The Diocese of Dunkeld’s Mission Day, held at the Pastoral Centre, St Mary’s, Forebank, Dundee, on Saturday 17th October 2026, brought together parishioners from across the diocese to explore Catholic Social Teaching and Integral Human Development.
Organised by Fr Mike Freyne in partnership with the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), the conference featured inspirational presentations from SCIAF Chief Executive Lorraine Currie and Mark Booker. Their contributions demonstrated how the Church’s social teaching is translated into practical action, helping communities overcome poverty, injustice and inequality.
Despite the seemingly academic titles, the presentations offered an accessible and compelling account of SCIAF’s international work. Through collaboration with local communities, the worldwide Caritas network and other Catholic organisations, SCIAF supports sustainable development, empowering people to improve their circumstances while preserving their dignity and independence.
One participant captured the enthusiasm generated by the presentations, commenting: “I’ve learned more about SCIAF today and I’ve known about them all my life.”
The speakers emphasised that genuine development extends beyond financial assistance. It involves education, opportunity, justice and community participation, enabling individuals and families to build better futures. Lorraine Currie also highlighted the importance of advocacy in addressing the underlying causes of poverty.
Bishop Andrew McKenzie celebrated Mass at midday, providing a spiritual focus for the gathering and reinforcing the connection between Christian faith and practical service.
The conference took place on the eve of World Mission Sunday, whose theme, “One in Christ, United in Mission,” encouraged Catholics to recognise their shared responsibility for the Church’s worldwide mission.
Fr Jim Walls paid particular tribute to Fr Mike Freyne for organising the event and bringing such inspiring speakers to Dundee. He described SCIAF’s achievements, working alongside the international Caritas family and Catholic communities worldwide, as truly miraculous.
Central to this remarkable work is the principle of enabling others through collaborative community action, rather than simply providing charitable assistance.
The day concluded with an invitation to Catholics throughout Dunkeld Diocese to rediscover SCIAF’s mission and support its work through prayer, donations and advocacy.
Above all, the gathering demonstrated that Catholic Social Teaching is not simply something to study, but a living expression of faith, compassion and solidarity with those most in need across the world today.