Cathedral for a wonderful tour of this sacred Space but also to learn about the life of St Thomas à Beckett by one of the Canons. They then joined the Anglican community for Evensong in the Chapel.

The visit to Deal this year was different as we no longer have a community there so they took a walkabout tour of the town and places where we began our mission in England in 1870 working in the Orphanage with Miss Boys and eventually where we bought our first property in 1878 to have our RNDM orphanage and school in Upper Deal, known as St Ethelburga’s. Their visit also included visiting the graves of our early pioneer sisters in Deal.

Back in Sturry, they had time to visit the Tomb of our Foundress in our Chapel and to meet our Archivist who took time to show them early articles, photos and stories of the early Congregation that included their own countries of origin.

Photos of the group visiting Sturry and the Archives, our

former convent in Deal, and the tour of Canterbury Cathedral and visiting our former missionaries in our Care Home - St Anne’s.

Davao Philippines

This year we had 15 sisters gather in Davao, Mindinao, south of the Philippines, to prepare for their Final Vows. They came from Vietnam, India South, India Central, India North-East, Kenya, Bangladesh and the Philippines. Again this year, the sister who teaches Liturgy and RNDM Spirituality from Wealdstone travelled to Davao to

offer her course and other topics for two weeks. During that time, Sister met with the Marist

Fathers who have their Formation House close by and she met some of the community who had worked in Papua New Guinea where she taught Liturgy at the Seminary. Their students were mainly from Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. It was a good time to reconnect with our early history with the Marist Fathers in Oceania.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Three Communities in Wealdstone, London (continued)

Davao Philippines (continued)

Sister also met with some Capuchin Novices who were just next door to our Formation House in Davao. They were able to share with her some updates from her early PNG days. As many of our sisters will be missioned, it was good for them to hear from the Melanesian Capuchins about life in the Highlands of PNG. The importance of learning local language and learning about the culture of the people they intend to serve is essential for all missionaries.

Over the years, the sisters who run the Formation Centre in Davao have managed to clear a pathway in their property to replant vegetables and to clear away fallen leaves and unwanted vegetation to make sure that snakes do not settle or enter the living quarters. During COVID, when the place was empty, and no gardening done, they found a home! This is also a centre where the sisters learn how to care for our common home.

Ted Talks (Technology, Entertainment, Design)

These are the areas/topics our Archivist who works with our Heritage Team in Sturry, did a good appraisal of our present repository where we hold our artefacts of our Foundress and early history of the Congregation and Province. She felt that we needed to make it clear who is buried here and who our Foundress is to non-church goers or believers, and about Religious Life in the

present mode and using social media. These talks cover the “shape of our world.” The speaker must learn their talk without aid of cues or notes and speak passionately for 18 minutes on their topic of interest. The content is basically to “educate a global audience” and presented usually on YouTube. This is then freely available for anyone to view. Why do people do these Ted talks? – Mainly, we are told, to share “ideas worth spreading” as they cover all angles from their research and exploration. Our Archivist took many months gathering facts, learning and writing her talk to present through Allen College, London, where she works as their part-time archivist, to present to the students her discovery about the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions and the life of nuns. This was then filmed by YouTube.

FUTURE PLANS

The Trustees continue to be engaged in reflection and discussion in what our future might look like. Attention is being given to future canonical leadership within the province and management of the Charity. The question of our future presence as a congregation is a consideration which is linked to leadership and management. The Leadership Team, three of whom are Trustees, will journey with a facilitator to begin a process which will, at some point, be shared with the whole province.

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FUTURE PLANS (continued)

Other congregations have been approached to share their experience of restructuring though the models some have adopted would not fit in with our International Congregation.

The Trustees agree that it would be helpful for our Congregation Leadership to have some participation in our discussions and a meeting was held during the year to begin the conversation.

We continue to be aware of the need to have the support of professional lay staff to oversee the legal, civil governance of the charity and this person would work closely with the Trustees and the Province Leadership Team.

The Trustees engaged the services of Susan Thomas over a year ago. She continues to support us in the HR management of St Anne’s where we have our care home, and she works closely with the manager of the home having regular meetings with her and the Leadership Team. Maintenance continues to be monitored as does Health and Safety issues that need attention. St Anne’s is inspected by Peninsula and Kent Fire so that Health & Safety structures are in place in case there is cause for concern. Kent Fire assists with fire safety, ensuring that protocols are in place in the event of any emergency.

Our care manager continues to provide excellent care for our elderly Sisters. She has high standards of care and works well with her staff.

We have appointed the services of a Safeguarding Lead specifically for our care home at St Anne’s. This has proved to be positive. She is engaging the staff in Safeguarding Training and overseeing the DBS process with the support of the RLSS. Having become a member of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service and Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency, we are likely to be audited, and we see this kind of training to be helpful not only to the staff but also to the vulnerable adults in their care. We are assured that this area of life in the running of the home is fit for purpose thus ensuring a safe environment for our elderly and vulnerable as well as staff.

When the time is right for us, we will register with CQC. For the present, St Anne’s is occupied by our Sisters, and we would anticipate that, in the future, lay people will be invited to join us. Our registering with CQC will allow us to offer this to lay people for a fee agreed by them and us.

Our Foundress is buried in our Chapel in Sturry so it is vitally important that we maintain the Heritage Centre. The finance, personnel, and training of Sisters for this important ministry will, in the future, be overseen by the Congregation Leadership Team. The Chapel wall has been shown to have cracks which point to wear and tear so it is in the pipe line to have the rendering of the Chapel wall renewed.

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR

Income and expenditure

In the year to 31 December 2024 total income amounted to £1,236,656 (2023 – £3,941,446), whereas expenditure was £1,683,041 (2023 – £1,569,887).

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FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR (continued)

Income and expenditure (continued)

The income in the year to 31 December 2024 included a surplus on disposal of fixed assets of £3,920 (2023 – £2,742,084, the majority of which related to the sale of the charity’s property at Beech Court).

