From the Chair. EDITION 34 SPRING Greetings to all. 4 welcome to mount alvernia college 6 ministry updates

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1 EDITION 34 SPRING 2017 CONTENTS 1 from the chair 2 editorial 3 the season of creation 4 welcome to mount alvernia college 6 ministry updates 18 formation update 20 reflection dr raymond campbell chairperson, mercy partners council From the Chair Greetings to all THE LAST COUPLE of months have been very busy for the Council of Mercy Partners, as I am sure it has been for those working in the ministries. As we approach the Plenary Council of the Church in Australia to be held in 2020, the lay people of the Church will be called on to participate and offer their insights into a range of issues. This edition of the newsletter has the theme of embracing lay leadership and I have reflected on the intentions of the Congregations who set up Mercy Partners and those who have since joined us. These Sisters were explicit in their desire to see lay people leading ministries and the sponsorship of those ministries into the future. They were careful to ensure a pathway for lay leadership in the apostolic works of the Church. PHOTOS: MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON; MERCY PARTNERS HALLOWS SCHOOL I am reminded of the Church s document, Christifideles Laici (1988) that focussed on Jesus command You go into my vineyard too (Mt 20:3-4). You go too. The call is a concern not only for Pastors, clergy, and men and women religious. The call is addressed to everyone: lay people as well are personally called by the Lord, from whom they receive a mission on behalf of the Church and the world. In preaching to the people Saint Gregory the Great recalls this fact and comments on the parable of the labourers in the vineyard: Keep watch over your manner of life, dear people, and make sure that you are indeed the Lord s labourers. Each person should take into account what he does and consider if he is labouring in the vineyard of the Lord. The Vatican Council made an earnest plea in the Lord s name that all lay people give a glad, generous, and prompt response to the impulse of the Holy Spirit and to the voice of Christ, who is giving them an especially urgent invitation at this moment. (CL n.2) Being part of Mercy Partners, whether as a Councillor, a Board Director, or an employee working at the coal face, is one way in which we respond to this invitation. We are called to labour in the vineyard of our workplaces and recreation spaces, in our families and communities. See From the Chair, page 2 1 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

2 mercy partners ministry update updates judith gardiner executive officer, mercy partners From the Executive Officer OUR THEME FOR THE THIRD NEWSLETTER OF 2017 IS EMBRACING LAY LEADERSHIP A THEME THAT EMERGES FROM MERCY PARTNERS THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK. WHAT DO WE mean by embracing lay leadership? When Mercy Partners was envisioned by the Sisters of Mercy Queensland Congregations, there was an explicit hope that Mercy Partners would provide a pathway for lay leadership. Of course, the idea of lay leadership is not new in ministries our schools, hospitals, aged care and community facilities have had lay leaders at the helm for many years as Board Directors and facility leaders. When we talk about lay leadership however, we must not think of this as the default given that there are now few religious available for leadership. Though it might seem that way, we must remember that lay people are called by their Baptism to be active in leadership in the Church. It is easy to think of the Church as the bishops, priests, nuns and brothers, but the Church the People of God are those who are baptised into the life of Jesus, and called by the Holy Spirit to be active and undertake God s mission in and for the world. In this edition we have some great examples of embracing lay leadership. Leadership can be undertaken by everyone taking the lead to celebrate God s grace, being with people and helping those in need; taking the initiative to contribute to the wellbeing of the planet. Lay leadership is taking up the challenge that Jesus gives us to be a servant to the poor, the needy, the marginalised; the sad and distressed. To challenge the forces in our civil society and in our Church that makes people poor and marginalised. In a recent paper about leadership in Catholic health care, scholar Anthony Maher stressed that leaders never lose sight of our founding story taught by Jesus of Nazareth 2000 years ago, narrated in the Gospels, and illustrated in paradigmatic parables such as the Good Samaritan. Such a founding story has the potential, with theologically literate leadership, to shape hospital mission and culture into the future. (Maher, 2017, BBI Christianity at the Cross-roads of Post Modernity). He suggests that seeing God in all peoples is a concept deeply embedded in the spirituality of Pope Francis, and is the essential modus operandi of Catholic health care. We might also suggest that the same concept applies in our Catholic education and aged care ministries. Again, it can be the parable of the Good Samaritan that draws us towards leadership. The Samaritan himself was an outsider, reaching out in compassion to the suffering outsider, the outcast, or in today s Australian context, the refugee we lock up on Manus Island or Nauru. The Good Samaritan as an outsider reaching out to another outside contains a further message for us. Conceivably we need to be ever mindful that we don t become too comfortable in the ebb and flow of secular culture, too at home on our side of the river that we can no longer feel empathy for the homeless, those on the other side of the river, on the margins of society. As Confoy says, Pope Francis challenges all Christians to exercise a Samaritan praxis of justice and love, showing the importance of compassionate action on behalf of justice, particularly for those who have no voice or who have become invisible. (Confoy, in Maher, p7) We can all be leaders. We should all be leaders that is our calling. To show others the way, as Jesus was for us, the Way. Set out on the path of leadership embrace the challenge. from the chair Continued from page 1 Over the past year the Council has been active in the establishment of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP), an association created to bring together the eleven or so PJPs sponsoring apostolic ministries that were established originally by religious men and women. Some of these people continue in that apostolate, and in sponsorship roles, but there are now many lay people willing to take up this leadership, and work towards the sustainability of the ministries as works of the Church, into the future. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and Jesus our companion on this journey. Mercy Partners Councillor, Mr Kieran McCarthy is on the newly established Council of the AMPJP and we wish him and the Board well as it takes up its role as a peak body in the Church. Recently too our Director of Formation, Dr Caroline Thompson, and myself participated in the annual Catholic Health Australia Conference, along with many people from Mercy Partners ministries. This organisation also demonstrates the dedication of many lay people who contribute by going into the vineyard to make God s Word known in our own time and place. It is the mission of the laity to transform the world. All those working in Mercy Partners at all levels contribute to this mission. Wishing you all the Lord s blessings, 2 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

