3 the year of mercy in retrospect 5 ministry updates. From the Chair

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1 EDITION 31 summer CONTENTS 1 from the chair 2 editorial 3 the year of mercy in retrospect 5 ministry updates 14 leadership formation program update 16 reflection PHOTOS: MATER GROUP, ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL, MERCY PARTNERS dr raymond campbell chairperson, mercy partners council From the Chair Greetings ANOTHER YEAR IS drawing to a close. At Mercy Partners we referred to this year as a year of transition. But in many ways it was also a year of innovation we did some new things and we did some things differently. Early in the year we had our first ever gathering of the leaders of Mercy Partners i.e. the Boards and executives of our various ministries and the Council and staff. This gathering helped to strengthen the identity of the group as Mercy Partners. It also provided valuable feedback to the Council. Our current plan is to hold such a gathering every second year. Every other year we will hold a gathering for smaller groups within our ministries. Then there was the Year of Mercy. We made the decision that our regional gatherings would include something more than a cocktail evening and some reports from the ministries. We added a presentation on the Year of Mercy, and held roundtable discussions. Once again the format was very successful and next year we will follow a similar format in launching the Theological Framework in each region. In the area of Formation, Council convened Heart for Mercy Retreats in Brisbane, Townsville, Rockhampton and Cairns. Once again the feedback was very positive and we have decided to put retreats on the agenda again next year. Caroline, as the Director of Formation Program, has also participated in See From the Chair, page diary dates Theological Framework launches: Rockhampton 7 March, Brisbane 10 May, Townsville 13 June Forums: Mission Leaders Forum 24 March; Education Leaders Forum May Retreats: Retreat dates to be announced early Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

2 mercy partners ministry update updates judith gardiner executive officer, mercy partners From the Executive Officer ON THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING, POPE FRANCIS BROUGHT A FORMAL END TO THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY BY CLOSING THE HOLY DOOR IN ROME A DOOR HE OPENED TO THE WORLD ON 8 DECEMBER WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY year it has been! It has been a year that has given us a space to be people of mercy in our homes, workplaces and communities. It has given us the space to reflect on what it means to be a part of a mercy ministry, and part of Mercy Partners. Pope Francis himself gave us much to think about in this extraordinary year. As scripture scholar and Sister of Mercy Elaine Wainwright recently noted On 18 June, 2015, as we looked toward the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis promulgated Laudato Si, an encyclical letter on ecology and climate, and then on 1st September, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, the Pope pronounced an eighth corporal and spiritual work of mercy: care for our common home. Alongside his great compassion for the earth, the Pope also promulgated Amoris laetitia (The Joy of Love) a post-synodal apostolic exhortation released on 8 April 2016 which demonstrates his great appreciation of families and the difficulties they face in the modern world. Closer to home, during the year we have been blessed with stories from the ministries about the wonderful works of mercy that take place every day whether it be in hospitals, aged care homes, schools or community contexts. These stories are the tip of the iceberg as we also know that many occasions of love, kindness and mercy go unnoticed and uncelebrated. We ve also had some significant changes in the ministries and at Mercy Partners. In this edition we farewell Mr Ian Mill, CEO of Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland who has served the ministry for many years. Sr Marie Melville, Councillor of Mercy Partners and former Congregation Leader for the Sisters of Mercy in Townsville, is retiring from Council after seven years of service. We pay tribute to her great contribution to both the founding of Mercy Partners and the formation program since its inception in In this edition also we have reprinted some stories that featured in a recent edition of The Catholic Leader. I d like to thank all those people who contributed their insights and photos and helped us put this piece together with the staff from the Leader. It s been a busy year, and let us hope that the upcoming Christmas season is a time for relaxation with family and friends, with time for quiet reflection on the birth of the Christ Child so that we come to the new year refreshed and energised. If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times. In the kingdom of love there is no competition; there is no possessiveness or control. The more love you give away, the more love you will have. John O Donohue from the chair Continued from page 1 formation sessions for individual ministries. This is a new model for delivering formation to the ministries and has been very well received. We expect to see this increase in the future. We also concluded the last sessions of our former formation program. The other part of the transition has been more behind the scenes. The Council has been working on developing a template for ministry reporting, and working to establish a register of stable patrimony. I am glad to say also that the ministry AGMs are completed for the year. in contributing to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life-giving mercy of God is experienced. Wishing you all the Lord s blessings for the Christmas season and looking forward to working with you all in the new year. Wishing you all God s blessings I would like to thank all the Council and our staff for helping all of the above and much more happen. Our thanks also to all the ministries for your great work 2 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

