Prayer Resource. Mercy is the Lord s most powerful message FOR BOARD MEETINGS DURING THE YEAR OF MERCY Pope Francis

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1 Prayer Resource FOR BOARD MEETINGS DURING THE YEAR OF MERCY 2016 Mercy is the Lord s most powerful message Pope Francis 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

2 EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY USING THESE PRAYER RESOURCES IN THE YEAR OF MERCY Prayer is essential at the commencement of a Board Meeting for focus, to reinforce Catholic identity and to call God s blessings on the proceedings. Prayer time is also formative as it allows those present to examine aspects of life, faith and experience. The prayers in this package focus on the nature of mercy and its application personally and communally as the Year of Mercy unfolds. Many of the ideas are taken from The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis. The structure of each prayer is the same: A quote, picture or other focus for gathering quiet background music is recommended for this part of the prayer and the lighting of a candle. A focus question has been included. (Allow 3 to 5 minutes for this section). A scripture or other chosen reading is provided with a short conceptual or contextual statement if needed. Once the reading has been shared, a few minutes of quiet contemplation should be allowed for focus on the reflection questions. (Allow 3 to 5 minutes for this section). A sharing of responses which is critical for formation and the development of a community of prayer. Leaders should stress that reflection time is not commentary on the thoughts of others but simply a time to share what ideas or thoughts the questions and readings have raised. (Allow 7 to 10 minutes for this section). An intercessional prayer which can be led by one of the board members or said together. At this time, board members could be asked for any specific prayer intentions or remembrances. (Allow 3 to 5 minutes for this section). A blessing and additional text which could be used to close the meeting or, if preferred, used at the conclusion of the opening prayer. Depending on the level of sharing it is estimated that these reflections will take 15 to 25 minutes. They are offered as a guide to key ideas about mercy and can be supplemented with additional readings or other ritual elements such as the use of oil for anointing, sprinkling of water, sign of peace and other symbolic actions. Like the open door at the centre of the Year of Mercy, prayer and sharing are a catalyst for change. They let in the Spirit of wisdom, presence, thanksgiving and communion. They invite participants to open their hearts to new ways of seeing and understanding. They bring God to the forefront of the meeting: its business, concerns, challenges and interactions. LET US NOT BE CLOSED TO THE NEWNESS THAT GOD WANTS TO BRING INTO OUR LIVES MERCY IS THE LORD S MOST POWERFUL MESSAGE (POPE FRANCIS) Visit Mercy Partners website to download a printable version of this resource for your Board:

3 year of mercy prayer resource 1.Opening the Door to the Gift of Mercy GATHERING SPACE When Pope Francis called the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy he expressed confidence that the Church would open its doors to the full realisation of the power of mercy in our world, that the year to come will be steeped in mercy so that we can go out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God. (MV, 2015) > > What does mercy mean to you? > > Can you recall a time when you experienced mercy? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jesus often surprised and shocked his followers and his society more generally in choosing to embrace those on the outskirts physically, socially or morally. These encounters were always transformational, reinforcing the Gospel call to justice and compassion, as well as a deeper challenge to honour God in all persons. Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchae us; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, Zacchae us, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today. So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner. And Zacchae us stood and said to the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold. And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19: 1-10) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > What does the image suggest about the general understanding of mercy in the world? > > Can you recall other occasions from the scriptures where an encounter with Jesus was transformational? > > How does the understanding of mercy as bringing the goodness and tenderness of God to the world inspire your work as a Board?