3 mercy partners update The Season of Creation From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world are praying and caring for creation. It s the Season of Creation celebrated by Christian churches around the globe. Pope Francis issued a joint message with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the World day of Prayer for Creation. Here are some extracts. PHOTOS: 123RF/CHARLIE BLACKER; TREE IMAGE FROM SEASONSOFCREATION.ORG The story of creation presents us with a panoramic view of the world. Scripture reveals that, in the beginning, God intended humanity to cooperate in the preservation and protection of the natural environment The earth was entrusted to us as a sublime gift and legacy, for which all of us share responsibility until, in the end, all things in heaven and on earth will be restored in Christ (cf. Eph. 1:10). Our human dignity and welfare are deeply connected to our care for the whole of creation. However, our propensity to interrupt the world s delicate and balanced ecosystems, our insatiable desire to manipulate and control the planet s limited resources, and our greed for limitless profit in markets all these have alienated us from the original purpose of creation. We no longer respect nature as a shared gift; instead, we regard it as a private possession. We no longer associate with nature in order to sustain it; instead, we lord over it to support our own constructs. We urgently appeal to those in positions of social and economic, as well as political and cultural, responsibility to hear the cry of the earth and to attend to the needs of the marginalised, but above all to respond to the plea of millions and support the consensus of the world for the healing of our wounded creation. We are convinced that there can be no sincere and enduring resolution to the challenge of the ecological crisis and climate change unless the response is concerted and collective, unless the responsibility is shared and accountable, unless we give priority to solidarity and service. Source: The Vatican and the Phanar, 1 September 2017 For Reflection Be still and feel the presence of God, the presence pulsing, pulsing through Earth, be still and feel the pulse of God. Be still and hear the Spirit of God, the Spirit breathing, breathing through Earth, be still and hear the breath of God. Be still, discern the Wisdom of God, the wisdom guiding, guiding this Earth. be still, discern the Wisdom of God. Source: Norman C Habel Download a Prayer Resource for the Season of Creation from Mercy International Association Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 3

4 mercy partners leadership formation update MOUNT ALVERNIA DEUS MEUS ET OMNIA Continuing in Elizabeth s Footsteps ON WEDNESDAY EVENING 12 July, the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception took the historic step of transferring canonical sponsorship of their ministry, Mount Alvernia College Limited, to Mercy Partners. The Sisters formally transferred the College at a simple ritual and social function at Mount Alvernia College. The function was attended by Sisters who had been Principals and teachers at Mount Alvernia over its 60 year history, leaders and representatives of the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, Franciscan Friars from Little Flower Parish, the School Board and staff, student leaders and Councillors of Mercy Partners. In her introductory remarks Catherine White mfic, Congregation Leader, said, This step was necessary to ensure that the College would go forward into the future when there were no Sisters remaining to provide governance and leadership to the College. During the Ritual, the formal Transfer Document was signed on behalf of the members of the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation by Sr Catherine White and, on behalf of Mercy Partners, by Dr Ray Campbell, Chair of Mercy Partners Council. Chair of the Board of Mount Alvernia College, Mr Michael O Brien, provided a short history of the College and paid tribute to the many sisters and lay staff who have contributed to the college and the lives of many thousands of young women. He particularly expressed gratitude to Sr Catherine White mfic who guided the process of transfer to the new canonical sponsor. In welcoming guests, College Principal, Dr Kerrie Tuite, also acknowledged the efforts of the Sisters. Speaking about the transfer of governance by the Sisters, she noted, In a practical sense this means that the Sisters will no longer have a role in the governance of the college, but the charism of the order founded by Elizabeth Hayes, will live on through their vision and mission to the education of young women in the Franciscan tradition. PHOTOS: MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON 4 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

