From the Chair. diary date. Edition 26 spring 2015

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1 Edition 26 spring 2015 CONTENTS 1 from the chair 2 editorial 3 the environment and laudato si 5 leadership formation program update 6 ministry updates 16 reflection dr raymond campbell chairperson, mercy partners council From the Chair Greetings THE POPE S ENCYCLICAL Laudato Si forms the obvious backdrop to this edition of the newsletter. Just recently at our formation gathering in Brisbane, Mercy Partners reflected upon the environment and the practical ways in which we can care for it. (Unfortunately I was unable to be at the gathering.) I would like to just pick up on one theme of the Encyclical. In my normal daily work I often reflect upon the notion of the common good. Unfortunately it is a concept which does not receive sufficient attention in our society, and when it is mentioned it appears as a rather shallow notion of the common good. Pope Francis reminds us that our world, creation, is part of the common good. It does not belong to anyone of us. It is something entrusted to us all. It is quite possible that common concern for our environment might be a catalyst for recapturing the broader notion of the common good, something for which we are jointly responsible. PHOTOS: ST RITA S COLLEGE, 123RF/ALEXEY STIOP I could not help but think that all our ministries in various ways serve not just the individuals who come to us for assistance in health, education, or welfare, but they also serve the common good. Our ministries are institutions in our society that serve the welfare of our society. We are committed to what St John Paul II called an authentic human ecology. Laudato Si God be praised. Blessings diary date October Leadership and Governance in a Catholic Ministry will be held at Mercure Townsville. Visit for more information. 1 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

2 mercy partners update judith gardiner executive officer, mercy partners From the Executive Officer GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE SENT HIS ONLY SON THIS EDITION OF the Mercy Partners newsletter brings news from around the ministries, with new beginnings and initiatives extending the mission. We welcome Dr Shane Kelly as CEO to the Mater Brisbane, Mrs Cathy O Kane as the new principal of All Hallows School and Mrs Maree Trims as Deputy Principal Studies at St Rita s. These are significant appointments indeed! Perhaps as we think about the beauty and bounty of the earth that is given to us to protect, we might also think about how we might contribute to justice for all humanity who deserve a safe place on this planet how we might contribute to the healing, liberating and life-giving mercy of God. A key theme for Mercy Partners this year has been the responsibility of Christians to the ecology of the planet. The planet is God s creation, a gift of mercy to the people of the earth, to be looked after and sustained. Mary Tinney rsm contributes her thoughts on this subject, and Caroline Thompson provides a review of the Annual Gathering which took the environment as its focus. Caroline also provides a reflection which can be used for prayer at meetings and gatherings in the ministries. I am reminded as I write about the rich diversity of the earth s landscapes that refresh and sustain us, that the world is torn with war and displacement of people. Many people are in need of safe homes refugees, the homeless on our streets. These people hope to share in the bounty of the earth, to find a home that sustains and nurtures them. This is only possible if we, God s people, open our hearts and find ways to extend God s mercy and justice to them. Pope Francis reminds us that this is not an easy thing to do. From the beginning, the Church has been a mother with a heart open to the whole world, and has been without borders The Church without frontiers, Mother to all, spreads throughout the world a culture of acceptance and solidarity, in which no one is seen as useless, out of place or disposable. Today this takes on a particular significance. In fact, in an age of such vast movements of migration, large numbers of people are leaving their homelands, with a suitcase full of fears and desires, to undertake a hopeful and dangerous trip in search of more humane living conditions. Often however, such migration gives rise to suspicion and hostility, even in ecclesial communities suspicion and prejudice conflict with the biblical commandment of welcoming with respect and solidarity the stranger in need. (Extract from the Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 101st World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2015) Formation date Leadership and Governance in a Catholic Ministry Date: October 14-16, 2015 Venue: Mercure Townsville Understanding governance and fiduciary responsibility within a Catholic ministry; understanding the organisation aspects of the Catholic Church including Canon Law; understanding Mercy Partners sponsorship mission, structures and responsibilities; acknowledging the need to resource the mission and ministry, balancing mission and business. Register at PHOTO COURTESY JUDITH GARDINER 2 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