The net expenditure for the year before investment gains was £446,385 (2023 – net income of £2,371,559). Investment gains totalled 231,411 (2023 – £392,583). As a consequence, overall, there was a net decrease in funds (or net expenditure) in the year of £214,974 (2023 – net income of £2,764,142).

Reserves policy

Our charity carries out a diverse range of activities and is responsible for care and support of Sisters whose average age is increasing and whose needs are changing. The trustees of the charity have examined the need for free reserves i.e. those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed.

The trustees consider that, given the nature of the charity’s work, the level of the charity’s free reserves should ideally be approximately a year’s expenditure to provide for contingencies and unevenness in future income.

Financial position

At 31 December 2024, the balance sheet showed total funds of £15.61 million (2023 - £15.82 million). Of this, £6.12 million represented the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets (2023 - £6.29 million). A decision was made to separate this fund from general funds in recognition of the fact that the assets are used in the day-to-day works of the charity and the fund value would not be easily realisable if needed to meet future contingencies.

£7.00 million has been designated by the trustees to provide for the Sisters in their retirement. The fund has been calculated using actuarial principles to provide for each of the Sisters who are the responsibility of the Province, but was constrained by the resources available. Given the increasing age profile of the Sisters and the lack of new vocations, this sum will provide only modest resources to look after the Sisters, many of whom will need increasing and increasingly expensive residential and nursing care.

Restricted funds of £0.76 million represent monies received specifically for the Congregation’s missions abroad (2023 – £0.79 million representing monies received for the Congregation’s missions abroad and for the renovation of the Congregation’s UK properties).

Therefore, the general funds which are available to support the work of the Sisters in the future amounted to £1.72 million (2023 – £1.06 million).

The trustees are satisfied that the level of free reserves is consistent with the target set out in the charity’s reserves policy above. The charity has sufficient liquid funds to weather this in the short to medium term and as a long-term investor can wait for stock markets to stabilise and recover. As such, the trustees believe that the charity has sufficient reserves at the current time to enable the charity to pursue successfully its charitable objectives.

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FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR (continued)

Investment policy and performance

There are no restrictions on the charity’s power to invest.

The Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO adheres to an ethical policy that seeks not to invest directly in equities that are mainly involved in the manufacture and/or supply of goods and services, which would not be in accordance with social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the teachings of the Gospel. The portfolio managers and our advisor understand our policy and give complete co-operation in regard to our ethical concerns.

The charity holds investments with Rathbones Wealth Management Limited and Evelyn Partners. The Trustees meet with the investment managers regularly to review the performance of the portfolio and the investment strategy. The total market value of these holdings at 31 December 2024 amounted to £7,931,459 (2023 - £6,000,287). In addition, a further £74,108 (2023 - £64,436) was held as cash by the investment managers for reinvestment.

The income yield on listed investments was approximately 2.2% based on the average market value for the year, which is considered satisfactory in the light of recent interest rates. Net investment gains amounted to £231,411 for the year (2023 – net gains of £392,583). The trustees are satisfied that their investment policy is appropriate for the longer term.

GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is governed by a Constitution dated 4 May 2020 and is a registered charity, Charity Registration No. 1189330.

Member of the CIO

The Province Leader for the time being shall automatically, by virtue of holding that office, be ex-officio the sole member of the CIO for as long as she holds that office.

If the CIO is wound up, the member of the CIO has no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.

Trustees

The Provincial Leader and the Provincial Leadership Team automatically serve as ex-officio trustees. The Constitution vests the power of appointing further trustees in the Provincial Leader of the UK and Ireland Province.

At any one time there must be a minimum of four and a maximum of seven trustees. The names of the trustees who were in office during the year are set out on page 1. As all trustees are members of the Congregation they have a detailed knowledge of its structures and of the work which the charity carries out.

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GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Trustees’ responsibilities statement

The trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these accounts the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the CIO’s Constitutions They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and or other irregularities.

Structure and management reporting

The trustees are ultimately responsible for the policies, activities and assets of the charity. During 2023 they met regularly to review developments with regard to the charity or its activities and made any important decisions. When necessary, the trustees will seek advice and support from the charity’s professional advisers including investment managers, solicitors, and accountants.

Key management personnel

The trustees consider that they alone are the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis.

All trustees are members of the Congregation and whilst their living and personal expenses are borne by the charity, they receive no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as trustees or members of key management.

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GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Risk Management

The trustees monitor closely the areas in which the Charity is involved and make provision to reduce any risks to which the Charity may be exposed. These areas - particularly investments and financial systems - are monitored very closely and in this way the trustees try to ensure that they have control over key financial systems. They examine closely operational and business risks faced by the Charity and so hope to ensure they have made adequate provision to reduce any risks. The main areas where risks may occur are governance and management, operational, financial reputational and regulatory.

Each community takes responsibility for monitoring its health and safety risks and as such is accountable to the Provisional Leadership Team.

We are registered with a company called Peninsula whose mandate is to advise us on Employment Law and Health and Safety issues. They regularly inspect our premises to ensure we comply with all regulations

On 31 December 2024, the median age in our UK Province was 86.5. The trustees are aware of their responsibility to provide for our Sisters as we have no private income or resources. With the help of our external financial advisor, we manage our finances and investments, and we meet regularly with him to review our position particularly with regard to risk management.

Since we are an international Congregation, we support our missions worldwide, with special regard for those in difficult situations. We have set guidelines for transfer of money. Receipts are expected and this is monitored by our Generalate Leadership Team in Rome. Accounts of how the money was spent with photographic evidence supporting this enable us to verify how the money was spent. When there are desperate appeals for help, we support local situations, having first verified the nature of the charity appealing for help.