4 PRAYER Compassionate God, we thank you at the commencement of this Board meeting for the many blessings in our lives. We ask wisdom, compassion, justice and love to join us as directors in this meeting, to inspire and support us in our deliberations and decisions. For the grace to honour everyone we meet as bearers of your great love God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer For the openness to be transformed by our encounters with Jesus in scripture, in the created world, in people and in life experiences God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer For the strength to avoid judgement or alienation of others God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer For the vision to govern with the needs of all in the ministry at the forefront of decisions God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer For the humility to attend to the needs of others through hospitality, care and a listening heart God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer For courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to change God of transforming mercy, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING God of compassion Your merciful eyes See not what we are Nor what we have been But what we long to be loving and beloved Forgiven and accepted Give us a mind and heart As free as your own Open To the possibility of change. (Simmonds) Clothe yourselves then as fitting for God s people, holy and beloved. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. When you have put on all of these take love as your belt, so that the dress is perfect. (Colossians 3) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

5 year of mercy prayer resource 2.The Quality of Mercy GATHERING SPACE The quality of mercy is not strained, It drops as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesses those that give and those who receive. (Adapted from Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice) Pope Francis situates a compassionate, patient and loving God at the heart of the Church of Mercy: God is patient with us because God loves us. (Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy) > > How can truly believing in the reality of God s love create a more merciful world? > > Can you recall a time in your life when showing mercy transformed a situation or relationship? FROM THE SCRIPTURES The parable of the prodigal son and the merciful father is an archetypal story of the transforming power of mercy. Often read as a metaphor for God s patient and eternal love for humankind, it establishes that nothing can separate us from God s love. There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, How many of my father s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants. So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. Your brother has come, he replied, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound. The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, Look! All these years I ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him! My son, the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. (Luke 15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > How do the actions of the older son mirror the tension between mercy and perceptions of justice and fairness? > > Can you recall other Gospel stories in which mercy is given with no judgement?

6 PRAYER Patient and loving God Be with us in this Board meeting. Help us to welcome new ideas and be open to new ways of seeing the world and its possibilities. For the wisdom to seek and discern the way of mercy and love Ever patient God, hear our prayer For the heart to welcome and forgive Ever patient God hear our prayer For the compassion to see and respond to those in need Ever patient God, hear our prayer For the commitment to work tirelessly for the good of all Ever patient God, hear our prayer For openness to your presence in all of our encounters Ever patient God, hear our prayer For courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to change Ever patient God, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING Ever loving God May we, like the merciful father of the Gospel story: Look for ways to embrace those who are lost, fearful or alienated Take opportunities to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings of life Be open to mercy, forgiveness and compassion Act in ways that make your love a tangible reality in our world. Amen. In the parables devoted to mercy, Jesus reveals the nature of God as that of a father who never gives up until he has forgiven the wrong and overcome rejection with compassion and mercy in them we find the core of the Gospel of our faith mercy is a force that overcomes everything, filling the heart with love (Pope Francis) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013). Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2015) Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

7 year of mercy prayer resource 3.Revolutionary Mercy GATHERING SPACE The stone at the entrance to the tomb on Easter Sunday morning was a force to be reckoned with. When the women came to perform their ritual of mercy they were faced with the cold, harsh resistance of a blockade The movement of the stone would have to come from within the tomb. The stone had been put there by broken relationships, obscene violence and the power of fear It was the mercy of God that unblocked the entrance to the tomb the miracle of kindness softened the burial place and the earth trembled with hope. (Burke) The revolutions of history have changed political and economic systems but none have really changed the human heart. True revolution, the revolution that radically transforms life was brought about by Jesus through his resurrection. (Pope Francis) > > What inner strength is needed to move the blocking stones in your life? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Pope Francis states in The Church of Mercy that unless Christians are revolutionaries, they are not Christians. The foundation story of the empty tomb is a moment of revolution, a totally new paradigm, a light moment for the women, for Peter, for the disciples and for all of us. But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise. And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Mag dalene and Joan na and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told this to the apostles; but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home wondering at what had happened. (Luke 24) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > How is the call to be revolutionaries realised in your work on this Board? > > The women s task was one of mercy. Can you recall times when small acts of generosity and care have transformed even the most ordinary situations?