3 mercy partners update Ecospiritual Themes in Laudato Si by Mary Tinney rsm In the poem Hurrahing in Harvest, Gerard Manley Hopkins writes of the presence of rapturous love all around us, yet the beholder often misses that vital presence and encounter. He speaks of rapturous love s greeting coming to him as he walks and lifts up heart and eyes to the glory of the field ripe for the harvest. It is all there, in the azurous hung hills and the golden stooks of grain, but the beholder is missing. WHEN THE TWO come together, however, the heart rears wings and hurls him off his feet. This is ecospirituality. It is about encountering rapturous love in all that is. It is about taking time to recover a serene harmony with creation, reflecting on our lifestyle and our ideals, and contemplating the Creator who lives among us and surrounds us, whose presence must not be contrived but found, uncovered (#225). PHOTO 123RF/SERGEY KUZNETSOV In recent weeks our call to develop an ecological spirituality has been writ large in the new papal encyclical, Laudato Si, On Care for our Common Home. The encyclical is peppered with phrases that bring together a felt encounter with other creatures and the world of nature into our encounter with God. It is almost a refrain in the encyclical that everything is related. The close identification of humans and nature is probably one of the most profound theological shifts in the encyclical. While I would critique the anthropology that still locates humans at the centre of created reality and claims their unique and direct creation by God, I welcome the recognition of the place of humans within nature (#139). Gone are any suggestions that nature takes its value from its usefulness to humans, but rather a recognition of its intrinsic value in the eyes of God (#140). While I would wish that the notion of being made in God s image could be extended to all created reality, I am moved by the image that soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God. And indeed our interrelatedness means that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement. The connectedness between humans and nature is often captured in language of great beauty. The meaning of the destruction of coral reefs is conveyed in these words: Who turned the wonderworld of the seas into underwater cemeteries bereft of colour and life? (#41). In a compelling turn of phrase, the encyclical enjoins us to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it (#19). Sensitivity to nature brings with it both exaltation and pain! In entering into communion with all created reality we enter into a world where all is created out of love, is owned by God, manifests God, is the locus of God s presence, and whose destiny is the fullness of God (refer Ch 2). It is to enter into solidarity with all that is suffering, and not least of all those whose poverty means that they are the most vulnerable in the face of natural disasters, and economic, political and social injustices. And that solidarity demands that we give serious consideration to the critique of consumer society and the dominant techno-economic paradigm (#203) whose shadow sides are exposed in the encyclical. Our embrace of ecospirituality in the spirit of Laudato Si is an embrace of the whole of the natural world as imbued with the presence of God: God who is loving, powerful and present, but without interfering in the processes of nature. It is about giving praise ourselves and joining with earth, fire, wind and water as they give praise by being themselves, yet pervaded by the Spirit at all times. The spirit and tone of the encyclical are both poetic and blunt. Its message is not for the faint hearted, yet there is hope and confidence in the movements and initiatives that are seeking to address the problems. This is surely a time when a deeply experienced ecospirituality can ground us in our reality, lift our hearts to the presence of Rapturous Love around us, and sustain us for the changes that are needed. Mary Tinney rsm works with Earth Link, a community environment centre in Queensland sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 3