3 mercy partners update Therefore, as the holy door remains open because it is the sign of the welcoming that God reserves for us, so also our doors those of the heart must always be open to not exclude anyone The Year of Mercy in Retrospect by Caroline Thompson Now that the Year of Mercy has come to an end, it is important to reflect on the impact of this focus on mercy and Pope Francis call for a more compassionate and just world. THE YEAR OF MERCY which ended on 20th November was a watershed event for the Church in many ways. We have all been challenged to really engage with the concept of mercy and its critical importance in the contemporary world. What has this year taught us? PHOTO 123RF/MARKOVA That Mercy is truly universal not just in its literal celebration in the global Church but also in its applicability to everyone, as Pope Francis says God s mercy has no limits. Indeed there is no-one who does not need God s mercy and if we understand that God s very nature is mercy then the message of this year is truly a message for everyone Christian and non Christian; sinner and saint; those who seek mercy and those who don t; the human world and the created world. Mercy at its purest reflects the Hebrew concept Rahum (womb love); the love of the God who knit us together in our mother s womb and the safety and allencompassing warmth of that space. It is conceptually grounded in the love of the mother for the unborn child, in the potential for life. This is where mercy begins in love. This is a truly universal message. That the Year of Mercy was first and foremost about hope. The belief that God s forgiveness is for all. That nothing we have done can come between us and God s love. That mercy given and received is the foundation of the Gospel message should inspire us all to forgive others, reach out to those who need help or comfort and believe that God is with us in our actions both large and small. That mercy is transformational. We live in a very transactional world where mercy is often perceived as weakness, leniency and loss of control. But Pope Francis reminds us that the Gospel is full of instances where compassion and forgiveness transform the receiver (like the woman at the well, the tax collector, the man born Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 3

4 mercy partners update Mercy includes the created world Mercy is at the heart of the Christian faith blind and many more). Rather, true mercy creates new beginnings by our seeing one another in the light of the truth about who we are, our deepest identities both given and hidden in God s unwavering love for us. Pope Francis notes: especially in our times, in which forgiveness is a rare guest in the areas of human life, the call to mercy becomes more urgent. (Mercy Partners Theological Framework). words, his willingness to stand up against exclusion are opening doorways across the world within the hearts of many Catholics, Christians and people of all faiths. That Mercy is at the heart of the Christian faith. Much has been written and discussed this year about mercy and its place in a Christian worldview. Mercy has been unshackled from narrow contexts and placed at the centre of the faith and the nature of our God. As the Mercy Partners Theological Framework explains, Mercy always arrives as a gift. It does not signal an obligation or a mere duty because it intimately addresses us as persons in responding to our most pressing needs. Nor does mercy speak a false word, or try to save us with something less than the truth. Many misunderstandings of mercy emphasize caring for others in ways that surrender reality to a misguided sentimentality. That the world needs not just a Year of Mercy but a decade or even century of mercy. Terrorism, violence, war and social dysfunction have scarred people and communities. The mindset of fighting violence with violence needs to be tempered with a way of mercy and peace. As Pope Francis told World Youth Day pilgrims this year We won t scream against anybody, we won t fight, we don t want to destroy. We don t want to fight hatred with more hatred, nor fight violence with more violence, nor fight terror with more terror. That the Year of Mercy has been a personal as well as a communal challenge. As Anne Gilroy points out Just as a door is an entry and an exit, so the work of mercy is within and around us. It suggests opening our minds, rearranging the priorities of our hearts, softening our judgements, dropping our carefully cooked resentments, reassessing our certainties, chipping away at our rigidity, relieving suffering. The focus on being mercy in the world has challenged both individuals and organisations with the imperative to change in action and attitude. That the Year of Mercy has truly focused the global church on celebration and reflection. The focus on doors in churches around the world has symbolically stressed the need for a change of heart a new perspective. There have been pilgrimages, retreats, prayer circles, books and conferences. The level of awareness generated by this year has been extraordinary. This is helped by Pope Francis public profile as a person of mercy and his many acts of mercy for the poor, refugees, the disabled etc. Pope Francis could be seen as the ultimate door an amazing gift of the Holy Spirit for the world at this time. His actions, his 4 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31 Therefore, as the holy door remains open because it is the sign of the welcoming that God reserves for us, so also our doors those of the heart must always be open to not exclude anyone That Mercy includes the created world. In Laudato Si, Pope Francis writes: Sister, Mother Earth now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her The violence present in our hearts, wounded by sin, is also reflected in the symptoms of sickness evident in the soil, in the water, in the air and in all forms of life. This message has been strengthened by a year in which the Church has focused on the environment and the interrelatedness of all of creation. As Pope Francis said in his World Environment Day speech, to cultivate and care encompasses not only the relationship between us and the environment, between (hu)man and creation, it also regards human relationships. The Popes have spoken of human ecology, closely linked to environmental ecology. We are living in a time of crisis: we see this in the environment, but above all we see this in (hu)mankind. Let s ensure that we keep the focus on mercy as a template for a just and more loving world. Caroline Thompson is Mercy Partners Director of Formation Program