8 PRAYER God of surprises Inspire us in this Board meeting to be revolutionary Christians. May the empty tomb teach us to embrace the new and unexpected as we work to realise the gospel of mercy in our world. For the confidence to find the voice of justice and compassion when we need to speak out God of revolutionary love, challenge us For the faith to embrace a resurrection vision of the world transformed by love God of revolutionary love, challenge us For the trust to embark on new pathways and to seek new horizons in our journey of Mercy God of revolutionary love, challenge us For the humility to live in respectful coexistence with others God of revolutionary love, challenge us For the courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to change God of revolutionary love, challenge us (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING Lord May we be generous in our sharing Courageous in our leadership Gentle in our relationships And merciful in all of our endeavours. Help us to recognise you in everyone we meet. Let us not be closed to the newness God wants to bring to our lives Sanctity does not consist especially in doing extraordinary things, but in allowing God to act. (Pope Francis) May the light of your new life shine forth from us, so that we may fill the world with the good news of your resurrection. (Simmonds) Burke, A. The Quality of Mercy (2015), p53. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p12. Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

9 year of mercy prayer resource 4. Mercy is Inclusive GATHERING SPACE Are we a Church that calls and welcomes sinners with open arms, that gives courage and hope, or are we a Church closed in on herself? Whenever we Christians are enclosed in our groups, our movements, our parishes, in our little worlds, we remain closed, and the same thing happens to us that happens to anything closed it begins to get dank. (Pope Francis) The success of the meeting at the well in Samaria depended on two people who were willing to unchain themselves from the legacy of the past and make a new beginning it was a triumph of mercy. Mercy takes risks because it is fuelled from the heart, drawn not driven, given and received. (Burke) > > Where does exclusion operate in our society today? FROM THE SCRIPTURES There are many times in the scriptures when Jesus challenges the closed social boundaries of his day. The story of the woman at the well is a story of exclusion on many levels: the woman herself comes out in the middle of the day to draw water when no-one else is about. She is an outcast, a woman and a Samaritan many reasons for Jesus to avoid contact. But Jesus does not reject her. He chooses relationship and through his mercy she understands who he is and what he is offering liberation. There came a woman of Samar ia to draw water. Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samar ia? For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water. The woman said to him, Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle? Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. The woman said to him, Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw water. (John 4: 1-15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > If you knew who it is that is speaking to you How do Jesus words challenge us to inclusivity? > > Can you recall other times when Jesus, through word or action, challenged segregation or alienation on any basis? > > How can you practice inclusivity at a Board level?

10 PRAYER May we be open, God of mercy, to your call for an inclusivity and welcome for all. May we look upon our world with your eyes, listen to the cry of those who are marginalised with your ears and respond from hearts filled with your love. May we be merciful to all because you are merciful to us. For those who feel alienated and alone Welcoming God, hear our prayer For refugees and displaced people around the world Welcoming God, hear our prayer For those who leave homes of violence and abuse Welcoming God, hear our prayer For those separated from society through sickness, infirmity or imprisonment Welcoming God, hear our prayer For broken families, fractured relationships and those battling inner turmoil Welcoming God, hear our prayer For courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to others Welcoming God, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING God of Mercy Each day you walk with us Present in every aspect of our human existence. Help us to pour out mercy on those we meet The abandoned and forgotten Those who struggle Friends and family Work colleagues and strangers May we embrace all with your tenderness and compassion. (Simmonds) Let us ask the Lord: Lord, grant that we be more and more united, never to be instruments of division; enable us to commit ourselves, as the beautiful Franciscan prayer says, to sowing love where there is hatred; where there is injury, pardon; and union where there is discord. (Pope Francis) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013). Burke, A. The Quality of Mercy (2015), p28. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p32. Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