5 MOUNT ALVERNIA DEUS MEUS ET OMNIA PHOTOS: MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON Left-right: representatives from Mount Alvernia School Sr Catherine White mfic (Congregation Leader, Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception), Mr Michael O Brien, Sr Elaine Morzone mfic, Dr Kerrie Tuite (College Principal), Sr Patricia Treacy mfic. During the ritual at Mount Alvernia College to mark the transfer of canonical sponsorship, Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Sr Catherine White mfic said, While this decision was a difficult one for the Sisters in many ways, the decision to transfer the College to the sponsorship of Mercy Partners will mean that the College becomes part of a new community of ministries. Dr Ray Campbell and Sr Catherine White mfic with the signed ceremonial transfer certificate Mercy Partners Council Chair, Dr Ray Campbell, acknowledged the many emotions that surrounded the event and thanked the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Congregation. He said, Historical occasions are seen and experienced differently by those experiencing them, and letting go of the thing you have nurtured and been committed to for many years brings with it a tinge of sadness. This is to be expected. But it will also give hope and a sense of confidence in the future. The transfer to Mercy Partners will ensure the future of the ministry. The Sisters can be confident that this ministry that they have established and nurtured will remain a ministry of the Church where the spirituality of St Francis and St Clare will flourish into the future. Dr Campbell outlined Mercy Partners Council s special role in creating a communion of charisms within Mercy Partners. He said, It is important that the spirit of the... Religious Institutes can continue to inspire and animate the Church through these ministries. Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 5

6 Dr Lewandowski and James mater group The Gift of a New Smile for James by Adelle Yates Playful five year-old James Narte Estrera from the Philippines has undergone surgery at Mater Children s Private Brisbane for a complex craniofacial cleft thanks to Mater Children s Private Brisbane and Operation Smile Australia. THE NATURE OF his condition increases infection rates in his eyes, creates problems for his teeth as the bone structure isn t formed correctly, as well as affecting his facial features. Mater Director of Surgical Services Dr Richard Lewandowski and Anaesthetist Jason Schoutrop donated their time while Mater is waiving costs associated with James care. him grief over time. These are all things we repair surgically regularly in Australia but they may not get repaired regularly in the Philippines, Dr Lewandowski said. During the surgery Dr Lewandowski repaired James eyes using local tissue, ensuring the ducts connected up and repaired bone deficiency with bone from his hip. He also worked to minimise the scarring. The bone is basically the cement between the bricks, Dr Lewandowski said. Mater offers compassionate service to the sick and needy Dr Lewandowski is a plastic surgeon and co-founder of Operation Smile Australia and explains that he became involved with the not-for-profit organisation 25 years ago while studying Medicine in the United States and volunteered all over the world. I brought Operation Smile to Australia around 1995, and we ve treated major cases here in Brisbane, Dr Lewandowski said. James s condition is a bit unusual. It s a complex facial cleft which instead of just affecting the lip goes right up to his eyes making it more difficult to treat in his home country. Essentially, he has little structure underneath his skin and he still has issues with his eyes which will ultimately give The life changing surgery will mean James will be free from infection in both his eyes and teeth and will be in much better health. If this takes the stigma from the cleft and gives him the opportunity to be just another face in the crowd then we see surgery as a success, he said. Dr Lewandowski is driven by the ethos of medicine, and a strong component of the work done at the Mater every day. We ve also started up training units in the Philippines and Vietnam so that doctors can treat their own patients, Dr Lewandowski said. See New Smile, page 7 PHOTO ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL 6 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

7 Benson receives much needed surgery a long way from home Mater surgeons are giving Ugandan boy Benson hope through reconstructive surgery. BENSON UNDERWENT SURGERY at Mater Children s Private Hospital Brisbane on Friday 23 June, with Urologist Dr Winkle, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Scott Ingram and Anaesthetist Dr Amanda Harvey all donating their time. Mater Health Chief Operating Officer Sean Hubbard believes that integral to Mater s Catholic identity and Mission is our preparedness to respond compassionately to those who are most vulnerable within our community. Mater is proud to support our doctors who work to provide a better outcome for patients such as Benson. This example of outreach to Benson Wasswa from Uganda is one component of Mater s broader community benefit response to provide healthcare to people from a refugee background, people experiencing homelessness, those in poverty, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Dr Winkle said the surgery was made possible by a group of individuals and companies who are delighted and in some ways privileged, to be able to help Benson. It s not a common thing. Obviously it almost never happens in this environment, but in other environments it does happen. The complex three-hour procedure was a success and Benson is resting and recovering comfortably. PHOTO MATER GROUP; 123RF/ DIKOBRAZIK new smile Continued from page 6 Everyone involved in this case has the same vision long term, about providing care to those people who have been afflicted with either birth deformity or trauma, he said. James mum Wendy hopes the surgery will give her son a new found confidence when he returns home and is extremely grateful for all the doctors are doing for her son. Wendy and James travelled from the Camotes Islands in the Philippines and are staying with host family Jackie and Gary Arnold, both Mater employees. Jackie and Gary have been involved with three other Operation Smile cases and value the opportunity to help others in need and give back to the community. In the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mater offers compassionate service to the sick and needy, promotes an holistic approach to healthcare in response to changing community needs and fosters high standards of healthrelated education and research. Adelle Yates is Mater Group Public Affairs Officer Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 7