The Charity’s assets mainly consist of properties and investments and to assist us in the sale and acquisition of property we have a property advisor. Our investment policy has the support of advisors who work with us and regular meetings with them allow us to monitor the performance of our investments. With the assistance of an external investment manager who monitors the performance of our investments we try to ensure that our investments will be adequate to meet our needs now and into the future.

In Kent we have a community for our frail and elderly Sisters. To oversee their care, we have a lay manager and lay care staff. As we are a Religious community, we see preserving the ethos of this community as of primary importance, so we have several Sisters from our own Congregation providing pastoral care. Safeguarding is an important issue for us and training for the staff and Sisters of the Congregation who visit the care home is provided on a regular basis. Our Safeguarding Lead is also involved. We have a competent HR person who is responsible for the overall management of the community and the hope is that frequent meetings between her, the Safeguarding Lead and the manager of the home will ensure the safety of all those residing in the home and those employed to care for them. The leadership team is part of the board that monitors the training and care of the Sisters. The trustees receive regular updates on the situation and so we hope in this way that we

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GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Risk Management (continued)

would be aware of any possible risks the community and those working there would be exposed to.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is essential in the care of all our Sisters and those employed by us. We believe in the inherent dignity of each person and our duty to provide security for all is paramount. We continue to follow the “one Church” approach, continually familiarizing ourselves with what it means for us as a Congregation.

We are now aligned to two bodies CSSA (Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency) and RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service) and as Trustees, we must be able to show the CSSA, as regulator, how we are meeting our obligations in safeguarding.

Being part of these two bodies gives us access to advice, support, and training. Our Sisters and staff have been able to avail of online training and regularly attend sessions on Zoom calls. The interactive nature of these sessions allows for the sharing of best practice and concerns. The RLSS have been invaluable in assisting with the process of UChecks which provide up-to-date information on prospective employees and is recognized as a replacement for the DBS.

Our Safeguarding Lead meets with the Trustees and the Leadership Team and offers advice and support. She meets with the Staff and Sisters who are involved in the community, listens to them, and encourages the building of a safe and trustworthy environment so as to protect them from any issues that could compromise safeguarding.

In Scotland we had two Sisters who reside in the Diocese of Paisley and who minister in different parishes. One of them is the Safeguarding Lead who attends the necessary training sessions so as to be aware of current decisions re safeguarding. We are audited annually and follow the revised instruction manual on Safeguarding in Scotland entitled “In God’s Image” Both work in a parish ministry and are aware of the recommendations and regulations of the document. They work under the jurisdiction of the parish priest and adhere to all the regulations of the parish.

The Province Advisory Board

Our Province Advisory Board is made up of the Province Leadership Team, Trustees and five lay advisors. The Board benefits from their specific, valuable and supportive advice which help in bringing clarity to specific situations that affect the life of the Province. This enables the Leadership Team and Trustees to make informed decisions for the greater good of all. We are grateful for their continued support.

Brief biographical details of each of the trustees in office at 31 December 2024 are given below.

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The Province Advisory Board (continued)

Sister Catherine Corrigan , a member of the UK & Ireland Province, was born and brought up in Northern Ireland from where she entered the Congregation in 1966.

Since entering the Congregation Catherine has been involved in teaching, Initial Formation and parish ministry. She spent some years in a primary school in England and Ireland before being missioned to

Kenya where she taught in one of the local secondary schools at Matuu, a semi-desert area on the Yatta Plateau. Catherine was then asked to engage in the ministry of formation and completed her degree in Theology and English and participated in a personal development course at the Institute of St Anselm, Canterbury. Having accompanied women in England who were interested in our Congregation, Catherine returned to Kenya where she continued in formation ministry as Novice Director. On finishing her term as Novice Director, Catherine went back to teaching in Ireland for a number of years and became involved in the local parish also. After the closure of the school, Catherine was then appointed to the leadership team. On finishing her term of office on the leadership team she spent nine years in parish ministry in Antrim, Northern Ireland. As a member of the parish team, she had a varied ministry in the parish where our Sisters ministered for many years. It seems that she came full circle for it was the first time she lived in Northern Ireland since entering the congregation.

In 2017 Catherine was appointed full-time member of the Province Leadership Team for three years after which she was appointed Province Leader beginning her term of office on 1 August 2020. Catherine was reappointed Province Leader for a further three years in August 2023.

On-line training has been available for Trustees in some areas e.g. finance, investments, safeguarding and Catherine has availed of these opportunities when possible.

Sister Margaret Murphy was born in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 27 December 1944. Margo was educated there until 1959 when she moved to Hastings and continued her education there with the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions.

In 1961, she entered the Novitiate in Hastings and was there for her Novitiate training until 1966 when she was missioned to Sturry, Canterbury. In 1971, she was admitted to Notre Dame Training College, Bearsden, Glasgow, to study for a Teacher Training Diploma and her Certificate of Religious Education. Having successfully completed this, she went to Chew Magna in Bristol where she taught for a number of years. From here she went to Digby Stuart College, Roehampton where she did her BA degree in French/Religious Studies and obtained a Second Class Honours.

After a short period of time at Sacred Heart School, Wealdstone, Margo went to Kirkby, Liverpool to staff a Mother and Baby Unit there and also work in the local community. While there, she did a counselling course and was awarded a Counselling Diploma. She voluntarily worked in a local counselling service and was also involved in pastoral care of the young

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GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

The Province Advisory Board (continued)

women in the Mother and Baby Unit. Since then as a Trustee she is very involved with safeguarding training and avails of any opportunity to update her awareness and skills in this regard.

In 1999, Margo was missioned to Papua New Guinea and on her return home worked in chaplaincy situations in Germany and England. As a school counsellor, she worked with Catholic Care in Leeds until she was asked to go as Pastoral Assistant to an inner-city parish in London. She left there in 2003 to become part of the Province Leadership Team after which she went to Rome as General Secretary for the Congregation. On her return to the Province, she was appointed to the Province Mission Desk and, as a member of the Sisters’ Mission Committee, was involved in mission appeals in different parts of England. In 2014 she was appointed Province Leader and carried out that responsibility until the beginning of August 2020.

