Yumi kamap wanem kain lain long grasia bilong God?
Who are we becoming by the grace of God?
Cover v1.indd 1 02-Mar-17 11:11:10 AM
Report from the Institute Leadership Team to the Second Chapter of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea
August 13 - 26, 2017 LETTER Table of Contents
Introduction Page 4
God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry Page 7
Our Way of Living Page 25
Leadership and Governance Page 43
Organisational Culture and Framework Page 63
Sustaining Institute Ministries Page 77
Stewardship of Our Resources Page 85
Communication and Networking Page 103
Embracing a Future with Hope Page 109
Appendices Page 117
List of Acronyms Page 149
List of Graphs Page 151
List of Tables Page 153
References Page 155 Introduction Tok i go pas This Report tells the story of the first five years and three months of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG). Seen through the eyes of the founding Institute Leadership Team (ILT) it gathers together the threads of the life and mission of ISMAPNG which continue to emerge in response to the directions expressed in our 2011 Chapter Statement and in our Constitutions, approved in November 2012.
During our time in leadership, the ILT has been As members of ISMAPNG we follow Catherine walking a path through the partially known and the McAuley as we seek to “advance the reign of God unknown, attempting to respond authentically to by engaging in the spiritual and corporal works the opportunities and challenges emerging from of mercy.” (Constitutions J2.10) Catherine firmly many directions. We have been engaging in ‘brukim believed that mercy was ‘the business of our lives.’ bus’ – making a path in the bush where a path does We continue to shape our Institute and live our lives not exist as yet! While it is a privileged role, leading in the context of the wider realities of the Church in a time of change is not easy, especially when our and our earth community, sharing the joys and pains ministry of leadership is involved in the establishment of ordinary people every day. Pope Francis urges us of a new religious Institute at a time when ministerial to respond to ‘the cry of the earth and the cry of the religious life itself continues to change and the future poor’, to ‘wake up the world’ through the witness of is unknown. Many small steps, with some great how we live. strides and some stumbles, have been taken since December 2011 when ISMAPNG became a reality. A snapshot of our Institute at this time shows the These steps reflect the good will, insights, expertise emergence of many interconnecting elements. and endeavours of our Sisters and our many In weaving the bilum, in creating the tapestry which mercy colleagues. is ISMAPNG, many different threads or strands are coming together. FOCUSING THE REPORT Yumi kamap wanem kain lain long grasia bilong God - who are we becoming by the grace of God? This question is providing a focus for our Chapter preparation and we have chosen it as the title of our Report. We hope our document provides some additional or complementary insights which can be integrated with what is already emerging from the various Phases of our Chapter preparation, thus helping to shape a credible response to such an important question. We are mindful of a similar question posed by Sandra Schneiders in Finding the Treasure (Paulist Press, 2000, p. 288) when she invited religious women and men to reflect on the life and mission of their religious congregations and to ask ‘who have we become by the grace of God?’ Given we are still in the early days of ISMAPNG we are exploring who we are becoming rather than what we have become.
4 WE RECOGNIZE SEVEN INTERCONNECTING THREADS:
God’s mercy as the source of our mission and ministry: a deepening sense of our mercy charism as an invitation to share in the mission of Jesus through 1. our interconnectedness with all of creation;
Our way of living: an ongoing commitment to personal transformation and involvement in the life of Communities and the Institute more broadly as central 2. to our way of living;
Leadership and Governance: a growing appreciation of the multi-dimensional 3. nature of leadership and the complexities of governance in ISMAPNG;
Organizational culture and framework: a developing understanding of the factors 4. shaping our Institute;
Sustaining Institute ministries: an emerging collaborative approach to sustaining 5. Institute ministries into the future;
Stewardship of our Resources: an embracing of the call to be generous, 6. wise and prudent stewards of our resources;
Communication and networking: an increasing focus on the quality, purpose and 7. scope of our communication and networking.