11 year of mercy prayer resource 5. Being Mercy GATHERING SPACE In God s great plan, every detail is important, even yours even the hidden witness of those who live their faith with simplicity in everyday family relationships, work relationships, friendships. Let us all remember this: one cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus without the tangible witness of ones life. (Pope Francis) Mercy is more than justice; it is a matter of attentiveness and sensitivity to the concrete needs we encounter. (Kasper) > > When is mercy manifest in the ordinary events of our lives? > > How does the image capture the heart of mercy? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jesus actions in washing the feet of his disciples are widely regarded as a template for Christian service to others. The objections raised by Peter however are interesting he speaks from a cultural paradigm of class distinction. It is inconceivable from Peter s perspective that the Messiah would wash the feet of fishermen. This is the heart of Jesus message, an overturning of human notions of superiority in favour of an approach which honours God in all people. During supper, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus answered, You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand. Peter said to him, You will never wash my feet. Jesus answered, Unless I wash you, you have no share with me. Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head! Jesus said to him, One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you. For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, Not all of you are clean. After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. (John 13: 1-15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > Peter asks Jesus Are you going to wash my feet? How willing are we to have Christ touch us through the actions of others? > > The question of superiority raised in this scripture is an important one how can charity reinforce social inequalities? > > Pope Francis calls on all people not to do mercy but to be mercy how can you live this call?

12 PRAYER Living God In this board meeting may we be inspired by Jesus leadership example to look for ways to serve those in our ministries, our society and our own circle of family and friends. Give us hearts that respond generously to the needs of others Living God, hear our prayer Give us minds that are open to the demands of justice and fairness in our world Living God, hear our prayer Give us hands that are unafraid to reach out and touch with kindness those made poor Living God, hear our prayer Give us feet that are willing to go the extra mile Living God, hear our prayer Give us the courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to Jesus call to radical social transformation Living God, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING May we be Mercy, Living God In our living, striving and responding May your compassion and humility find such a home in us, that our every action reflects your love. Help us to know you in our service to others. Open us to the power of the washing of feet ours and others around us. Amen Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Jesus, adapted from Matthew 25) Nothing is too little to be noticed. (Mary MacKillop, 1873) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p62. Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013), p84. Kasper, W Mercy (2013) p143. Burke, A. The Quality of Mercy (2015), p17. Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

13 year of mercy prayer resource 6. Building Communities of Mercy GATHERING SPACE Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12) > > The foundation of a community of mercy is unity. > > How do the image and the metaphors of the single body and the symphony suggest the nature of this unity? The Church is catholic because she is the home of harmony where unity and diversity know how to merge to become a great source of wealth. Let us think about the image of a symphony, which implies accord, harmony, various instruments playing together. (Pope Francis) FROM THE CHURCH OF MERCY BY POPE FRANCIS In Chapter 9 of The Church of Mercy, Pope Francis outlines the key elements of a Christian understanding of the common good. A Church of Mercy promotes, makes present and advocates for the common good in the world. As a consequence, building a community of mercy must start with these principles. Magnanimity: having a great heart, greatness of mind, great ideals and the wish to do great things; doing the little everyday things with a heart open to God and to others. Freedom: being able to think about what we do, being able to assess what is good and opting for good even if it means going against the tide. Service: working for a more just world. Not remaining insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world. Human Dignity: if all people, created by God, are equal and have God-given dignity, then this dignity demands an active participation in life and a contribution to the common good. Solidarity: seeing others not as rivals or statistics, but brothers and sisters. The measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need. Commitment to Peace: peace is the responsibility of everyone. Peace requires a persistent, patient, strong, intelligent dialogue by which nothing is lost. The fundamentals of life: family, life, education, health and security. There is neither real promotion of the common good nor real human development when there is ignorance of these fundamental pillars. FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > How do the principles outlined by Pope Francis for the common good challenge your work as a board member? > > What aspects of Pope Francis principles for the common good speak strongly to you?