5 Townsville Hospital Staff More Aware of Mercy Holy doors opened for pilgrimages in the Year of Mercy have found their way into a North Queensland hospital with positive results. MATER HEALTH SERVICES North Queensland added symbolic doors of mercy to all their entranceways of their hospital in Townsville. Staff in every ward and section of the hospital were then asked to create their own embodiment of mercy, with a hope to improve the patients experience at the hospital. Trudy Clarke While different from the Holy Doors opened in Catholic dioceses around the world, Director of Mission, Ms Trudy Clarke, said the doors in the hospital wards had the same effect on the hearts of their staff and patients. When people come in to our hospital and walk through our doors, whether it s the cardiac door, or the reception area, or the door to the respiratory ward, our concern is, What is their experience of mercy? Ms Clarke said. The symbolic doors have changed the way the hospital staff cared for their patients. I believe at the end of the Year of Mercy, our staff have a great understanding of what mercy actually is, Ms Clarke said. At the beginning of the year they didn t really know what mercy was, but they have been developing their understanding all year. Reprinted with permission from The Catholic Leader, 13 November 2016 A Tribute In this edition of the newsletter the Council would like to pay tribute to one of our councillors who retires from the Council at the end of this year Sr Marie Melville. SR MARIE IS of course one of the founding members of the Council of Mercy Partners, and as former Congregation Leader for the Sisters of Mercy, Townsville, Sr Marie can rightly be regarded as one of the midwives of Mercy Partners. It was she, along with the leaders of the other Queensland Mercy Congregations who had the foresight and courage to set out in new directions to ensure the future of the ministries which their congregations had established. Sr Marie came onto the first Council as one of four Stewards Councillors. At the same time Sr Marie led the transitioning of St Patrick s College Townsville, the Mater Townsville, and Mercy Community Services North Queensland into Mercy Partners. So, Sr Marie was there at the conception, the gestation period and at the birth, and then continued to help guide it through its infancy. Not only has Sr Marie been there, she has been at the forefront due to her involvement with formation. Once again this preceded the official establishment of Mercy Partners itself. Sr Marie, along with Sr Margaret Endicott and Sr Carmel Dwan developed the original formation program for Mercy Partners, a program which stood us in good stead over more than five years. When Council was formed Sr Marie also led us through our regular formation sessions at the start of each Council She has brought a sensitivity to the role, a sensitivity to other people, and has provided wise advice on numerous occasions. meeting. When we established a Formation Committee, Sr Marie took on the role of Chair. As if that wasn t enough, we then threw Sr Marie another challenge by employing a full time director of formation program, and tasked her and the formation committee, still under Sr Marie as Chair, with coming up with a new formation program. Sr Marie brought a wealth of experience to Mercy Partners. Her contribution to Council goes well beyond what she has offered us through formation. Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 5