4 mercy partners update The Environment by Dr Caroline Thompson Is this our greatest moral challenge? POPE FRANCIS FIRST encyclical, Laudato Si, issues a challenge to the world. Addressed to every living person on this planet Pope Francis appeals for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. This conversation must include everyone since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all. In outlining some of the key messages of the encyclical, one must start with this foundational universality, the theological understanding that all people and all of creation are bound in God s creative love: Everything is related and we human beings are united as brothers and sisters on a wonderful pilgrimage, woven together by the love God has for each of God s creatures. Hence actions, conscious or unconsciously taken, which harm people, animals or ecosystems, harm everyone. As the encyclical s sub title emphasises, this is our common home and its destruction will have devastating consequences for the future of humanity. In calling for a radically different approach to world environmental concerns, Pope Francis redresses a core interpretative misunderstanding of the biblical concept of dominion. Dominion over is not a correct interpretation of the Bible as understood by the Church. He advocates instead use of the term stewardship stressing that the Bible exhorts human beings to till and keep the garden of the world, where tilling refers to cultivating, ploughing or working, while keeping means caring, protecting, overseeing and preserving. The task of protecting, overseeing and preserving is a critical one and the language of the encyclical underscores this urgency: The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. The failure of international summits and conventions to adequately address and act on the environmental threats to the planet are cited as evidence of the power of political and corporate interests whose interests lie in short term profit. Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity There exists a clear, definite and pressing ethical imperative to implement what has not yet been done. We cannot allow certain interests interests which are global but not universal to take over, to dominate states and international organizations, and to continue destroying creation. People and their movements are called to cry out, to mobilize and to demand peacefully, but firmly that appropriate and urgently-needed measures be taken. I ask you, in the name of God, to defend Mother Earth. The passion and concern evident in Pope Francis words make the encyclical a strong and compelling read. One of the strongest and most passionate arguments employed by Pope Francis for environmental action is the devastating impact of climate change on the poor: Both everyday experience and scientific research show that the gravest effects of all attacks on the environment are suffered by the poorest. Linking the human environment and the natural environment, he calls for attention to the causes of human social degradation. Loss of agricultural land, pollution of fish stocks, migration to cities and inadequate food and water affect the world s poorest, resulting in misery and squalor. Pope Francis argues that the current situation of shocking world poverty in a world where a tiny minority live in incredible wealth is a failure of the world s dominant economic paradigms. Laudato Si maintains that while economic and technological prowess has certainly improved the living circumstances of millions of people, these paradigms also contain internal dynamics that benefit the few at the expense of the vulnerable: Once more, we need to reject a magical conception of the market, which would suggest that problems can be solved simply by an increase in the profits of companies or individuals. Is it realistic to hope that those who are obsessed with maximizing profits will stop to reflect on the environmental damage which they will leave behind for future generations?. While the encyclical dramatically outlines the causes and effects of world environmental degradation, it also presents some practical ideas for individuals who want to respond and make a difference. Calling for profound inner conversion, Pope Francis reminds us all that it only takes one good person to restore hope. Let s hope that millions of good people take up his call to act for the future of the planet and an end to the misery caused by unchecked greed and exploitation of the world s resources. Some of the suggestions included in Laudato Si include: reducing water consumption, avoiding plastic, separating rubbish, planting trees, turning off lights, cooking only what you can eat, opposing the politics of short term gain, using public transport and resisting the urge to have the latest technological device. Pope Francis reminds us all that we are the stewards of creation and we have the responsibility to hand on to the next generation an earth that s at least in as good a condition as the one we received. Whether the encyclical causes the profound changes that are necessary to fully address the environmental problems that beset the Earth, it is in fact up to every individual to respond and to make a difference. Is it our greatest moral challenge? Pope Francis makes a compelling case for action. Fewer issues have greater capacity to affect the lives of millions of our fellow human beings and the natural world on which we rely. Dr Caroline Thompson is Mercy Partners Director of Formation Program PHOTOS 123RF/ALEXEY STIOP 4 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

5 leadership formation program update dr caroline thompson mercy partners director of formation program From the Formation Corner THE MERCY PARTNERS ANNUAL GATHERING WAS HELD AT BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ROOMS, ON JULY THE GATHERING FOCUSED on ecological spirituality, with Anne Boyd, from the Coordinating Team of the EarthSong Project, challenging those present to consider the sacramentality of the emerging universe story and our relationship with all creation and the Earth. Anne called for a new lens into creation, spirituality and genetic bonding. Chris Hill, the Director of Environmental Sustainability for Mater Health Services Brisbane, complemented Anne s spiritual and theological challenge with a practical examination of how organisations large and small can reduce their carbon footprint. Chris has led the implementation of over 140 initiatives at Mater around key themes of Energy, Water, Waste, Procurement, Facilities Design, Transport and Stakeholder Engagement and he inspired participants to make small but significant changes for the health of the planet and creation. Caroline Thompson, Director of Formation for Mercy Partners concluded the gathering with a brief overview of Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si which also calls for a radical change to the way we understand the impact of human lifestyles and economic activity on the Earth. Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 5