You are invited to engage with the threads of this APPROACHING EACH THREAD story as you read the Report in its electronic or We encourage you to sit with the material in each hard copy formats. Each of the seven threads is thread and then with the Report as a whole and to explored in some detail, situated in the context reflect on it. Critique it in light of your experience of selected quotes from our Constitutions, with of these early years of ISMAPNG and the future you relevant supporting data provided to enhance the see unfolding. You may see some things differently content. We recognize that aspects of our life and from how we see them. You might place more or less mission permeate each thread so we have been emphasis on some issues. You may have experienced selective in determining where we situate the more some of the challenges differently from how or where comprehensive exploration of a particular aspect. we have experienced them. We thank God for the In some threads additional information is referred various lenses through which we view our Mercy to and included in an Appendix. To conclude each reality, for the myriad of threads which constitute thread we share our learnings and identify some the fabric of our lives as mercy women! particular challenges associated with the thread before inviting you into a reflective space for You are also invited to critique the Report with others consideration of the two questions we have posed. as together we ‘judge our life and mission and You are also directed to some additional resources the reality of our world according to the mind of available on our website. Christ.’ (Constitutions 5.03) We hope that threads
5 of your story, as with the stories of all Sisters and a) What issues, if any, from the Report, do you mercy people associated with ISMAPNG, are found think should go to the Chapter? (Responses to in the bilum, in the tapestry too. We also hope that this question are to be sent in and collated). your prayerful consideration of this Report and other b) What issues, if any, from the Report could relevant material will enhance the preparations for become part of the conversation within our second Institute Chapter in August 2017. your Community?
INTEGRATING THE REPORT INTO c) What issues, if any, from the Report could become part of your ongoing CHAPTER PREPARATION personal reflection? During the period between the launch of our Report on April 3 and the commencement of a shared reflection period on May 4 we encourage you to take up our invitation to reflect prayerfully on the CONTINUING THE JOURNEY interconnecting threads we have identified and on the In her Foreword to the Acts of Chapter and focus questions for each thread. You may prefer to do Foundation Documents, dated March 1, 2012, our this individually or with other living nearby or with a Institute Leader, Berneice Loch RSM, wrote: few via Skype. “The first six years of this new Institute provide We are conscious that a great deal of material has a once-in-its-history opportunity to realize the emerged already from the various phases of our hopes and dreams that inspired the process of Chapter preparation and from our local participation reconfiguring. Those of us who have accepted in the Mercy International Reflection Process leadership in ‘the new’ understand that we have (MIRP). Some material has been identified as an a crucial role in this time and we thank you for emerging priority for consideration at Chapter; the trust you place in us. We are very happy to other material has been identified for consideration note the widespread understanding among the within Communities of our Institute and other Sisters that establishing the new is the task of material may be for our own personal consideration. every Sister. In the first few weeks and months We hope your reflections as part of Phase 5 in our of the new Institute your commitment has been Chapter preparation process will assist you to make an inspiration. There are many challenges ahead connections between existing material and the and the Chapter urges us to face them with aspects of our life and mission addressed in Catherine’s confidence that God’s providence our Report. will be sufficient. She says to us, “While we place all our confidence in God, we must act as if all Between May 4 and May 20 we invite you to gather depended on our exertions”.” in a small group to focus on the questions below and to send in for collation your group’s responses to Five years and three months into the new, drawing the first question. Material deemed appropriate to on our experience of the ministry of Institute go to the Chapter will be forwarded to the Chapter leadership, we open up these reflections for your Preparation Committee, thereby providing another prayerful consideration. The threads of our life and pathway for your reflections to inform the mission, captured in the cover and section headings, Chapter agenda. woven together by the words and images on the pages before you, constitute our Report to the Focus questions for small group consideration Second Chapter of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of In light of your reflection on the ILT Report and Australia and Papua New Guinea. Together, may we in response to your consideration of the various embrace a future with hope. challenges and questions it has raised:
6
THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry As women of faith, through our baptism and our religious profession, we are called to carry on God’s creative work. “We know that, as members of the Earth community, we are integrally connected with each other and with the whole of creation.” (Constitutions 2.02).