Sister Margaret Doherty entered the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions in 1960.

She was missioned to Western Australia in 1965, as assistant teacher in a class for infants, who were mostly from different cultures and language groups; it was certainly a new and very valuable experience for her! Having obtained her Primary Teachers’ Certification in Christ College, Melbourne, she taught for years in schools, where our Sisters held the Principalship. Her life was further enriched, when she was appointed to the Diocesan Motor Mission, Bunbury, and became involved in the Religious Education of children 6-12 years in State Schools, situated in remote farming areas. Margaret assisted parents in their own faith, by helping them with their children’s faith development. To keep her enthusiasm alive, she availed of different in-service programs and further training.

Another major transition in her life happened when she was missioned to Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea. As Pastoral Assistant, she gained proficiency in Melanesian Pidgin and was responsible for the ongoing formation of Catechists and other lay leaders in the Church in Pangia, a parish in the Mendi diocese. She would often spend time in the villages where she helped the training of Catechists and sat with the women who shared their stories and concerns. They were so eager to learn to read. That was an interesting venture! Their deepest longing was to learn to read the Bible. Sr Margaret was chosen as Chairperson for the Conference of Women Religious in the Diocese, and Coordinator of the sisters in her own Congregation in the Southern Highlands.

After ten years, Margaret felt the need for further training for Spiritual Direction/ Accompaniment as this was becoming a need in the diocese. Having been at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, she acquired a Masters in Pastoral Studies, which equipped her for her future work in the UK, where she joined the Chaplaincy team at St James’s Hospital in Leeds. She also accompanied women and men from different Christian denominations, on their faith journey. Margaret was missioned to Rome from 2000 to 2004 as one of the Secretaries at our Generalate. There, she became, with other Congregation representatives, a member of the Justice and Peace Group and a member of a team of

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The Province Advisory Board (continued)

Spiritual Directors, an International Formation Programme for Women Religious at Regina Mundi, Rome.

In 2004, it was another surprise for Margaret when she was asked to go to be the Coordinator of the Student Sisters’ community in Manila. She spent four interesting years with our Student Sisters and individual members from different congregations. In 2009, she returned to the UK and the following year, became one of the team members of St Anne’s community, Sturry, where she was responsible for the Pastoral Care of the elderly Sisters and a member of the Province Leadership Team. In 2014, she was elected again to the PLT for three years and in 2017, moved to New Southgate Community. At this stage she felt the need for personal time to participate in a six-week program on Bio Spirituality at Genesis in Massachusetts, USA. In August 2023 she was elected as team member until 2026. In this capacity as team member, her life continues to be interesting. Through webinars and zoom meetings and interesting conversations, she keeps abreast of important issues that are integral to her role on the team and as a Trustee.

Sister Rose Mary Harbinson began her religious life by joining the Congregation in September 1969. Prior to that she was raised in the East End of London where she attained her primary and secondary education. She moved to South Wales where she went to a Sixth Form in Port Talbot. As a post Vatican II novice her formation studies were in Dublin, Ireland with a mixed group of missionary congregations. Her first mission was to Sturry, Canterbury serving the community in the kitchen and continuing her studies before going to a Teaching Training College, at Mary Ward, Nottingham. After being awarded a B.Ed. she was assigned to teach in Bexhill for some years until she was asked to become the Vocations’ Directress of the Province moving to Wealdstone, London. As a member of the Caring Church Movement she travelled around schools in England, Wales and Scotland.

Sister was asked to be part of the Missionary Session in Rome in 1975 and from there she was missioned to Senegal, after spending a few months in France to learn French. After a year it was decided that Rose Mary should return to Rome and prepare for another mission to Papua New Guinea where she stayed for over twenty years. Her ministry ranged from pastoral worker in the Southern Highlands in a priestess parish, teacher in Madang Province and finally a lecturer in Liturgical Studies at the Catholic Theological Institute in Port Moresby – a major seminary for Diocesan and Missionary Priests and brothers and the Anglican seminarians from Poppendetta. During that time, she was asked by the Bishop’s Conference of Papua New Guinea to train in Liturgical and Sacramental Theology in Washington DC where she obtained a Masters in Theology/Liturgical Studies.

After a long missionary journey Rose Mary returned home in 2008 and shortly after that began a PhD which allowed her to return to PNG in 2009 for research and she graduated in 2014 from Nottingham Uni. Since then, her work now includes giving Mission Appeals in England and Wales, working as a volunteer with JRS (Jesuit Refugee Services) as an Emotional Befriender with refugees, and the coordinator of the Missionary Sisters of

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The Province Advisory Board (continued)

England and Wales involved in Mission Appeals. In 2016 Rose Mary returned to PNG to launch and promote her book to the seminarians, catechists and to the PNG/SI Bishops’ Conference. In 2017 she was first appointed to the Province Leadership Team and was reappointed in August, 2023. Her work still includes the above and since 2017, she offers Liturgical and Spirituality courses to the International Final Vows Group in Davao, in the Philippines. Since the beginning of RLSS and CSSA, training and following webinars is a regular feature of her work as a PLT Member for the wellbeing of the province.

Sister Pauline McDonald entered the congregation in 1959. She was trained initially as a Primary School teacher and taught for some years in Hastings as deputy and then acting head of Sacred Heart Primary School. In 1975 Sister was missioned to Kenya and taught for two years in Nairobi before taking up the position of Religious Adviser in the Archdiocese with responsibility for Christian Education development in over 150 schools. In 1980 Sister spent six months in Rome for theological and spiritual renewal. In 1985 on Sister’s return to the UK she attended university in Liverpool and Birmingham for further studies before taking up new work as a counsellor in the field of alcohol and drug misuse in Scotland. In 1996 Sister Pauline moved to Lancashire to take on pastoral work as well as providing support for her aged parents. During this time Pauline was also involved as a member of the Allocations Committee of SURVIVE/MIVA, a Catholic charity based in Liverpool which provides mission and missionaries with modes of transport specific to the needs of the people and area of mission. From 2011-2014 Sister was the Administrator in St Anne’s Convent care facility for our elderly and frail Sisters. Currently Sister is a member of the Pastoral Team in St Anne’s Convent, Sturry.