6 Left to right: Sr Patricia Sullivan, Sr Ailsa Mackinnon, Sr Peta Goldburg and Mrs Catherine O Kane. all hallows school All Hallows Staff Retreat Day by Angela O Malley The annual All Hallows Staff Retreat Day held on Friday 14th August is a gift of a day given each year which demonstrates the School s commitment to the religious and spiritual formation of the whole staff both those engaged in teaching roles and in support roles. IT IS A time is break our work routines, to pause, to reflect, to slow down and to gain new insights as well as having time to engage in conversations with our colleagues in a more relaxed context. The program prepared and organised by the staff retreat committee began with prayer in Claver Theatre drawing on a number of resources to engage us in a meaningful, communal prayer with the understanding that all wise reflection begins with some time to be fully present to the context of the given time and place. This was followed by the first session which saw presentations by both Sr Peta Goldburg rsm (Wisdom in the Tradition) and Sr Ailsa Mackinnon rsm (Wisdom in Community). Sr Peta, who is the Director of Postgraduate Education and the foundation Professor of Religious Education at the Australian Catholic University, was able to draw on her scholarship to reflect on Pope Francis encyclical, Laudato Si On Care for our Common Home, a document clearly grounded in Catholic Social Justice teachings which calls on individuals to answer more fully the call to care for each other and the environment. It is a call for all to ask questions of the obsession with a consumer lifestyle by those who have the capacity to maintain it at the expense of those who are poor and fragile. Laudato Si is not just about the physical environment: it speaks of the need for the integrity of eco-systems and human life. It is a call for us to work for effective responses to climate change and to have the courage to work for authentic culture of care especially for developing nations. Initially, we are called to reflect on our lifestyles and our ideals to live more simply so that others may simply live but the commitment needs to go further so that human dignity and development for all is achieved. Sr Ailsa Mackinnon, Executive Director of Mercy Works, picked up on the theme of faith in action as she detailed how Mercy Works operates in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and some Indigenous communities in Australia. Her focus was on education support projects in Timor-Leste as our whole school project in 2015 is to fund the building of a pre-school in the Maliana district. As Australia s near neighbour, Timor-Leste ranks 128 out of 187 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index while Australia ranks number two. As a result of major social disruption and suffering after years of conflict, a whole generation of older people has been lost. It is hard to imagine a society with 45 per cent of its population See Staff Retreat Day, page 7 PHOTO ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL 6 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

7 All Hallows Welcomes Catherine O Kane At the beginning of Term 3, the All Hallows community welcomed their new Principal, Catherine O Kane with a number of events including a staff liturgy of blessing and welcome in the Chapel and an assembly and liturgy attended by the entire student body of 1560 students. CATHERINE, AS THE second lay principal, comes to All Hallows to become part of a long tradition of women leaders of mercy who have led the school over nearly a one hundred and fiftyfour year period. With almost 30 years experience as a teacher, Catherine is a respected educator and school leader. Prior to her appointment to All Hallows, Catherine had been Head of ICT and Deputy Principal Studies at St Rita s College, Clayfield (a Mercy Partners Ministry) for the past thirteen years. In both the staff and student liturgies of welcome, the prayers focused on the wisdoms to be learned from identifying the important spiritual truths in life and the importance of contemplation as a practice to inform wise understandings and insights. Henri Nouwen said, Prayer is the bridge between our conscious and unconscious lives. The Prayers of the Community asked for Sophia God to nurture and embrace the All Hallows community as they venture into new times and events and to particularly bless Catherine as she begins her All Hallows journey. Sophia God, bless Catherine with our warm welcome and support as she begins her role as Principal at All Hallows School. May she be graced with wisdom s gifts of creativity, vision, compassion and faith as she leads this community of staff, students and parents. Let us all grow in wisdom. staff retreat day Continued from page 6 under the age of 14 with 50 per cent living below the poverty line. Besides funding educational building programs and resources, Mercy works assists with teacher training and a nutrition program for the students. Sr Ailsa was able to show photos of the pre-school being funded by All Hallows which is in the very early stages of its construction as well as what it will look like when finished with photos of three others which have already been completed. The keynote presentations were followed by two rounds of workshops from a variety of presenters. These included a workshop by Sr Peta on Meeting the Women in Jesus Life, a history of the Main Building tour by Sr Anne Hetherington rsm, a Convent Heritage Centre tour, presentations about Buddhism and Islam, meditation, meal preparation for outreach services, and time to read, write, converse and to make connections in a variety of workshops about relationships and spiritual and personal development. In different ways, these workshops provided various opportunities and experiences which had a common theme of developing deeper connections and understandings of Christian spirituality, Mercy heritage, ethos and values and other faith experiences. In addition, the day provided the staff with the time to socialise in a relaxed environment while enjoying a beautiful morning tea and lunch so generously organised and served by mothers from the Mothers Network. The All Hallows Staff Retreat Day is greatly appreciated and valued as it is an important and tangible way to support our own staff formation. Angela O Malley is All Hallows School Director of Mission PHOTO ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL A little bit of mercy goes a long way Pope Francis Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 7