6 New Chair of Mercy Partners Formation Committee WITH THE RETIREMENT of Sr Marie Melville from the Council at the end of 2016, Councillor Ms Dianne Hearn will take the reins of the Formation Committee. The Chair of the Formation Committee is a significant role on Council, and Dianne has made a very generous by Judith Gardiner READERS WHO HAVE been part of the Mercy Partners story for some years now will recognise the newest person to be appointed to the Council by the Stewards! It is no other than Sr Moira Truelson, who people will remember was actually one of the first Councillors and in fact one of the first Stewards. Moira has been appointed by the Stewards, and is a Member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. She will join the Council in January 2017 for a two-year term of office. Goodbye and Best Wishes Many of you will have met Ian Mill over the years. He has been the CEO of Mercy Health and Aged Care in Rockhampton for some 17 or more years. DURING THAT TIME he has led the group of hospitals and aged care facilities with diligence, enthusiasm and insight. He has recently resigned due to ongoing ill health, and his leadership will be missed. Mr Mill led a capable team and was ever true to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy and more recently the mission of Mercy Partners. He attended functions convened by Mercy Partners and was often inspirational in his commitment to the mission and vision of Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland. No doubt, his legacy of mission leadership and corporate mangement will continue to inspire others. offer to provide leadership in this area. Ms Hearn was appointed to Mercy Partners Council in July She has worked in education, adult faith formation and human resource management at a senior level in various Catholic organisations including the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Rockhampton, the Catholic Education Office Archdiocese of Brisbane, St Vincent s Hospital Sydney and the Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta. She has served on numerous Catholic boards and committees including the St John of God Board, Marist Youth Care Board, NSW Professional Standards Resource Group and NSW Systemic Schools Employment Relations Committee. She was a member of the Queensland Presentation Congregation for 26 years, serving on their Congregational Leadership Team and has retained close associations with the congregation and its ministries. Ms Hearn is currently a director of Organisational Change Consultants, a national consulting group specialising in organisational reviews, strategic and business planning and human resource services. She brings a wealth of experience and insight to the new role and will be a great mentor and support to Dr Caroline Thompson, Director of Formation Program. Welcome to a new Councillor St Vincent de Paul Society in Rockhampton, as the spiritual adviser. One of her key areas of concern about St Vincent de Paul is the diminishing numbers of volunteers in the field. Sr Moira recently told me that there are two things in particular that are important to her about Mercy Partners. She said, The transfer of governance to a body that is local and understands the nature of regional education, health and aged care, and the other is that this is one of the few Church organisations where lay people hold significant roles in the ongoing development of Catholic ministries. Ministries in Queensland are far flung so Mercy Partners is like the web that continues connecting and supporting people on the ground. The oversight of mission in all ministries is the foundation work of the Church. It is Mercy Partners that holds this brief. With the limited numbers of religious, who once held the governance of ministries on behalf of the Church, Mercy Partners plays an integral role for the Church with regard to ministries. Over the past couple of years Sr Moira has been involved with Judith Gardiner is Exective Officer, Mercy Partners Council 6 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

7 Above: Mater Centre for Neurosciences Advanced Epilepsy Service team members Peter Jones, Annette Koenig, Dr Sasha Dionisio, David Prime, Dr Linda Tjoa with Mater Group CEO, Dr Shane Kelly. Below: Mater Group CEO Dr Shane Kelly with Scott Anderson. mater group Mater People Recognised at Annual Mercy Awards by Veena Herron Each year, Mater s Mercy Week celebrations culminate in the Mercy Awards an opportunity to celebrate Mater people who go above and beyond the expectation of their roles within the framework of the organisation s mission and values in particular, mercy. PHOTO MATER MISERICORDIAE LIMITED MORE THAN 80 people, including Mater Group Board and Executive, Sisters of Mercy and Mater People attended the special event to recognise all nominees, finalists and Mercy Award winners. Themed around the Holy Year of Mercy celebrating Mater People as Mercy in action the awards were presented across two categories: individual and team. The individual winner was Scott Anderson (Administration Coordinator, Clinical Services) while the team award was presented to the Mater Centre for Neurosciences Advanced Epilepsy Service. A Mater Person for more than 30 years, Scott received two nominations for providing a wonderful example of living the Mater Values. His demonstration of Mercy in action was noted by one of his nominators who commented that Scott treats all, regardless of role or status, with respect, dignity and acceptance and willingly goes beyond the boundaries of a role description to ensure that the best that can be done, gets done. The team winner, Mater Centre for Neurosciences Advanced Epilepsy Service, was established in 2015, and has experienced significant growth during its first year of operation. Nominated for their approach to individualised care, the team were recognised for treating all patients with the utmost respect and compassion. Team Epileptologist Dr Sasha Dionisio described the win as overwhelming and highlighted his team s passion for providing compassionate care. We love what we do. This is not a job. We all celebrate as a team, especially when we can do surgery and help people, we feel the pain when we can t do surgery but we don t stop, and that s the beautiful thing, Dr Dionisio said. The Mercy Awards provided an ideal opportunity to reflect on the Holy Year of Mercy, during which Mater celebrated its identity and heritage as a Mission driven organisation. It also acknowledged the ongoing commitment of our people to our mission and values as we look to a future in which we continue the delivery of our mission to provide compassionate care to those who need it most. Veena Herron is Brisbane Mater Group s Senior Marketing and Communication Officer Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 7