Sister Mary Brigid Toner was born in Northern Ireland and entered the Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions in Hastings in1961. She was trained in Digby Stuart College, Roehampton, London, as a secondary school teacher and taught at the Sacred Heart High School, Wealdstone which is now the Sacred Heart Language College. In 1987 Mary spent three months studying with an international group from the Congregation in Rome and in France. In 1991 she became provincial bursar with the Province Leadership Team and had overall responsibility for the finances of the province until 11th July 2016. Mary was also a member of the International Finance Commission in Rome which met twice a year with the Congregation’s investment and property advisors. In February 2009 she attended a two-week meeting in Davao, Philippines with Provincial and Congregational Leaders, and the Provincial and Regional Bursars for financial training and to ensure consistency in the reporting of our worldwide finances. In September 2015 Mary attended a gathering of the Provincial Leaders and Bursars in the Congregation for more training in Bangalore, South India. The Bursars spent time on Financial Systems to ensure uniformity throughout the Congregation. On 8th February 2017 Mary travelled to Australia for a six-month sabbatical at Marymount Mercy Centre in Castle Hills, Sydney, following a New Life Course for personal and spiritual renewal, reflection, and revitalization. Mary is also a member of the Province Advisory

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 33

Trustees’ report 31 December 2024

GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

The Province Advisory Board (continued)

Board. She is now an advisor for Investments and Property in the Province. Mary regularly attends many seminars on topics such as finance, health and safety issues, fraud, data protection, investment management, trustees’ responsibilities and RLSS (Religious Life Safeguarding Service) Training for Trustees. During 2024 Mary availed herself of most of the trustee training that became available on webinars, training on zoom and attended some trustee training sessions in person. She also attended in person the Catholic Charity Conference and the Conference for the Association for Provincial Bursars in High Leigh Conference Centre.

Employees and members of the Congregation - 2024

The trustees are aware of the many areas in which members of the Congregation are involved in the mission of the Congregation, by their actual support or by their overall support in so many other ways. There are a number of lay employees also employed by the Congregation and the Trustees owe a huge debt of gratitude to them also. The Trustees would like them all to realise how important they are in the promotion of the mission of the Congregation.

Signed on behalf of the trustees by:

Sister Catherine Corrigan Trustee

Date: 4 July 2025

All photos acknowledged or used with permission.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 34

Independent auditor’s report 31 December 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the trustees of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO

Opinion

We have audited the accounts of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and notes to the accounts. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the accounts:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 35

Independent auditor’s report 31 December 2024

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, including the trustees’ report, other than the accounts and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the accounts or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the accounts or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement contained within the trustees’ report, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 36

Independent auditor’s report 31 December 2024

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these accounts.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extend to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below:

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s accounts to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 37

Independent auditor’s report 31 December 2024

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts (continued) To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 38

Independent auditor’s report 31 December 2024

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Buzzacott Audit LLP Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Date: 7 July 2025

Buzzacott Audit LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 39

Statement of financial activities Year to 31 December 2024

Notes Unrestricted
funds
£


Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
funds
£		 Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£
Income:
Donations and legacies
1
Investment income and interest receivable
2
Other income
. Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Total income
Expenditure:
Cost of raising funds
. Investment managers’ fees
Charitable activities
. Support of members of the
Congregation and their ministry
3
. Donations and support of overseas
missions
4
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure) income before gains
on investments
Net gains on investments
10
Net (expenditure) income
5
Gross transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward
at 1 January 2024
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 December 2024		 848,767
275,041
3,920


102,890

6,038

—
951,657

281,079

3,920		 910,320
170,099
2,742,084
111,215

7,728

—		 1,021,535

177,827
2,742,084
1,127,728
108,928		 1,236,656 3,822,503
118,943		 3,941,446
30,249
1,482,143
1,889
4,495

84,522

79,743
34,744
1,566,665

81,632		 24,796
1,495,846
2,820
1,373

—

45,052
26,169
1,495,846

47,872
1,514,281
168,760		 1,683,041 1,523,462
46,425		 1,569,887
(386,553)
196,241

(59,832)

35,170		 (446,385)
231,411		 2,299,041
363,497
72,518

29,086		 2,371,559

392,583
(190,312)
—

(24,662)

—		 (214,974)
—		 2,662,538
88,762
101,604

(88,762)		 2,764,142
—
(190,312)
15,033,544
(24,662)




786,892		 (214,974)
15,820,436		 2,751,300
12,282,244
12,842

774,050		 2,764,142
13,056,294
14,843,232


762,230		 15,605,462 15,033,544
786,892		 15,820,436

The charity has no recognised gains and losses other than those shown above and therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been prepared.