14 PRAYER May we be challenged, Compassionate God, to work at all times for the common good in our personal, professional and communal life. Help us to inspire others to join the orchestra of unity and love which sustains communities of mercy. For reconciliation and justice for Indigenous Australians Compassionate God, help us build unity For a spirit of welcome to those who seek refuge in our country from war and violence Compassionate God, help us build unity For persistent, patient, strong, intelligent dialogue about peace and freedom in our nation Compassionate God, help us build unity For greatness of heart, greatness of mind, great ideals and the wish to do great things Compassionate God, help us build unity For solidarity with all people, especially those who struggle Compassionate God, help us build unity For courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to working tirelessly for the common good Compassionate God, help us build unity (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING Compassionate God Bless us with Minds open to the possibilities of a more just society Hearts nourished by our contemplation of your call to mercy and hands ready to act for unity and the common good. May we embrace all with your tenderness and compassion and work tirelessly to build communities of mercy. Freedom means being able to think about what we do, being able to assess what is good and what is bad, these are the type of conduct that lead to development, it means always opting for the good. Let us be free for goodness. And in this do not be afraid to go against the tide, even if it is not easy. (Pope Francis) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013). Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), pp Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

15 year of mercy prayer resource 7. Countercultural Mercy GATHERING SPACE I far prefer a Church that has had a few accidents to a Church that has fallen sick from being closed. Go out! Go out! Jesus stands at the door and knocks. (Pope Francis) Modernity has been marked by an excessive anthropocentrism which today, under another guise, continues to stand in the way of shared understanding and of any effort to strengthen social bonds. The time has come to pay renewed attention to reality and the limits it imposes; this in turn is the condition for a more sound and fruitful development of individuals and society. (Pope Francis: Laudato Si ) > > In what ways is the message of mercy countercultural? > > Pope Francis is writing about the need for common action on climate change and the environment in Laudato Si. What other areas of society need a more merciful approach? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Elijah lived in a shifting world, threatened by abusive power and a culture of death. Isolated in his commitment to truth, he felt like the last remnant of the faithful, surrounded by voices of unbelief (Simmonds). In this way he is an exemplar of those who stand against the prevailing trends: those who stand for truth; those who stand with those made poor. But Elijah went a day s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors. Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, Get up and eat. He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you. He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, What are you doing here, Elijah? He answered, I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > What sustains you when life s pressures become too much? > > Where does mercy come into conflict with other priorities in your board experience?

16 PRAYER Be with us as we meet as a board today. Guide our decisions and our visioning for the future. May we be prepared to challenge restrictive and exclusive mindsets as we build more merciful communities. Help us build an open Church which stands against the culture of individualism and greed Living God, hear our prayer Help us close doors against violence and injustice Living God, hear our prayer Help us challenge a culture that devalues the human person the disabled, the elderly, the refugee, the unborn child Living God, hear our prayer Empower us to stand in solidarity with the environment and all of creation Living God, hear our prayer Remind us constantly that true mercy demands justice for all Living God, hear our prayer Give us courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to recognise the God in all Living God, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING When we want to shut our eyes to the culture of economic rationalism, border protection and corporate greed Remind us, God of Justice That mercy does not judge It does not discriminate It does not take account of skin colour, political views or bank balances It seeks the best for all Because all of creation is a reflection of You. Make us ever sensitive to the call of your name echoing in the quiet places where you wait for us. Amen When the Church attests to God s mercy it proclaims the deepest truth about God, that God is love and is ever forgiving, and the deepest truth about humans, that God is always with us. (Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013), p72. Pope Francis: Laudato Si, p97. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p22. Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

17 year of mercy prayer resource 8. Living Mercy: Mary GATHERING SPACE Whenever we look to Mary, we come to believe once again in the revolutionary nature of love and tenderness. In her we see that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak, but of the strong, who need not treat others poorly in order to feel important themselves. (Pope Francis) Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for God has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. God s mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. God has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty (Luke 1) > > Pope Francis asserts that a Church of Mercy must have a Marian style. What would this Church look and feel like? FROM POPE FRANCIS: THE CHURCH OF MERCY Three words sum up Mary s attitude: listening, decision, action. They are words that point out a way (the following is a summary of the Marian style which Pope Francis urges the Church and all people to adopt. They are a way to mercy). Mary was attentive to God she listened to both the words and events of her time. Mary was humane, practical and a realist. She made decisions, after careful reflection, and then acted. Mary gave human flesh to God s love. What took place most singularly in the Virgin Mary also takes place within us, spiritually, when we receive the word of God with a good and sincere heart. It is as if God takes flesh within us? Mary s faith journey is a model for all Christians, to follow Jesus in humility, mercy, closeness to others and rejecting hypocrisy, duplicity and idolatry. Mary is a constant point of reference for the Church she let herself be guided by the Holy Spirit towards service and fruitfulness. Mary was countercultural she praised God for bringing down the mighty from their thrones and sending the rich away empty. Mary was of service to others. Mary was revolutionary she lived love and tenderness. FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > What aspects of the Marian style affirm your ideas of mercy? > > How could these principles be applied to Church ministries and the world more broadly?