8 all hallows school Embracing Lay Leadership A Team Effort by Angela O Malley The role of Director of Mission is one that ultimately takes responsibility for ensuring the mission and ethos of the Mercy charism is a lived reality. The values of compassion, forgiveness, inclusion, welcome, faith and mercy are so central to the Mercy charism that defines lay leadership. IN MY EXPERIENCE, this can only be achieved through a collaborative effort which includes other staff who have the skills, experience and generosity to support the actions necessary to make this goal real. Collaboration with the School s liturgist, the Head of Culture and Religious Education teachers whether it be for large whole school masses or our weekly 8.00 AM liturgies helps to deepen the reflective experiences with music and well planned and resourced prayers. The high skill level of our administrative assistant ensures efficient co-ordination of the eleven groups in the Mercy Action program involving parent permission, rosters and other logistical details for hundreds of students runs efficiently and maximises opportunities for staff, students and parents to get involved. Without the generous service given by staff, the program could not function. The Formation Committee meets regularly to plan for invitational opportunities for staff to be informed on a wide variety of spiritual, scriptural and ecclesial topics. This group works together to organise the annual staff retreat day which includes a keynote speaker and the choice of a number of workshops which offer ways to nurture personal spirituality. The School s Mission and Ethos team is another group that gives valuable feedback to the leadership team as it regularly audits those aspects of the school which are central in maintaining the Catholic identity in the mercy tradition. The Mercy Action outreach program has allowed for the development of partnerships with Catholic and other ministries, Mercy Partner schools and other community groups who strive to get better outcomes and to make a difference for the better in our community. Beyond the formal organisation and strategies to enact the faith and mission life of the School, it is the efforts of all staff striving to embody the values of compassion, forgiveness, inclusion, welcome, faith and mercy which are so central to the Mercy charism that defines lay leadership. Angela O Malley is Director of Mission, All Hallows School PHOTO ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL 8 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

9 Kathy Strelow and Portia Baldwin st ursula s college, yeppoon Guiding a Younger Generation as They Encounter Christ by Karyn Redmond As Head of the Religious Education department at St Ursula s College, Yeppoon, Kathy Strelow is accustomed to teaching students about the Catholic faith. It was beneficial to me to be able to meet each week, because I needed someone to explain the things I was reading about, like the fruits, and the gifts, of the Holy Spirit. Kathy believes it is relevant, and essential, to share knowledge and learnings with younger generations. PHOTO ST URSULA S COLLEGE, YEPPOON THIS YEAR, AFTER receiving interest, Kathy commenced small lessons after school to assist students prepare for their Sacraments of Initiation. I love working with students and teaching them the groundwork for the Sacraments, as the preparation time was such an important part of my own faith journey. For me, it provides an opportunity to reflect on my own beliefs and values, and often, there are some tricky questions which really keep me on my toes. I have spent many years working alongside the Pastoral Associates and Catechists in my previous parishes in Rockhampton, and Melbourne. I was lucky enough to be raised in a family that was very supportive of any religious involvement. Year 10 Boarding Student, Portia Baldwin, was grateful for the guidance provided when she prepared to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation earlier this year. Every Monday afternoon I met with Mrs Strelow after school, and we talked through my preparation books, said Portia. I feel it is important, as a Catholic, to pass on the traditions and teachings of the Church to the next generation. It is wonderful to spend time with young women as they encounter the love of Christ in their lives. Karyn Redmond is Public Relations Officer (Communications), St Ursula s College, Yeppoon A Christian who doesn t safeguard creation, who doesn t make it flourish, is a Christian who isn t concerned with God s work, that work born of God s love for us. Pope Francis Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 9