All of the CIO’s activities derived from continuing operations during the above two financial periods.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 40

Balance sheet 31 December 2024

Notes
2024
£		 2024
£		 2023
£		 2023
£
Fixed assets:
Tangible assets
9
Investments
10
Current assets:
Debtors
11
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
12
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
. Tangible fixed assets fund
14
. Designated funds
15
. General fund
Total charity funds


74,654
707,256
1,042,805		 6,119,954
8,005,567		 48,187
2,998,416
743,550		 6,268,831
6,064,723
14,125,521
1,479,941		 12,333,554
3,486,882
1,824,715

(344,774)		 3,790,153
(303,271)


6,119,954

7,000,000
1,723,278		 6,268,831
7,700,000
1,064,713
15,605,462 15,820,436
762,230
14,843,232		 786,892
15,033,544
15,605,462 15,820,436

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Sister Catherine Corrigan Trustee

Date: 4 July 2025

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 41

Statement of cash flows Year to 31 December 2024

Notes
2024
£		 2023
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
A
Cash flows from investing activities:
Income received from listed investments
Interest received
Proceeds from the disposal of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from the disposal of investments
Purchase of investments

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2024
B
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2024
B

**(519,545) **		 (428,491)


145,268
135,811
3,923
(47,929)
1,261,543
**(2,961,304) **		 152,229
25,598
3,037,089
(117,077)
998,073
(857,496)
**(1,462,688) ** 3,238,416

(1,982,233)


3,806,402
 2,809,925
996,477

1,824,169		 3,806,402

Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 December 2024.

A Reconciliation of net (expenditure) income to net cash flows from operating activities

2024
£		 2023
£
Net (expenditure) income (as per statement of financial activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge
Gains on investments
Income from listed investments
Interest receivable
Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Increase in debtors
Increase (decrease) in creditors
Net cash used in operating activities		 (214,974)
196,803
(231,411)
(145,268)
(135,811)
(3,920)
(26,467)
41,503		 2,764,142
191,124
(394,841)
(152,229)
(25,598)
(2,740,047)
(33,833)
(37,209)
(519,545) (428,491)

B Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2024
£		 2023
£
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposits (with a maturity of less than 90 days)
Cash held by investment managers
Total cash and cash equivalents		 1,042,805
707,256
74,108		 743,550
2,998,416
64,436
1,824,169 3,806,402

No separate statement of changes in net debt has been prepared as there is no difference between the movements in cash and cash equivalents and movement in net cash (debt).

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 42

Principal accounting policies 31 December 2024

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 December 2024 with comparative information given in respect to the year ended 31 December 2023.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Preparation of the accounts requires the trustees to make significant judgements and estimates.

The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:

Assessment of going concern

The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

The trustees continue to communicate with their investment managers and, whilst there are concerns over the volatility in world stock markets arising from geopolitical events and the macroeconomic climate, they acknowledge also that the charity is a long-term investor. As such, the charity will be able to wait for markets to stabilise over time whilst the trustees keep a watching brief.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 43

Principal accounting policies 31 December 2024

Assessment of going concern (continued)

Over the next year, the charity’s income may continue to be affected due to the volatility in world stock markets noted above. In terms of expenditure, it is anticipated that grant making may need to increase as needs become more evident. The trustees will continue to keep both income and expenditure under review.

Undoubtedly there will be challenges ahead but the trustees do not expect material concerns to arise over the charity’s financial position or going concern. The trustees have concluded that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due.

Income recognition

Income is recognised in the period in which the charity has entitlement to the income, the amount of income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Income comprises donations, legacies, investment income, interest receivable and other income including the surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets.

Donations, including salaries and pensions of individual religious received under Gift Aid or deed of covenant, are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount and settlement date. In the event of donations pledged but not received, the amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.

Legacies are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached to the legacy are within the control of the charity.

Entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title of the asset having being transferred to the charity.

Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 44

Principal accounting policies 31 December 2024

Income recognition (continued)

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

The surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets represents the difference between the disposal proceeds (net of the costs of disposal) and the net book value of the relevant asset immediately prior to disposal. The surplus is recognised at the point when legal title to the asset moves from the charity.

Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure comprises direct costs and support costs. All expenses, including support costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. The classification between activities is as follows:

Charitable grants and donations are made where the trustees consider there is real need following a review of the details of each particular case and comprise single year payments rather than multi-year grants. Grants and donations are included in the statement of financial activities when approved for payment. Provision is made for grants and donations approved but unpaid at the period end.

All expenditure is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Tangible fixed assets

All assets costing more than £1,000 and with any expected useful life exceeding one year are capitalised.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 45

Principal accounting policies 31 December 2024

Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Non-specialised buildings

Non-specialised buildings are those designed as, and used wholly or mainly for, private residential accommodation. Those held by the charity’s predecessor charity on 31 December 1995 are stated at a trustees’ valuation made on that date based on market value for existing use. Under the application of the transitional rules of FRS 102 this valuation is now deemed to be cost. Additions since 1 January 1996 are stated at cost. Such buildings are not depreciated. Their value and condition are reviewed annually by the trustees, who are satisfied that their residual value is not materially less than their book value.

Specialised buildings

Specialised buildings comprise the charity’s large residential convents. Those held by the charity’s predecessor charity on 31 December 1995 are stated at a trustees’ valuation made on that date based on replacement cost for existing use. Under the application of the transitional rules of FRS 102 this valuation is now deemed to be cost. Additions since 1 January 1996 are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided at 2% per annum on a straight-line basis to write the buildings off over their estimated useful economic life to the charity.

Motor vehicles are capitalised and depreciated over a four year period on a straight line basis.

Fixed asset investments

Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.

The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.

As noted above the main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.

Realised gains (or losses) on investment assets are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value is acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value at that date. Realised and unrealised investment gains (or losses) are combined in the statement of financial activities and are credited (or debited) in the year in which they arise.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 46

Principal accounting policies 31 December 2024

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand. Short term deposits represent balances with a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition are presented separately on the balance sheet, but considered to be a cash equivalent. Cash balances held by the investment manager as part of an investment portfolio and awaiting reinvestment are included as part of fixed asset investments, but are also considered to be a cash equivalent.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.

Fund structure

The funds of the charity are, in the main, unrestricted and therefore available for use in furtherance of the charity’s objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Within the total unrestricted funds of the charity are funds representing the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets and amounts which the trustees have designated for specific purposes. Details of these are provided in notes 14 and 15.

Details of funds raised for a specific purpose, or subject to donor imposed conditions, and therefore restricted, are given in note 13.

