Peter Gates has been appointed national director of Catholic Mission, the church’s overseas aid and missionary agency in Australia.
Gates, who has served with the organisation for more than 30 years and was most recently deputy national director, will succeed Fr Brian Lucas in the role.
Catholic Mission is the Australian arm of the Pontifical Mission Societies, supporting church-run projects including education, health care, pastoral care and community development across Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America.
In Australia, it leads national efforts to promote missionary awareness through parish appeals, school programs such as Socktober and World Mission Month.
Catholic Mission is part of the global Pontifical Mission Societies, supporting the church’s evangelising work in more than 160 countries
Gates has been closely involved in that work for decades, with a particular focus on mission formation and strengthening links between Australian Catholics and partner communities overseas. His long service within the organisation has included collaboration with dioceses and national church bodies.
Outgoing national director Fr Brian Lucas said Gates brought “a wealth of experience” and had played a significant role in the church in Australia, with a strong understanding of missionary formation and parish engagement.
Gates has also contributed to the wider church through his involvement in the Plenary Council.
In a statement, he said he looked forward to working with dioceses, parishes and schools to deepen engagement with the church’s missionary activity.
“The mission of the church invites all of us to share faith, hope and solidarity with communities around the world,” Gates said.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, said Gates was well placed to lead Catholic Mission into the future.
“He understands the heart of mission is hoping, loving, being generous and witnessing God’s love,” Archbishop Prowse said.