8 mater health services, brisbane Mater Private Hospital Springfield to Host Community Open Day Construction of stage one of Mater Private Hospital Springfield is progressing to schedule with both the interior and exterior of the building taking shape. THE HOSPITAL IS on track to open to patients before the end of this year, with stage one comprising an 80-bed hospital which will include a cancer care centre, four operating theatres, inpatient wards and medical services for both inpatients and outpatients. Mater has a master plan for the hospital precinct within Health City Springfield Central, a 52-hectare health and wellness precinct, which incorporates a number of expansion stages which will be rolled out to meet the demands of the region. Mater will host a special community open day on Sunday 18 October 2015, providing an opportunity for the community to tour the world-class facility before it opens to patients. The event will also include entertainment and offer a range of family friendly activities. For further information about the event, or to register for a tour of Mater Private Hospital Springfield, please visit PHOTO MATER HEALTH SERVICES, BRISBANE 8 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

9 mater health services, brisbane Mater Health Services Welcomes Dr Shane Kelly as New CEO by Veena Herron Dr Shane Kelly officially commenced in the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mater Health Services on Monday 27 July TAKING OVER FROM Dr John O Donnell, who held the position of CEO for 14 years, Dr Kelly joins Mater at a pivotal time following the transition of Mater Children s Hospital to Lady Cilento Children s Hospital, the re-purposing of the vacated capacity and with the new Mater Private Hospital Springfield due to open late in With a senior health management career spanning more than two decades, Dr Kelly said he was delighted to have the opportunity to lead Mater Health Services into the future. I am excited to be joining Mater at such a key time in the organisation s history. It is a privilege to be working with the Mater Board and Executive team to build on the organisation s strategic direction. I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver exceptional outcomes for the Queensland community, Dr Kelly said. Prior to his appointment at Mater, Dr Kelly was Chief Executive of the North Metropolitan Health Service in Western Australia and spent eight years as the Chief Executive Officer of St John of God Private Hospital, Subiaco, the flagship of the St John of God Health Care group. Early in his career, after graduating with a medical degree from the University of Western Australia, Dr Kelly worked as an Intern, RMO and Registrar at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. He went on to complete a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Public Health and took on health service-based senior management roles including as the Chief Executive of the Women s and Children s Health Service and subsequently the South Metropolitan Health Service in Western Australia. Dr Kelly is a Fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His main professional interests are in relation to health system performance and accountability, and the provision of safe, high quality patient care. Veena Herron is Mater Health Services Senior Marketing and Communication Officer PHOTOS MATER HEALTH SERVICES, BRISBANE, AND MATER HEALTH SERVICES NORTH QUEENSLAND mater health services north queensland A taste of working life Mater Health Services North Queensland recently teamed with St Patrick s College to give students a taste of working life. The six Year 11 students are undertaking a Certificate 11 in Health Support Services. The students were given placements in Food Service, Patients Services and the Central Sterilising Unit. Director of Mission Trudy Clarke said it was wonderful to be able offer the students the opportunity to develop their workplace skills, as well as provide a support (Mercy) environment for them. The Director of Mission said she saw this as an area for development to work with Mater staff to help them understand and value the Outreach program as part of our Mission. On completion of the work experience students received certificates of completion for their hours of work experience. ``The Mater s long term vision is to encourage and support Director of Mission Trudy Clarke with the St Patrick s College students on work placement at the Mater in Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue a career in nursing, and hopefully be able to offer financial sponsorship, Mrs Clarke said. Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 9