Services provided by members of the Congregation

For the purposes of these accounts, no monetary value has been placed on administrative and other services provided by the members of the Congregation.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 47

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

1 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
funds
£
Unrestricted
funds
£
Restricted
funds
£
2023
Total
funds
£
Salaries and Pensions
Contributions from the
Congregation in Ireland
General donations
Legacies		 712,853
85,682
16,281
33,951		 —
84,522
18,368
—		 712,853
170,204
34,649
33,951
642,342

253,912

14,066

—
—

88,762

22,453

—
642,342

342,674

36,519

—
848,767 102,890 951,657
910,320
111,215
1,021,535

2 Investment income and interest receivable

Unrestricted
funds
**£ **
Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
funds
£
Unrestricted
funds
£


Restricted
funds
£
2023
Total
funds
£
Income from listed
investments
. UK equities
. Overseas equities and
unitised funds
. UK Government stocks
. UK fixed interest
Interest receivable		 52,662
55,738
4,860
**32,008 **

917

3,178

1,316

501		 53,579

58,916
6,176
32,509
58,063

49,440

1,299

35,763
3,506

2,427

1,731

—
61,569

51,867

3,030

35,763
**145,268 **
5,912		 151,180
144,565
7,664
152,229
**129,773 **

126		 129,899
25,534
64
25,598
**275,041 **

6,038		 281,079
170,099
7,728
177,827

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 48

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

3 Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry

Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
funds
£
Unrestricted
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£
Premises
Education, training and
spiritual renewal
Staff costs (note 6)
Sisters’ living and personal
expenses
Governance		 470,874
11,869
649,249
330,151
20,000		 —
—
84,522
—
—		 470,874
11,869
733,771
330,151
20,000
492,102

13,430

634,544

337,170

18,600		 —
—
—
—
—		 492,102
13,430
634,544
337,170
18,600
1,482,143 84,522 1,566,665
1,495,846		 — 1,495,846
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
2024
Total
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£
Premises
Education, training and spiritual renewal
Staff costs (note 6)
Sisters’ living and personal expenses
Governance		 470,874
11,869
733,771
330,151
20,000		 492,102
13,430
634,544
337,170
18,600
1,566,665 1,495,846

4 Donations and support of overseas missions

Unrestricted
funds
**£ **
Restricted
funds
£		 2024
Total
funds
£
Unrestricted
funds
£


Restricted
funds
£
2023
Total
funds
£

—

2,060

—

9,098

14,709

6,862

923

7,001

—

40,653

1,000

—

1,000

1,000

—

4,219

47,872
Donations to Institutions
Donations in support of the
Congregation’s work
abroad
Sisters’ education & training
Philippines
Myanmar
Kenya
India
Bangladesh
Peru
Vietnam
Senegal
Other donations
Medaille Trust
Mary’s Meals
De Paul UK
JRS
CAFOD
Donations under £1,000
Total funds
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**— **


13,351

3,600

1,105

25,121

8,625

15,850

—

4,695

3,228
13,351

3,600

1,105

25,121

8,625

15,850

—

4,695

3,228
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

2,060

—

9,098

14,709

6,862

923

7,001
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
**1,889 **
75,575

1,000

1,000

1,000

—

1,000

168
75,575

1,000

1,000

1,000

—

1,000
2,057
—

—

—

—

—

—

2,820
40,653

1,000

—

1,000

1,000

—

1,399
**1,889 **
79,743		 81,632
2,820
45,052

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 49

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

5 Net (expenditure) income

This is stated after charging (crediting):

2024
Total
funds
£		 2023
Total
funds
£
Staff costs (note 6)
Auditor’s remuneration (including VAT)
. Audit services
. Other services: payroll administration
Depreciation
Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets		 733,771
20,000
10,313
196,803
(3,920)		 634,544
18,600
9,482
191,124
(2,742,084)

Staff costs during the year were as follows:

2024
£		 2023
£
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Social security costs
Other staff related costs
Redundancy Costs		 669,494
9,680
45,168		 579,001
7,599
27,029
724,342
9,429
—		 613,629
10,716
10,199
733,771 634,544

The average number of employees during the period, analysed by function, was as follows:

2024
Number		 2023
Number
41
Charitable activities
. Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry		 41

There were no employees who earned £60,000 per annum or more (including taxable benefits) during the year (2023 – none).

The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis comprise the trustees alone.

The key management personnel received no remuneration from the charity in respect of their duties in either of the above financial periods.

7 Trustees’ expenses, remuneration and transactions with trustees

As members of the Congregation, the trustees’ living and personal expenses during the year were borne by the charity, but they received no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as trustees during the year (2023 - £nil).

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 50

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

As members of the Congregation, none of the trustees have resources of their own as all earnings, pensions and other income have been donated to the charity under a Gift Aid compliant Deed of Covenant. During the year, the total amount donated by the trustees to the charity was £60,057 (2023 - £53,531).

8 Taxation

The Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions Charitable Trust is a registered charity and, therefore, is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income or gains derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

9 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land and buildings Furniture
and
equipment
£		 Motor
vehicles
£		 Total
£
Non-
Specialised
£		 Specialised
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 December 2024
Net book values
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023		 1,144,933
—
—		 7,066,144
—
—		 236,510
18,735
(13,419)		 65,228
29,194
(26,265)		 8,512,815
47,929
(39,684)
1,144,933 7,066,144 241,826 68,157 8,521,060
—
—
—		 2,097,638
141,323
—		 88,625
45,682
(13,419)		 57,721
9,798
(26,262)		 2,243,984
196,803
(39,681)
— 2,238,961 120,888 41,257 2,401,106
1,144,933 4,827,183 120,938 26,900 6,119,954
1,144,933 4,968,506 147,885 7,507 6,268,831

As permitted under FRS 102, the charity has adopted a policy of not revaluing tangible fixed assets held for the charity’s use. The deemed cost of non-specialised land and buildings is based on a trustees’ valuation made in 1995 based on market value for existing use.