10 mercy community services north queensland Celebration: Julie Bullen Service at Loreto MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES North Queensland (MCSNQ) recently celebrated Mrs Julie Bullen s wonderful contribution to Loreto Nursing Home. Julie has for many years ably and generously been Director of Care and under her leadership, Loreto has developed a reputation second to none, as an excellent and caring home for the Sisters of Mercy and the frail aged in the Townsville community. MCSNQ is blessed to have Mrs Michelle Yanner, who has now taken on the role of Director of Care. Julie is remaining on the staff at Loreto in the role of Clinical Nurse Consultant. Members of the Board, staff, Sisters and residents joined to celebrate and thank Julie for her years of dedicated and loving service to Loreto. From left-right: Sr Bev Hickson (Board Member), Sr Carmel King (Chair), Julie Bullen, Michelle Yanner and Sharon McCallum (Board Member) Blessing of Loreto Extension ON FRIDAY AUGUST 25 Townsville Bishop, Tim Harris blessed the building site of the extensions to Loreto Nursing Home in Townsville. The first stage of the extensions will provide a beautiful new living space for a further nine residents. For the first time Loreto will have six dementia specific rooms as well as three Government-funded respite rooms. It is hoped that this area will be completed by early The final stage of the build will involve improvements to the existing dining room and nursing clinical area which should be completed mid year. Pictured are Bishop Tim Harris, builder Michael Dickson and Sr Carmel King, Chair Mercy Community Services North Queensland. PHOTOS MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTH QHEENSLAND 10 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

11 Annual Variety Concert at Villa McAuley In early August, Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville held their Annual Variety Concert. The theme was The Sixties and a few of the residents got into the spirit of the occasion. The Rusty Ukes and the very talented Ex Stage Door Theatre Group entertained residents. A number of these talented people are residents of the Village. A great night was had by all. Annual Variety Concert at Villa McAuley IN EARLY AUGUST Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville held their Annual Variety Concert. The theme was the Sixties and a few of the residents got into the spirit of the occasion. The Rusty Ukes and the very talented Ex Stage Door Theatre Group entertained residents. A number of these talented people are residents of the Village. A great night was had by all. Seniors Lifestyle Expo MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES North Queensland was one of the many exhibitors at the 2017 tropical-themed Seniors Lifestyle Expo held at the RSL Stadium in Townsville. The Expo attracted 107 exhibitors and is always a wonderful opportunity to bring seniors and members of the public together to meet face-to-face with service providers, community groups and not-for-profit organisations who work on their behalf to provide so many essential services and information. PHOTOS MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTH QHEENSLAND Helen Perriman (Executive Officer, Mercy Community Services North Queensland), Laurell Miller (Manager, Villa McAuley Retirement Village) and Wendy Blezard (Co-ordinator, Safe at Home Program) offered seniors appropriate resources and opportunities to help inform their choices regarding Loreto Nursing Home, Villa McAuley Retirement Village and personal medialert alarms through the Safe At Home Program. The Expo was a huge success with over 530 brochures and marketing materials distributed to our most valued members of the Townsville community! We are looking forward to next year s Expo where we hope to make it bigger and better! Reach Mercy Partners on facebook at Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 11

12 mercy health & aged care central queensland Deputy Chairperson Retires Friday 30 June marked the end of an era when Dr Tony Freddo Keating retired as a Director on the Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland (MH&ACCQL) Board after serving on the Board for sixteen years as Deputy Chairperson. MH&ACCQL WAS INCORPORATED in May 2001 and Dr Keating was the foundation Deputy Chairperson. He has continued to serve the Board in that capacity up until his recent decision to retire. Prior to the incorporation of MH&ACCQL, Dr Keating served for five years on the then Health Services Board which at that time exercised Governance responsibilities for the health and aged care ministries of the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy. Dr Keating is a respected local medical practitioner with a wellestablished practice in North Rockhampton. He is a Life Member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a Senior Lecturer of the UQ Rural Clinical School. As a Director of MH&ACCQL, Dr Keating served on the Board Risk Management Committee and on the Board Mission and Ethics Integration Committee where he made a significant contribution to the work of both Committees and the Board as a whole. As the foundation Deputy Chairperson, he reminded us all recently of a little known fact: that he chaired the very first Board meeting of MH&ACCQL on Thursday 7 June 2001 when inaugural Board Chairperson, Leesa Jeffcoat, was an apology. At the final Board meeting that Dr Keating attended on Thursday 1 June 2017, Board Chairperson, Leesa Jeffcoat, paid him the following tribute. Tony, your contribution to the work of the Board and to the health and aged care ministries of the Sisters of Mercy over so many years has been extraordinary and everyone associated with MH&ACCQL owes you their most sincere appreciation. Dr Ray Campbell, Chair of Mercy Partners, said that Dr Keating s longevity and contribution to the ministry was outstanding. Mercy Partners Council is most appreciative of his efforts over so many years. New Executive Officer for Rockhampton Mater Ms Sue Thurbon has been appointed as the new Rockhampton Mater Executive Officer after acting in the capacity for two months. Bundaberg Mater Foundation Day ON FRIDAY 28 JULY, the Bundaberg Mater community celebrated their Foundation Day. The Hospital was opened on 28 July 1946 meaning that this year the Bundaberg Mater celebrated 71 years of providing quality, compassionate healthcare services to the people of Bundaberg and surrounds. MH&ACCQL CEO, MS Lynne Sheehan, was very pleased to have been able to attend the Foundation Day celebrations this year. MH&ACCQ CHIEF EXECUTIVE Officer, Ms Lynne Sheehan, made the announcement recently saying, From all I have seen and heard and having had the opportunity to work closely with Sue, I have discerned she is very much a Mater person who understands and lives out the Values of Human Dignity, Justice, Compassion, Service and a Special Concern For the Poor that are at the heart of our healthcare ministries. I am very pleased to advise that Sue has accepted the role of Executive Officer. I know with the loyal support of the to-berecruited Director of Nursing and the other members of the Hospital Executive Sue will do a wonderful job leading the Rockhampton Mater into a bright and exciting future. PHOTOS : MH&ACCQ 12 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