8 all hallows school Live Mercy Simply and Joyfully In a reflection on Pope Francis declaration that 2016 be an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Church worldwide, our school theme for 2016 was Live Mercy: Simply and Joyfully. OUR SCHOOL CAPTAINS and Social Justice Captains, inspired by the image of Pope Francis opening the Door of Mercy, named our 2016 Whole School Project, Project Open House. The project was funded by donations from whole school, house, home group, Year 5 and 6, staff contributions and P & F fundraisers, as well as donations from other school events such as Market Day, Open Day and Orientation Day sausage sizzles and theme days related to the project. The two projects that were supported through Project Open House were: > > Work and Welcome (mdaltd.org.au/work-and-welcome/) The Work & Welcome program draws on the generosity of companies, groups and individuals to pool together money to fund 12 week job placements for newly arrived refugees. Over the course of the year we were delighted to have two Work and Welcome placements Matthew was placed in our Facilities Department for twenty weeks and Negar was placed in our Finance Department for 12 weeks. A special feature of the project was the exceptional efforts of our staff who, through voluntary payroll deductions, contributed nearly $1000 per fortnight to support the placements. > > The development of a healing garden in the new Young Adult Centre at the Mater Hospital ( Services/Young-Adult). The development of the garden is a simple response to the cry of the earth and reminds us to look to the natural world as a source of health and healing. A cheque for $20,000 was presented to the Director of the centre and past student, Dr O Moore Sullivan. In addition, funds were made available for emergency housing household packs, a donation to Sr Denise Coghlan rsm in Cambodia for house building, wheelchair provision and school uniforms and donations have been given to Caritas, Catholic Mission, St Vincent de Paul and the Refugee Council of Australia. Beyond the Whole School Project, Mercy Action in 2016 at All Hallows included thirteen awareness raising and outreach groups and generous responses to appeal requests. These images, taken on the final visit by our students during the Mercy Disability visitation afternoons, captures the energy, joy and genuine engagement demonstrated by staff, students and parents through their involvement in the many opportunities to be people of mercy. Gifts received far exceed gifts given and we can take inspiration to be people who pass on the light of God s mercy. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, To be filled with awe and contemplation, To recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature As we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Angela O Malley is Director of Mission, All Hallows School PHOTOS ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL 8 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

9 May you be blessed With the spirit of the season, which is peace. The gladness of the season, which is hope, and the heart of the season, which is love. PHOTOS ALL HALLOWS SCHOOL Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 9

10 Students Aimee Simmons, Elanor Rowbotham, and Rubyanna Cozzi volunteering with Eddie s Van st ursula s college Opportunity for Reflection by Karyn Redmond This year, the students of St Ursula s Yeppoon, embraced the College s theme of Opening the door to Mercy, Simplicity, and Opportunity with enthusiasm and mindfulness. IN TERM ONE, students met with Director of Mission for Caritas Australia, Anne McGuire rsm, and were then inspired to raise funds for Project Compassion; collect goods for the St Vincent de Paul Society s Winter Appeal; and attend a moving presentation from the two founders of Orange Sky Laundry, Lucas Patchett and Nic Marchesi. The College s Deputy Principal Spiritual and Pastoral, Kathy Curran, encouraged the students to think globally, act locally. She commented on their efforts during the year. In term four, students volunteered to bake Christmas treats, and delivered them to local aged care residents. It was a simple task, but it spoke volumes about their willingness to reach out, and be a positive note in someone s life. During the year, students focused on being merciful towards each other, and Senior Students organised paper Welcome Hearts for all students, as a reminder to act with compassion and mercy. Other students preferred to engage directly with members of the community, and volunteered each week with Eddie s Van in the Yeppoon area. Each year, the students look forward to planning fundraising and awareness campaigns, and the opportunities are endless. Karyn Redmond is Public Relations Officer (Communications), St Ursula s College, Yeppoon PHOTO ST URSULA S COLLEGE 10 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