10 mater health services north queensland Private Renal Dialysis Unit a First for Townsville by Linda Souter Mater Health Services North Queensland has opened the first private renal dialysis unit in Townsville. The unit opened in June and is located at the hospital s Hyde Park Campus. It is the only hospital-based private unit north of the Sunshine Coast. RENAL UNIT NURSE Manager Angela Beveridge said the feedback from the first patients at the four-chair facility had been very positive. Eighteen months ago MHSNQ s Board of Directors identified the need for a private dialysis facility during their strategic planning for delivery of health services. Establishing a private renal dialysis unit is consistent with the Mater s tradition of facilitating the availability and delivery of specialist medical and surgical hospital services to the community of North Queensland, said MHSNQ CEO Gerard Wyvill. Mr Wyvill said following a consultation process with the hospital s renal specialists, construction of the facility began earlier this year. number of chairs to eight in the future. The latest dialysis machines are available that are also capable of the advanced dialysis treatment hemodiafiltration (HDF). But it is not just locals who can benefit from the new service. Ms Beveridge said a holiday treatment service was offered, subject to availability, for dialysis patients who wanted to visit the Townsville region. The new unit will be supported by Mater s renal specialists, Dr Rahul Dua, Dr Valli Manickham and Dr George Kan. Linda Souter is Mater Health Services North Queensland PR & Marketing Manager The completed facility has the potential to increase the Renal nurse Erica Smith tries out the new comfortable chairs for dialysis patients with Renal Unit Nurse Manager Angela Beveridge looking on. PHOTO MATER HEALTH SERVICES NORTH QUEENSLAND 10 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

11 PHOTOS MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTH QUEENSLAND mercy community services north queensland Theatre Restaurant at Villa McAuley by Laurell Miller The great thing about getting older is that you don t lose all the other ages you have been. THIS QUOTE FROM the famous fantasy writer Madeleine L Engle was wonderfully illustrated by the residents of Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville as they presented their Oops, It s Almost Christmas in July revue and theatre restaurant on Saturday August 1. The theme of the revue was In Praise of the Thong, and the backdrop featured this iconic tropical footwear. One hundred and twenty residents, families and friends attended the gathering in the Community Centre. The organising committee, residents Ron Hamilton and David and Esme Mullen, assembled a talented cast of residents and friends, which included Ray Dixon, Lyn Tarring and the ukulele group The Rusty Ukes. Compere Ray Dixon and the cast, led by Villa McAuley residents Ron Hamilton and Esme Mullen, gently lampooned famous people and places, including Townsville and Laurell Miller, Villa McAuley s CEO. A wonderful evening of youthful, joyful celebration Songs ranged from the poignant Mister Bo Jangles through the sultry Santa Baby, Hurry down the Chimney Tonight to a hilarious rendition of The Oldest Swinger in Town. Bush poet Lyn Tarring was a sensation as the disgruntled angel on the Christmas tree, and everyone enjoyed the adventures of the Senior Citizens Bus Excursion, and the case of a mistaken destination. The meal and the singalong were well received, and the guests responded enthusiastically to the show. The organising committee have agreed to begin planning for next year s event of fun, mischief and laughter. Weeks of hard work on the part of the cast paid off in a wonderful evening of youthful, joyful celebration. Laurell Miller is Villa McAuley Retirement Village CEO Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 11