18 PRAYER God of love and tenderness Be with us as we meet as a board this evening. May we be open, like Mary, to your call to attentiveness, justice and hope in word and action. We pray that your word will take flesh within each of us so that we may help birth a new world of compassion and mercy. For a world in which human freedom is more important than borders and security Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer For a Church in which all are welcome and diversity and equity are celebrated Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer For a society which champions altruism and generosity rather than competition and materialism Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer For our Board, that we may strive to work in a Marian style honouring relationships and the needs of all in the community Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer For ourselves that we embrace the call to honour the God in others Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer Give us courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to the power of a merciful way of living and being Mary of Mercy, hear our prayer (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING Mary s Magnificat proclaims the reversal of values in a world where the strongest survive and the poor are trampled upon. An individual woman exults in the power of God, shining through her human weakness. Jesus declares his solidarity with humanity, each one of us, through him, a beloved daughter or son in whom God is well pleased. Each human encounter can become an Annunciation, a Visitation. The God in me greets the God in you, goes the Easter greeting. How often do we meet another and honour God in that person? If we really believed and acted on this, our world would be transformed. (Simmonds) When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. (Luke 1) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013), p28. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), pp Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

19 year of mercy prayer resource 9a. Living Mercy: Founders GATHERING SPACE Mercy is more than charity: it not only bestows benefits but receives us anew, and pardons again and again even the most ungrateful. (Catherine McAuley) The word solidarity is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few (Pope Francis) > > How did Catherine McAuley go in search of the lost sheep of her day? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jesus often uses parables and images of things lost and found to highlight the nature of God, who in this story is patience, love and compassion. The sub-text reminds us that no one is too unimportant to be found or helped or engaged in relationship. Lost and found - you can t have one without the other and this reading asks us to consider lost from where? lost by whom? While a rational response would be to look after the ninety-nine sheep that you have, Jesus is reminding us that the lost sheep is also precious in God s sight. Like Pope Francis who urges us to go to the outskirts to build inclusive communities, Catherine McAuley also defied social conventions to seek out those who were truly marginalised and made poor. Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. So Jesus told them this parable: Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > The parable of the Lost Sheep challenges all of us to be alert for those who are lost. > > Who are the lost sheep in our society, ministry, world? > > How do Mercy ministries find the lost and celebrate their return?

20 PRAYER God of mercy and tenderness Help us to see the lost sheep in our everyday lives. Give us the courage of Catherine McAuley to reach out in practical ways to those who need our love and compassion. May we be ever mindful of the challenges in our Board work which call for inclusivity and a merciful response. For Mercy ministries around the world which shepherd those who are lost For struggling families and victims of domestic violence For those who struggle to find work and direction in life For the homeless and those for whom home is not welcoming For our world which cries out for merciful climate policies Give us courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to the power of a merciful way of living and being (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING The voice of mercy is echoed in the lives of three Irish women, ordinary in extraordinary ways. Catherine McAuley, Nano Nagle and Mary Aikenhead are now recognised as women who worked tirelessly to set free the oppressed people of their time. They were women who had great opportunities, but instead they chose shepherding. They were drawn into the heart of mercy, ever radical, always prophetic Mercy is the shepherd s staff. (Anna Burke) The words of Catherine McAuley reflect the size of mercy: We can never say it is enough. (Luke 1) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p26. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Burke, A The Quality of Mercy (2015), p43. McAuley, C Familiar Instructions (1927), p2 Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