11 Sr Regina O Riordan with St Patrick s College Captains, Tiarna Cocco and Raven Guy at the Mercy Day Mass. st patrick s college, townsville Celebrating 138 Years of Mercy in Townsville by Julie Plath On Monday 12 September, the community of St Patrick s College came together to celebrate Mercy Day, acknowledging 138 years of the Sisters of Mercy in Townsville. the need for the education of young girls in North Queensland, Ms Skerman said. Their 138 year legacy is being celebrated as a community as we acknowledge their dedication, their selflessness and their hard work in building what we know today is a fine educational institution for the young girls of the north and beyond. PHOTO ST PATRICK S COLLEGE, TOWNSVILLE STAFF, STUDENTS, SISTERS OF MERCY and representatives of the Catholic Diocese gathered to celebrate Mass before a day of activities that saw students working in the community for organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, RSL Care, Queensland Cancer Council, Salvation Army, Townsville Community Learning Centre and an environmental clean-up in Ross Creek. The students returned to school in the afternoon to participate in some novelty activities designed for fun and to fund-raise for Mercy Works. Principal of St Patrick s College Townsville, Ms Paulina Skerman said it was a day of celebration of the incredible gift the Sisters of Mercy gave to Townsville and the North Queensland region. The Sisters of Mercy first had a presence on our grounds in 1878, recognising Mercy Day is celebrated every year as a chance for the students to raise awareness and funds for Mercy Works. This is an annual event in our calendar, a day where we take time to reflect on our heritage, our history and our honour of being the beneficiaries of the work of the Sisters of Mercy, Ms Skerman said. This year our girls were out volunteering in the community through our Mercy Girls in Action program, helping organisations who help those who need it most just as the Sisters of Mercy did, and continue to do. Julie Plath is St Patrick s College Director of Communications and Enrolments Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 11

12 st rita s college Year of Compassion: begin with the heart by Dale Morrow From washing ambulances, to packing toiletry packs for the homeless and spending time with disabled children, students at St Rita s College this year embodied the phrase Be the Change as they embraced the College s Year of Compassion. THE YEAR OF Mercy has focused particular attention on the Church s first truth: the love of Christ. In light of this, the College s theme for this year in celebrating its 90th anniversary has been Begin with the Heart ; this is based on the Presentation pillar of Compassion - a loving response that is both felt and acted upon. Throughout the 90th year celebrations, the College has reflected on the story of the genesis of St Rita s and how the founding Sisters, true to the spirit of Nano Nagle, displayed this sense of daring to dream, whilst trusting in the providence of a loving God. From those early times to now, St Rita s College has been blessed with generations of Presentation Sisters who have continued the work of the holistic education of girls and have always believed in the importance of education and its ability to liberate the mind and soul. The shining examples of past Principals such as Mother Evangelist Murtagh, Mother Aloysius Ryan, Sister Moira Creede, Sister Mary Foster, Sister Kathleen Tynan, Sister Marlette Black and Sister Elvera Sesta, have been giants of girls education and wonderful role models in many ways to generations of St Rita s pupils. These women have given their lives to following the great example of their foundress, the Venerable Nano Nagle has been a milestone year for us as we celebrate 90 years of Presentation education on the Clayfield site. Our rich history offers us much to be thankful for and we have reflected heavily throughout the year on the stories from early years of the College s establishment to the present. In anniversary years such as this, it is a time to look towards the future and fix our sights on the direction of our College in order to continue to meet the needs of the community it serves. Our 90th year has given us occasion to do this. Ubuntu: I am what I am because of who we all are. Bishop Desmond Tutu At the start of the year, as a way of focusing our attention on this year s theme of Begin with the Heart, the College community was asked to reflect on what is known in South Africa as Ubuntu. This word holds the meaning that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve for ourselves by sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us. In short, I am what I am because of who we all are. (Tutu). This expresses succinctly our Catholic belief that in Christ we are one family and our actions should be motivated by love of the other which follows from an attitude of beginning with the heart. There have been special events and occasions to mark the College s 90th anniversary, two significant ones being the Eucharistic celebration at St Stephen s Cathedral on 29 July and the commissioning of a sculpture depicting Nano Nagle and poor children of Cork, Nano Nagle Woman of Heart. The figures are to remind us of our Presentation roots. Another art piece, an Indigenous cross made by Aboriginal artist, Niketa Law from Murgon, was also installed to remind us of our links to the Presentation Sisters from the Queensland community at Murgon. The students of 2016 were challenged with a project called 90 Deeds for 90 Years ; the aim being to reach at least 90 charities and organisations and to create a movement of compassion, empowering students to Be the Change. Armed with Deeds Cards, the girls were tasked with the challenge to spread compassion into their local community by volunteering and helping charities and organisations. To remind them of their commitment to the challenge, they wore wristbands carrying the words Compassion for SRC Be The Change. The response from the girls was immense - above and beyond the initial target, with more than 900 deeds registered and more than 110 charities and organisations reached. The acts of charity included supporting the work of charitable organisations including the Lions Medical Research Foundation, Meals on Wheels and the Brisbane Basket Brigade, participating in a walkathon to raise funds for mitochondrial disease and busking in the Queen Street Mall to raise funds for Hummingbird House, Queensland s only hospice for children. Some students visited Youngcare s residential facility for young adults with disabilities; others participated in the College s service program by volunteering for Big Brekky, Homework Help, the Ecumenical Coffee Brigade and The Smith Family Student-to-Student Reading Program. 12 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