12 Making friends during the Cambodia Immersion st rita s college, clayfield A Call to Live Justly By Richard Rogusz During the mid year break, a small number of students in Years 10 and 11 at St Rita s College participated in one of two immersion experiences facilitated by the College. SEVENTEEN STUDENTS VISITED St Joseph s Primary School at Murgon and the surrounding area including Barambah Environmental Education Centre and the Ration Shed at Cherbourg. This experience deepened the students understanding of the cultural history and traditions of the traditional owners of the land and their experience of injustice. It also exposed students to the joys and challenges of life in rural communities. At St Joseph s, students assisted staff in classrooms and interacted with the younger students during break times. Liz George was particularly impressed by the Year 5 and Year 6 students. They are amazing leaders and took up their role in the school with great enthusiasm. The care they take when helping and encouraging the younger students is really admirable. Fifteen students also took part in a twelve day immersion to Cambodia. During their time there, students visited a number of the Church s ministries including Salla La Valla outside Phnom Penh and the floating villages of the Tonle Sap outside Siem Reap. Over the course of the week at La Valla, students spent each morning painting, cleaning and gardening. In the afternoon, they delivered their prepared lessons to each class. The final day at La Valla was spent on excursion to the beachside town of Kep, three hours south of Phnom Penh. Most of the students ventured into the gentle waters while others played in the shallows and the sand. Reflecting on her experience at La Valla, Alice Houlahan found the hospitality of the community and the courage and resilience of the students most moving. The students at La Valla have less than us, yet they do not seek more than they need. Some have no limbs, yet they have no limits. In Siem Reap, students visited a school in Kampong Khleang, a ministry of the Parish of St John. From September to January, as See Call to Live Justly, page 13 PHOTO ST RITA S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD 12 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

13 st rita s college, clayfield Appointment of Deputy Principal Studies by Anna Roberts Mrs Maree Trims has been appointed to the position of Deputy Principal Studies at St Rita s College Clayfield. Mrs Trims commenced her appointment on Monday 13 July. Maree comes to St Rita s from San Sisto College, Carina, where she was Acting Deputy Principal Curriculum and previously Assistant Principal. During her career, Maree has worked extensively in the Catholic schools system and at Colleges including Mt St Michael s College and Southern Cross Catholic College. She holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education from QUT and a Certificate II in Systemic Theology. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education and Master of Educational Leadership from the ACU. Mrs Dale Morrow, Principal of St Rita s College, in her announcement of Maree s appointment commented that as an accomplished educator with a commitment to excellence, Maree s leadership style will provide a balance of best pedagogical practice, mentoring and collaboration with teaching staff and students to facilitate continuous improvement in our curriculum and outcomes. Anna Roberts is St Rita s College Manager of Community Development call to live justly Continued from page 12 the level of water in the lake rises, this area is only accessible by boat; however, in late June, it was unseasonably dry. During our time at the village, students led some impromptu activities then assisted in serving a rice soup lunch. For some of the students in the village, this would be their only meal of the day. This year s immersion to Cambodia is the sixth such trip organised by the College in eleven years. Over the past five years, the program has expanded to include immersions to Murgon, Cape York and India. In September, students will participate in an inaugural immersion to Longreach, the town where the Presentation Sisters established their first convent and school in Queensland in Richard Rogusz, Assistant Principal Mission said, Immersion experiences can be life changing for the students who experience them. Many students emerge from their time away far more appreciative of the love and support they receive from family and the opportunities they have available to them. Some go on to involve themselves in social outreach programs or, post school, take part in overseas immersions in their chosen professions. PHOTOS ST RITA S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD It is our hope that such experiences are truly transformative for all members of our College community who hear the immersion stories. The Gospel Jesus taught demands that we live justly. This is not something we do for a week and forget about. It is a lifelong commitment to those on the margins. Richard Rogusz is St Rita s College, Clayfield Assistant Principal Mission St Rita s students during the Murgon immersion Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 13