21 year of mercy prayer resource 9b. Living Mercy: Founders GATHERING SPACE Love one another as you have hitherto done. Spend your lives for the poor. (Nano Nagle) The word solidarity is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few (Pope Francis) > > How did Nano Nagle go in search of the lost sheep of her day? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jesus often uses parables and images of things lost and found to highlight the nature of God, who in this story is patience, love and compassion. The sub-text reminds us that no one is too unimportant to be found or helped or engaged in relationship. Lost and found - you can t have one without the other and this reading asks us to consider lost from where? lost by whom? While a rational response would be to look after the ninety-nine sheep that you have, Jesus is reminding us that the lost sheep is also precious in God s sight. Like Pope Francis who urges us to go to the outskirts to build inclusive communities, Nano Nagle also defied social conventions to seek out those who were truly marginalised and made poor. Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. So Jesus told them this parable: Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > The parable of the Lost Sheep challenges all of us to be alert for those who are lost. > > Who are the lost sheep in our society, ministry, world? > > How do Presentation ministries find the lost and celebrate their return?

22 PRAYER God of mercy and tenderness Help us to see the lost sheep in our everyday lives. Give us the courage of Nano Nagle to reach out in practical ways to those who need our love and compassion. May we be ever mindful of the challenges in our Board work which call for inclusivity and a merciful response. For Presentation ministries around the world which shepherd those who are lost For struggling families and victims of domestic violence For those who struggle to find work and direction in life For the homeless and those for whom home is not welcoming For our world which cries out for merciful climate policies Give us courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to the power of a merciful way of living and being (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING The voice of mercy is echoed in the lives of three Irish women, ordinary in extraordinary ways. Catherine McAuley, Nano Nagle and Mary Aikenhead are now recognised as women who worked tirelessly to set free the oppressed people of their time. They were women who had great opportunities, but instead they chose shepherding. They were drawn into the heart of mercy, ever radical, always prophetic Mercy is the shepherd s staff. (Anna Burke) The persons whom Nano knew herself called to serve were among the least ones of Cork society. She had to choose to disregard the social barriers and attitudes of her times to assert their worth. To be in the situation of a school mistress was lowly enough; to educate the very poor, and girls at that, was regarded by many at that time as a wasteful and harmful interference with the decrees of Providence. (Raphael Consedine) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p26. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Burke, A The Quality of Mercy (2015), p43. Consedine, R One Pace Beyond, The last recorded words of Nano Nagle, Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

23 year of mercy prayer resource 9c. Living Mercy: Founders GATHERING SPACE Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. (attributed to St Francis of Assisi) The word solidarity is a little worn and at times poorly understood, but it refers to something more than a few sporadic acts of generosity. It presumes the creation of a new mindset which thinks in terms of community and the priority of the life of all over the appropriation of goods by a few (Pope Francis) > > How did St Francis go in search of the lost sheep of his day? FROM THE SCRIPTURES Jesus often uses parables and images of things lost and found to highlight the nature of God, who in this story is patience, love and compassion. The sub-text reminds us that no one is too unimportant to be found or helped or engaged in relationship. Lost and found - you can t have one without the other and this reading asks us to consider lost from where? lost by whom? While a rational response would be to look after the ninety-nine sheep that you have, Jesus is reminding us that the lost sheep is also precious in God s sight. Like Pope Francis who urges us to go to the outskirts to build inclusive communities, St Francis also defied social conventions to live in harmony with the poor and all of creation. Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them. So Jesus told them this parable: Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > The parable of the Lost Sheep challenges all of us to be alert for those who are lost. > > Who are the lost sheep in our society, ministry, world? > > How do Franciscan ministries find the lost and celebrate their return?