13 PHOTOS ST RITA S COLLEGE Year 8 student Alicia was inspired by a friend with Autism and the impact it had on his family, so she chose to support the AEIOU foundation. I held a lemonade stall on my friend s street and raised enough money for an ipad and a $ itunes giftcard, she said. I then spoke to a person at AEIOU and they directed me to a single mother with two children, one of whom is autistic. I gave the boy the ipad and the itunes card so that he could access Apps that help with Autism. Alex in Year 11 volunteered with Community Friends, cooking food, feeding those in need and giving out sanitary packs to the homeless in West End. This experience completely changed my perspective on a few things especially what I take for granted, she said. By talking to those who I came in contact with, I learnt that I have nothing to complain about when there are people in the world facing bigger and more devastating challenges. I was inspired by their stories of perseverance and left with a fresh mindset of determination and compassion. The College Captains were also instrumental in creating initiative throughout the year to continue the theme of compassion. Nina, Sophia and Rebecca created The Compassion Calendar, scheduling days on which they wanted to make Compassion the Fashion. The Calendar was made up of 30 compassionate challenges for the students over 30 days. These 30 challenges were divided into three categories: > > Compassion for Self > > Compassion for Relationships > > Compassion for the Community. Our Catholic faith teaches us that true happiness is obtained by caring for others, by sharing our wealth and by contributing to a just society for all. I believe that these initiatives have impacted on many of the students throughout the year. While popular culture feeds us messages that happiness can be measured by what we are wearing, where we are holidaying, or how much money we are earning, our Catholic faith teaches us that true happiness is obtained by caring for others, by sharing our wealth and by contributing to a just society for all. In this our ninetieth year, I have prayed that our community will continue to walk in the footsteps of our founder Nano Nagle to be women of integrity, courage and action. Just like the early Sisters, may we envision a future for the College which is More than Hope could ever dream of. We hope that our prayerful intentions, charitable giving and practical service over the course of this year have contributed to a movement of compassion in our world. May it be sustained through our ongoing generosity and love. Dale Morrow is Principal, St Rita s College Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 13