13 When we talk about the environment, about creation, my thoughts turn to the first pages of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, which states that God placed man and woman on earth to cultivate and care for it. And the question comes to my mind: What does cultivating and caring for the earth mean? Are we truly cultivating and caring for creation? Or are we exploiting and neglecting it? Pope Francis PHOTOS: MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE; KEDRON 123RF/NIKKIPHOTO Spirit of Assisi Awards EACH YEAR DURING Catholic Education Week, Spirit of Assisi Awards are bestowed on a number of Mount Alvernia College staff and students, in recognition of their efforts to lift up those in our community through actions and grace. Recipients are selected on the basis that they: > > lift the spirits of those in our community > > follow in the footprints of Jesus, Francis and Clare > > have the openness of heart to include others > > spread joy by manner, behaviour, and character > > care for the little ones in our community > > are individuals who go above and beyond in an extraordinary and significant way. This year s award winners were students Maxine Edwards, Abi Pulu and Tasma Read and staff Music Teacher Amanda Holley and Careers and Vocational Education Administration Assistant Shelley Halverson. The Awards were presented on Assembly on Thursday 3 August. The Franciscan values are at the core of life at Mount Alvernia, and this is a wonderful opportunity each year to celebrate the way in which these are displayed day to day at the College. Pictured above, left-right: Abi Pulu, Amanda Holley, Tasma Read, Shelley Halverson and Maxine Edwards. Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 13

14 Clockwise from above: CEW Mass with the Little Flower Parish Sunday 23 July 2017, Clare School Samaritan Outreach, Francis School Prep Outreach, Year 8 Reflection Day Universe Walk. mount alvernia college, kedron Sharing the Journey by Alison Stone During July, Mount Alvernia College celebrated with thousands of other students who are in Catholic schools in Queensland. Sharing the Journey was the central theme for Catholic Education Week EACH ONE OF us, as a child of God is on a journey; however as a Catholic community and part of the greater Church, this theme asked us to take the time to reflect on our journey of faith. Mount Alvernia College honours the fact that every community member is on a unique journey to God. Pope Francis encourages us with these words: Today, we need a Church capable of walking at people s side, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies us on the journey. The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of the homeland towards we walk. What is important is the whole journey by which we arrive at the mission the Lord entrusts to us. We are unique here in Kedron, by having three schools all sharing the Franciscan charism and existing side by side with each other. So on Sunday 23 July we celebrated with the greater parish community at the scheduled 9.30 am Mass. The parishioners warmly welcomed us to their Eucharistic celebration and Fr John Boyd-Bolan, Franciscan Friar in residence at Padua College, celebrated the Mass. It was wonderful to see some of our students involved in the Mass and to have students and staff representatives from all three schools participating at the parish Mass celebration. We have also shared the journey of faith with Year 11 students during July at their Spirituality and Leadership Camp and with Year 8 and Year 9 students at their reflection Days. The Year 8 Reflection Day was a unique learning day where the girls gathered to reflect upon our call to care for all of creation. Our young women immersed themselves in the practices of our Franciscan spirituality through creative, hand on activities including walking the universe story with Mrs Rice, drawing their own sacred story with Aboriginal artist Janelle McQueen, illuminating quotes from Laudato Si with Fr Bernie ofm and being empowered to be WOW Warriors with Mrs Stone. In true Franciscan spirit, with a commitment to care for our common home our Year 8 students launched a war on the waste within the College. The call to be young women of justice and stewardship was strong. The Year 9 students shared the journey of life by unpacking the Emmaus story one of the loveliest passages from St Luke in the New Testament. It occurs after the resurrection. Reflecting upon their own life journey so far, they listened to personal stories from Mrs Rice and from Husna Nabi, a young Muslim refugee woman; they responded in creative ways and walked the beautiful grounds of Bundaleer Rainforest Gardens in quiet reflection. Fr Bernie also facilitated a Carceri Conversation Circle for staff on Tuesday. In circle our staff shared their own journey of faith and asked the BIG question about how we dialogue with each other and our school community about us as faith-filled people who just happen to teach in a Catholic School. Our Clare and Francis Schools Outreach teams have also shared the journey of accompaniment with the community during this week. The Year 7 and 8 students from Francis School read stories with the prep students at St Anthony s School and the Year 10 students from Clare School service hospitality with a smile at the Samaritan gathering on Tuesday. So you can see it has been a busy Catholic Education Week for Mount Alvernia College as we share the journey of life together. Blessings and joy! Alison Stone is Deputy Principal Mission and Community PHOTOS : MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON 14 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