24 PRAYER God of mercy and tenderness Help us to see the lost sheep in our everyday lives. Give us the courage and vision of St Francis to live with love and compassion. May we be ever mindful of the challenges in our Board work which call for inclusivity and a merciful response. For Franciscan ministries around the world which shepherd those who are lost For struggling families and victims of domestic violence For those who struggle to find work and direction in life For the homeless and those for whom home is not welcoming For our world which cries out for merciful climate policies Give us courage, in this Year of Mercy, to open the doors of our hearts to the power of a merciful way of living and being (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING Let us ask the Lord: Lord, grant that we be more and more united, never to be instruments of division; enable us to commit ourselves, as the beautiful Franciscan prayer says, to sowing love where there is hatred; where there is injury pardon; and union where there is discord. (Pope Francis) Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. (Francis of Assisi) Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), pp26, 32. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Quotes from St Francis of Assisi retrieved from Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014

25 year of mercy prayer resource 10. Mercy Takes Many Forms GATHERING SPACE What took place most singularly in the Virgin Mary also takes place within us, spiritually, when we receive the word of God with a good and sincere heart and put it into practice. It is as if God takes flesh within us; he comes to dwell in us, for he dwells in all who love him and keep his word. (Pope Francis) Do you think Jesus incarnation is simply a past event which has nothing to do with us personally? Believing in Jesus means giving him flesh, with the humility and courage of Mary, so that he can continue to dwell in our midst. It means giving him our hands to caress the little ones and the poor; our feet, to go forth and meet our brothers and sisters; our arms, to hold up the weak our minds, to think and act in the light of the Gospel and especially to offer our hearts to love (Pope Francis) > > In this painting Köder links the birth and death of Christ into the one event. > > Both are acts of love, which transformed the world. > > How do you see these events in your life? FROM THE SCRIPTURES The announcement of the birth of Jesus is according to Luke s Gospel, the song of angels delivered not to dignitaries or kings, but to shepherds sitting in the blackness with their flocks. This humble audience was terrified, but the story suggests that the Christ child has come for all, even the socially marginalised and isolated. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours! When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2: 8-20) FOR REFLECTION AND SHARING > > During the Year of Mercy these prayers have focussed on aspects of mercy and its importance in the world. > > What have you brought to birth in your life this year?

26 PRAYER God of Love Inspire us anew by the story of the birth of your son. May we open our own lives to your indwelling love and recognise this love in the lives of all we meet. Gift us with resilience and patience in our dealings with others God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts Bless us with kindness and care in our day to day lives God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts Make strong in us the passion for justice in our society God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts Challenge us to live the mercy we have been given God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts Instil in us understanding of your will for us God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts Give us courage, as this Year of Mercy comes to an end, to keep open the doors of our hearts to the call to mercy and compassion in our lives God of Bethlehem, be born anew in our hearts (Pause for any special intentions) FOR THE END OF THE MEETING A BLESSING Whenever we look into a crib this Christmas season May we remember the call to give flesh to Christ s mission of love in the world. Amid the busyness of family and friends May the hospitality of our hearts expand. If we glimpse our reflection in a mirror or pool May we see an image of our God who is Mercy When we feel the distance from people around the world May the Christ child draw us into unity. (adapted from Gilroy, O Sullivan, Gallagher & Sippel) Why a Jubilee of Mercy? What does this mean? the Pope asked pilgrims present in St. Peter s Square December 9, 2015 for his weekly general audience. The answer, he said, is because the Church needs this extraordinary moment. I m not [just] saying it s good, no! I m saying: the Church needs it. (Pope Francis) HAS THE YEAR OF MERCY MADE A DIFFERENCE TO YOU? Illustration from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: The Church of Mercy (2014), p152. Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Cath News Online December Gilroy, O Sullivan, Gallagher & Sippel, Act Walk Love (2007) p49. Image from Sieger Köder Art and Inspiration. Pope Francis: Misericordiae Vultus (2015). Luke 19: Bible: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Simmonds, G: The Closeness of God (2013) 2016 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. MERCY PARTNERS info@mercypartners.org.au PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014