14 st ursula s college, yeppoon Catholic Education Week Let Your Light Shine! by Kathy Curran Catholic Education Week was celebrated across Queensland during late July. This annual event is held to promote awareness of the special ethos of Catholic schools and to highlight the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. IN THE ROCKHAMPTON Diocese, this special week began with St Ursula s and St Brendan s Colleges leading a Mass at St Joseph s Cathedral. Soon after Mass the Student leaders of all the Catholic Secondary Schools attended the Bishop s Forum at which Sam Clear was the inspirational guest speaker. The Forum continued on Monday morning with this event concluding on Monday afternoon. The following day, all Catholic schools on the Capricorn Coast gathered for Eucharist at St Brendan s College. There were close to 2,000 in attendance at the Mass, which was celebrated by Bishop Michael McCarthy and Fr Peter Tonti and focused on the theme for this year s Catholic Education Week: Let Your Light Shine Heart, Mind, Service. Mass began with the Aboriginal dancers from St Brendan s College performing a Welcome to Country dance. The music throughout the Mass also helped to ensure a meaningful liturgy. as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society. St Ursula s College actively encourage our students to let their light shine in all areas of their lives and thus make a difference in their communities. Catholic Education Week was a strong reminder of this responsibility for all students and staff. Our Catholic schools strive to make a difference in the lives of our students by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential Kathy Curran is St Ursula s College Deputy Principal Spiritual and Pastoral We cannot become starched Christians, those over-educated Christians who speak of theological matters as they calmly sip their tea. Pope Francis, The Church of Mercy PHOTO ST URSULA S COLLEGE, YEPPOON 14 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 26

15 In 2015 the Mater Hospital Rockhampton Celebrates 100 years of providing quality care in Central Queensland ~ We invite you to... Join in the celebrations! The Centenary Gala Dinner 6.30pm Saturday 3 October The Robert Schwarten Pavillion Rockhampton Showgrounds The Gala dinner will be the flagship event on our Centenary calendar where guests will enjoy first class entertainment, 3 course dinner, refreshments and a night to remember. Tickets on sale on-line now at The Centenary Reunion High Tea 1.00pm Sunday 4 October within the Mater Hospital Grounds (Ward Street Entrance) Meet friends old and new and enjoy fine food, champagne, tea, coffee & entertainment on the lawns of the Mater. Tickets on sale on-line now at Mater Rockhampton Foundation Day Mass and Luncheon am Saturday 14 November St Joseph s Cathedral, William Street The Foundation Day Mass and Luncheon offers members of the Sisters of Mercy, Mater staff past and present, and members of the community to celebrate100 years of providing quality healthcare in Rockhampton and Central Queensland. Register your interest now at Edition 26 Mercy Partners NEWS 15

16 reflection DISCUSSION > > Why is it significant that Pope Francis addressed the encyclical Laudato Si to every living person on the planet? > > How has the encyclical been received? > > What are your hopes for the environmental future of the planet? This prayer comes from the conclusion of the encyclical. Pray it slowly pausing to meditate on the message of each section. Pope Francis Encyclical Laudato Si On Care for Our Common Home is a call to action on the environment addressed to every living person on the planet. The Environment a Reflection Creator God, we praise you with all of your creatures. They came forth from your powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love. Praise be to you! Jesus, through you all things were made. You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother. You became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes. Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory. Praise be to you! Holy Spirit, by your light you guide this world towards God s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail. You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good. Praise be to you! Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love, teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe, for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined in everything that is. God of love, show us our place in this world as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth; for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money that they may avoid the sin of indifference; that they may love the common good, advance the weak and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future; for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you! POPE FRANCIS POSES THE QUESTION: WHAT CAN BE DONE? > > His answer: Truly, much can be done! He calls for an integral ecology made up of simple daily gestures which break with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness. > > What simple daily gestures can you undertake to heal our Earth? PHOTO: 123RF\ RATCHANIDA THIPPAYOS 2015 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Mercy Partners. Supplied content is used with permission of the copyright holder as noted and ownership of this content remains the property of the original copyright holder. Please apply to the Editor in writing for permission to reproduce any part of this publication: judith.gardiner@mercypartners.org.au. Note: this publication may be transmitted without permission for the purpose of genuine promotion of the mission of Mercy Partners and its ministries, or for study. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014