15 Solomon Islands Get Involved Globally Trip PHOTOS : MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON by Maddi Tilbury During the Semester 1 holidays, eleven Mount Alvernia students from Years 11 and 12 went on an immersion trip to the Solomon Islands and brought back more than tangible gifts. THIS TRIP WAS held in the Semester 1 holidays and consisted of eleven students, three teachers, and a parent who was a child health nurse. While the timing of the trip meant they were missing the winter school holidays in Brisbane, the lovely warm weather in the Solomons was a nice trade-off. As soon as they stepped off the plane the group was shocked at the condition of some facilities. They were soon to learn that the Solomon Islands is a country that has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and war. Many of the important buildings built in World War II are still used today, like the main hospital and airport. The Solomon Islands has 12.7 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Only 35.1 percent have access to working electricity. It was the vast difference in wealth and lifestyle that inspired a past student of Mount Alvernia, Iree Chow, to create the immersion experience. Chow, who is from the Solomon Islands and currently living in the island nation with her family, had the idea for the trip two years after she finished at the College. She hoped that, through implementation of the experience, students would gain insight, build relationships, and be able to offer their time to support the community. Since its inception, the trip has been held every two years, with the DMI Sisters visiting Mount Alvernia in Australia in the alternate years. The trip was ten days long. During this time the group stayed in Honiara, as well as having the privilege to stay with the DMI Sisters in Visale. While in residence with the Sisters, the students taught English to the postulants, made rosary beads with the retired sisters, visited the local parish, and even helped out with some painting. At times, the language barrier was a struggle; however, the students found that they could always connect with those they met through a smile. By the end of the stay in Visale, the students had been inspired by the DMI Sisters strong faith and compassion and found it difficult to say goodbye. Travelling around Honiara throughout the second part of the trip, students visited numerous centres and connected with a variety of people. Through these connections they were privileged to hear various stories some joyful and some that were heartbreaking. It has been these stories that have stayed with the travellers and made the trip even more worthwhile. As the trip came to a close, the students began to realise that the churches and the parish were the centre of the community. Every Mass that the Mount Alvernia group attended was full of passion from the priest and the attendees. Many of the students commented that they found it refreshing to see a community with such joyful, strong faith. All the students admired the love, spirit, hope and faith that the local community had. It was an experience that all the students will never forget nor the smiles of the locals or the lessons that were learnt from their stories and lifestyle. Maddi Tilbury is a Year 12 student at Mount Alvernia College Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 15

16 PHOTOS: ST RITA S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD 16 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

17 PHOTOS: ST RITA S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD st rita s college Country to City Experience by Simmone Irvine St Rita s College is Travelling Lightly through its commitment this year to Simplicity, one of the values of the Presentation charism. IN LIVING OUT this theme, the students in Kildare House at St Rita s have built on the common Presentation heritage shared with St Joseph s Catholic Primary School in Murgon. With their House motto backing their inspiration: Strength and Growth - from Humble Beginnings, the Kildare students have been raising funds to offer the young students of St Joseph s an experience hard to forget. That goal came to fruition with St Rita s hosting the St Joseph s Year 5 and Year 6 students for the inaugural Country to City Weekend over the Friday 11 to Sunday 13 August weekend. The St Joseph s students arrived with much buzz and excitement, spending their first afternoon happily playing games and activities organised by the St Rita s Kildare girls. That evening they were enthralled by the talent on show at the College talent quest, Splendour on the Flat. Saturday morning came and with it the highlight of the weekend a day at the Ekka with all the whistles and bells - visiting the pavilions, experiencing the rides and purchasing show bags. For many, it was their first Ekka experience and an awesome one they thoroughly enjoyed. To celebrate the beginning of National Science Week, on Sunday the Murgon students donned their budding Scientist hats and fascination at a range of Science activities in the College laboratories. They explored gravity, magnetism and electrostatic forces and conducted experiments including extracting DNA from strawberries, viewing pond life under the microscopes and making slime. Before departing that afternoon with a St Rita s show bag, full of souvenirs and snacks for their weary bus trip home, the girls and boys selected for themselves and their siblings some reading books to take home. Kildare students and their families kindly donated these books as a project of the College s Read Like a Girl Campaign. The Read Like a Girl Campaign is a joint venture between Riverbend Books, St Rita s College and Mount Alvernia College that aims to promote a love of reading and improve literacy. From the proceeds of a Book Drive in Term 2, Kildare House donated many new books to the St Joseph s School Library. St Joseph s Primary School, Murgon, was established in 1937 under the administration of the Presentation Sisters. The school provides education to children from Murgon and the surrounding region and it carries the largest Indigenous student community in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. The Presentation Sisters were founded in Cork, Ireland in 1775 by Nano Nagle, a woman committed to the ministry of education for the poor. Simmone Irvine is Head of House Kildare, St Rita s College Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 17