It is likely that there are material differences between the open market values of the charity’s land and buildings and their book values. These arise from the specialised nature of some properties and the effects of inflation. The amount of such differences cannot be ascertained without incurring significant costs, which, in the opinion of trustees, is not justified in terms of the benefit to the users of the accounts.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 51

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

10 Investments

Investments
2024
£		 2023
£
Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange
Fair (market) value at 1 January 2024
Additions at cost
Disposals at opening market value (proceeds: £1,261,543; realised
losses: £13,070)
Net unrealised investment gains
Fair (market) value at 31 December 2024
Cash held by investment managers for re-investment
Cost of listed investments at 31 December 2024		 6,000,287
2,961,304
(1,274,613)
244,481		 5,746,022
857,496

(962,159)
358,928
7,931,459
74,108		 6,000,287
64,436
8,005,567 6,064,723
6,352,834 4,083,086

Listed investments held at 31 December 2024 comprised the following:

2024
£		 2023
£
Equities
UK Government stocks
Corporate bonds
Alternatives/hedge funds		 4,889,394
1,515,381
937,673
589,011		 4,059,223
303,520
892,784
744,760
7,931,459 6,000,287

The total value of shares or investment schemes (including unit trusts) related to companies listed on a UK stock exchange or incorporated in the UK.

11 Debtors

Debtors
2024
£		 2023
£
Prepayments and accrued income 74,654 48,187

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
£		 2023
£
Amounts held on behalf of individual members of the Congregation
Accruals		 225,033
119,741		 217,135
86,136
344,774 303,271

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 52

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

13 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity included restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations received to be applied for specific purposes.

At 1
January
2024
£		 Income
£		 Expenditure,
gains and
transfers
£		 At 31
December
2024
£
762,230
—
Solidarity mission fund
Upkeep of St Anne’s		 786,892
—		 24,406
84,522		 (49,068)
(84,522)
786,892 108,928 (133,590) 762,230
At 1
January
2023
£		 Income
£		 Expenditure,
losses and
transfers
£
(17,339)
(88,762)
(106,101)		 At 31
December
2023
£
786,892
—
786,892
Solidarity mission fund
Brooklyn House and Euphrasie Barbier Fund		 774,050
—		 30,181
88,762
774,050 118,943

Solidarity mission fund

This fund represents money donated to the charity for overseas missions.

Brooklyn House and Euphrasie Barbier fund

This fund represents money donated by the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions CIO and the Congregation in Ireland towards the ongoing refurbishment of Brooklyn House and Euphrasie Barbier. Transfers from restricted to unrestricted funds represent the purchase of tangible fixed assets from the fund in line with the initial restriction, but subsequently available for use for general unrestricted purposes.

Upkeep of St Anne’s

This fund represents money donated by the Congregation in Ireland towards the ongoing upkeep of the St Anne’s Home.

14 Tangible fixed assets fund

Tangible fixed assets fund
At 1 January
Net movement in year
At 31 December		 2024
Total
£
6,268,831
(148,877)
6,119,954		 2023
Total
£
6,639,921
(371,090)
6,268,831

The tangible fixed assets fund represents the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets. A decision was made to separate this fund from the general fund in recognition of the fact that the assets are used in the day-to-day work of the charity, and the fund value would not be easily realisable if needed to meet future contingencies.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 53

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

15 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity includes the following designated fund, which has been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

ElderlySisters’ retirement reserve 2024
Total
£		 2023
Total
£
4,700,000
3,000,000
7,700,000
At 1 January
New designations
At 31 December		 7,700,000
(700,000)
7,000,000

The elderly Sisters’ retirement reserve represents monies set aside by the trustees to help provide for the Sisters in their retirement and had been calculated using actuarial principles.

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

General
fund
£		 Tangible
fixed assets
fund
£		 Designated
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 Total
2024
£
6,119,954
8,005,567
1,479,941
15,605,462
Fund balances at
31 December 2024
are represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets
Total net assets		 —
464,701
1,258,577		 6,119,954
—
—		 —
7,000,000
—		 —
540,866
221,364
1,723,278 6,119,954 7,000,000 762,230
General
fund
£		 Tangible
fixed assets
fund
£		 Designated
funds
£		 Restricted
funds
£		 Total
2023
£
6,268,831
6,064,723
3,486,882
15,820,436
Fund balances at
31 December 2023
are represented by:
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets
Total net assets		 —
861,551
203,162		 6,268,831
—
—		 —
4,700,000
3,000,000		 —
503,172
283,720
1,064,713 6,268,831 7,700,000 786,892

The total unrealised gains as at 31 December 2024 constituted movements on revaluation of investments and were as follows:

2024
£
1,917,201
(583,057)
244,481
1,578,625		 2023
£
Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains
Unrealised gains at 1 January
Amounts released in respect to disposals in the year
Net gains arising on revaluation in the year
Total unrealisedgains at 31 December		 1,657,094
(98,821)
358,928
1,917,201

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 54

Notes to the accounts 31 December 2024

17 Related party transactions

Four of the trustees of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO are also trustees of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions (Ireland) CLG. During the year donations totalling £170,204 were received by the CIO from Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions (Ireland) CLG (2023 - £342,674 ).

Sister Rose Mary Harbinson, a trustee of Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO, is also a trustee of The Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions CIO (Charity Registration Number: 1163766). During the year there were no donations or transactions between the charities (2023 - £nil).

Other than the transactions described above and in note 7, there were no other transactions that require disclosure in the year (2023 – none).

18 Member of the CIO and member’s liability

The Province Leader of the UK and Ireland Province of the Congregation for the time being shall automatically, by virtue of holding that office, be ex-officio the sole member of the CIO for as long as she holds that office.

If the CIO is wound up, the member of the CIO has no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.

Congregation of Our Lady of the Missions CIO 55