14 formation update dr caroline thompson mercy partners director of formation program From the Formation Corner MERCY PARTNERS IS FORTUNATE IN ITS FORMATION COMMITTEE WHICH HAS PROVIDED WONDERFUL ADVICE, SUPPORT AND IDEAS THIS YEAR AS WE HAVE REMODELLED THE FORMATION PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS. I WOULD TO express my heartfelt thanks to Sr Marlette Black, Vicki Ward, Terry Power and Julie Morgan for their enthusiastic support and inspiring approach to formation. Mercy Partners also owes a huge debt of gratitude to the Chair of the Formation Committee, Sr Marie Melville who has guided the program from its inception. She has been untiring in her work for Mercy Partners formation, in her attendance at formation events and the wisdom she imparts in areas of faith formation, theology and spirituality. Personally, I have found Sr Marie to be a fantastic mentor as I have settled into the role of Formation Director and she will be greatly missed as she leaves Mercy Partners when her term on the Council comes to an end in December. A huge thank you Sr Marie for your wisdom, courage and belief in Mercy Partners and its formation initiatives! Mercy Partners Formation Committee meets for the final time with Sr Marie Melville as Committee Chair. From left-right: Vicki Ward, Sr Marie, Caroline Thompson, Terry Power and Sr Marlette Black pbvm. Absent: Julie Morgan. Board Prayer Resource, 2017 The 2017 Prayer Resource for ministry boards and leaders will be available on from mid- December. Hard copies will be sent to leaders (Directors, CEOs and key staff). 14 Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 31

15 formation update Clockwise from above: attendees gather at Mater Townsville s leadership development program; left-right: Sr Marie Meville (outgoing Mercy Partners Formation Committee Chair and Council member), Ms Trudy Clarke (Director of Mission, Mater Townsville) and Fr Colin Reinhard; left-right: Sr Marie Melville and Fr Reinhard with program presenter Dr Caroline Thompson. Mission and Catholic Identity in Townsville Dr Caroline Thompson and Fr Colin Reinhard led a two-day leadership development program at Mater Townsville with a focus on mission and Catholic identity. The sessions were targeted at management staff at the hospital and follow on from last year s successful program on mission and Catholic health care. Fifty-five people attended the professional development days which challenged attendees to understand and embrace their responsibility for preserving and promoting the mission and Catholic identity of the hospital. Focus on how mission is lived out within the organisation and the personal values and actions critical for a Catholic culture were discussed enthusiastically by both leadership groups. Conclusion of Mercy Partners Leadership Formation Program (Phase 1) The Mercy Partners Leadership Formation Program (Phase 1) concluded with two one-day seminars held in Brisbane on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October. Marlette Black pbvm presented a theological and scriptural examination of mission which challenged attendees to consider the imperative to proclaim God s kingdom within us, among us and in the whole community of God. Dr Caroline Thompson facilitated the second day which focused on contemporary approaches to Catholic identities and how these can be nurtured and supported within ministries. Edition 31 Mercy Partners NEWS 15

16 Prayer for the Year of Mercy Inspired by Laudato Si O Lord, as the rains fall from heaven, bringing life, shower us with the Father s infinite mercy so that at home and throughout the world we may foster forgiveness, justice, and peace. Help us, Lord, to feed the hungry; especially those who suffer from poverty and drought. To give drink to the thirsty; especially those who lack clean, abundant water. To clothe the naked; especially those exposed to the cold of winter and the sting of indifference. To give shelter to the homeless; especially victims of war, storms, and rising seas. To care for the sick; especially those who have been poisoned by the wastes of our industries. To ransom the captive; especially those oppressed by cruel economic and policitical systems, or from addictions to the pleasures of the world. To protect the dignity of the human person, especially in reverently burying the dead. Lord, strengthen us, so that we may teach those who do not see how their lifestyles harm others. So that we may offer hope to those who despair for the future of loved ones or the future of the world. So that we may admonish those who sin against neighbor, the natural order, or the laws of nature. So that we may patiently bear the sufferings inflicted by gluttony and greed. So that we may willingly forgive offences committed against humanity and the goodness of creation. So that we may comfort those afflicted by corruption, by changes to our climate, and by unwholesome desires. So that we may then desire always to pray for the living and the dead. Heavenly Father, through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son, you have opened the floodgates of mercy so that the Spirit may restore what you have created. Help us, your servants, to assist your work here in the remnant of the garden we are called to steward, and among all people, who we are called to embrace, console, and love. Through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Source: written by Bill Patenaude for the Global Catholic Climate Movement. Used with permission. PHOTO COMPOSITE 123RF/DIMABERKUT/ VASSILIY PRIKHODKO 2016 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