18 formation update I Have Called you by Name The Mercy Partners Formation Retreat for 2017 was presented in Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns and Brisbane in July. The program invited participants to reflect on elements of a spirituality of leadership through prayer, reflection scripture and discussion and teamwork. PHOTO MH&ACCQ 18 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34

19 formation update dr caroline thompson mercy partners director of formation program From the Formation Corner IT S BEEN A BUSY FEW MONTHS FOR MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION WITH OUR RETREAT SEASON IN JULY AND OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY TOUR THROUGH BUNDABERG, GLADSTONE AND ROCKHAMPTON MINISTRIES IN AUGUST. Bundaberg Mater staff at the Catholic Identity workshop in August IN JULY, CATHOLIC HEALTH AUSTRALIA hosted the new Australian Leader Formation Program, based on the model developed by the US-based Ministry Leadership Centre (MLC), with two of our leaders, Gerry Wyvil (CEO of MHSNQ) and Helen Perriman (Executive Officer and Company Secretary MCSNQ) braving the cold at Kalorama to examine the theology and lived reality of vocation and mission. This first module was presented by Dr Larry O Connell, President/CEO of the Ministry Leadership Centre, California and Dr Kevin Murphy, Vice President, Theology and Ethics at Catholic Health Initiatives, Colorado. Evening Fireside Chat presenters were Father Frank Brennan CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA), Suzanne Greenwood, CEO of Catholic Health Australia, and Sister Margaret Mary Flynn, Loreto Provincial Leader and CSSA Board member. Helen commented on the importance of vocation in an increasingly complex world, As I travel on the journey of leading a small Mercy Organisation in an increasingly competitive global environment, I am called to engage with the principles of human dignity and the common good that I have been taught. The challenge is balancing this with the need to ensure the long-term financial future of the organisation. PARTNERSHIP Mercy Partners Formation has also been working with Australian Catholic University (ACU) to develop two formation programs for leaders in health, aged care, social service and education. The first is a Pastoral Care Program (Graduate Certificate) written by Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer (who also wrote our Theological Framework) which covers: 1. Theological Foundations of Pastoral Care (the Art of Mercy) 2. The Ethics of Pastoral Care 3. The Heart of Pastoral care (spirituality, liturgy and prayer 4. Pastoral care Practicum This program can be tailored to a variety of delivery modes and will involve a combination of face to face, online and experiential based learning. I look forward to working with ACU in making this program available to our ministries. The second is a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership which will be offered regionally, initially in our Mercy schools. The program will offer two units tailored for Mercy Partners, including a course entitled Hearts of Mercy which focuses on Mercy charism and leadership (and presented by Mercy Partners Formation). Both of these initiatives are an exciting extension of Mercy Partners formation as we partner with external agencies to bring relevant and targeted formation to our formation program. Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS 19

20 reflection As a friend of the poor who was loved by God s creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon to give honour and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assisi gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God we are better able to devote ourselves to building up that peace with all creation which is inseparable from peace among all peoples. St (Pope) John Paul II on St Francis of Assisi January 1990 Prayer God of life, we pray for those in different countries who long for green pastures and quiet streams. God who provides, provide for those for whom daily bread is a challenge and for those who are displaced and long for home. God of Creation, we pray for strength and wisdom to be good stewards. Forgive us for the ways in which we contribute to the disfigurement and destruction of your Creation. God of providence, transform us, that we may place the welfare of the earth and your people before our fleeting desires. Grant us divine wisdom and embolden us to replace systems of destruction and wasteful consumption with systems of justice and sustainability. Source: creation.org PHOTO: TP IMAGES 2017 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. w web & re facebook.com/mercypartnersaustralia MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014