Our 2011 Chapter statement articulates this call (J2.10) proclaim that “the members of the Institute for our time, a call which unfolds as we enter more follow Catherine McAuley in seeking to advance deeply into a relationship with Jesus who embodies the reign of God by engaging in the spiritual and God’s love for all creation. In this thread we situate corporal works of mercy.” The works of mercy were our Mercy mission and ministry, undertaken in the at the heart of Catherine’s vision and ministry, as they name of our Institute, within the call of the gospel, are for us as an Institute. through the lens of the works of mercy. We focus first on the ministry of our Sisters and then on our For almost everyone reading this Report, our endeavours to respond to the broad directions particular ministry and the location of it did not coming from the Chapter. Detailed consideration of change overnight on December 12, 2011; however, our institutional or incorporated ministries is included the new religious Institute which came into being elsewhere, in the ‘Sustaining Institute Ministries’ that day invited our ongoing participation in ‘fleshing thread. We identify some of the challenges faced, out’ our mission and ministry directions in light responses made and initiatives taken with respect to of our Chapter statement. We began the task of mission and ministry in these first years of ISMAPNG. creating something new when many externals had not changed – so what did it mean to say that ‘we The gospel call to mercy echoes from the concluding reconfigured for mission’? We are still great parable of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew 25, answering that question! vs 31 - 46. Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned one/s. To RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING respond to them in their need is to respond to Jesus. OUR FIDELITY TO MISSION It is to be caught up in his mission of mercy. The spheres of action for creating the new with respect to mission and ministry were many and Through our relationship with Jesus we are drawn varied. We set about establishing relationships into that mission of mercy. We recognize ‘mission’ as whereby we could all come to know each other better the bigger picture/more universal call around who we and share something of our ministry involvements. are and how we are in our world, a call to which each This was an important part of creating the new and of us is invited to respond through our involvement in Community Leaders gave much time and energy to ministry. Our Constitutions express this relationship this, especially in the early days. We know that many between mission and ministry as follows: “Whatever Sisters also made great efforts to establish new and wherever our ministry is … we are part of the relationships across ISMAPNG. As ILT members, we one mercy mission, part of the ongoing mission had some prior knowledge of the range of ministry of the compassionate Jesus.” (Constitutions 4.03) involvements amongst the Sisters but there were In describing the aim of ISMAPNG, our Constitutions gaps in our collective knowledge. Our attendance at
8 the commissioning rituals for Community Leaders in hopes for what might be possible in the future. More 2012, at our Institute gatherings and the launching of recently, feedback from visits to each Community by our Constitutions during 2013 provided opportunities the Mission Animation team and Executive Leader for us to interact with Sisters across our Institute Mission and Ministry in 2016 has confirmed a passion in the initial years, as did the Mission Gatherings for mission, a realistic sense of what is possible given in 2014. At our regular meetings with Community our changing capacity for ministry, a sense of some Leaders we received updates on mission and ministry lost opportunities in hindsight but no sense that developments. At other times too, through your mercy ministry is dying out! correspondence with us, individual meetings and the conversations held when we have met informally we The diagram below shows each of the fifteen works have been inspired by your practical and creative of mercy surrounding the core purpose or stated responses to the needs of the people whose lives aim of our Institute. We have included the traditional interact with yours. seven spiritual and seven corporal works of mercy and the most recently proclaimed work of mercy, that During our time of formal Visitation in 2015, from of ‘caring for our common home’. As vowed women, those we visited at home and/or at their place of from the time of our First Profession each of us has work, we were privileged to see and to hear firsthand been engaged, either formally or informally, in these about the wonderful ministry being undertaken works of mercy. across our Institute. We also heard some concerns expressed about future ministry directions as well as
Praying for Sheltering the living the homeless and the Consoling the Visiting the dead sick afflicted
Caring for our Admonishing common home sinners We seek to "advance the Burying the reign of God by Forgiving dead engaging in the offences spiritual and Counselling the corporal works of Visiting those doubtful in prison mercy." (Constitutions J2.10) Giving water to the Bearing thirsty wrongs patiently Instructing Clothing the Feeding the ignorant the naked hungry
9 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
The ministry of each one of us is important, no matter people you would not have chosen if the decision had the length of time we have been involved, the location been yours alone. of our ministry or its focus. We minister in many different ways: If we were to capture somehow the density and variety of the works of mercy in which the 809 of us • Some minister mainly at home in their place are currently engaged as Sisters of Mercy no matter of residence; where we are located, what a colourful tapestry would • Some volunteer within and/or beyond ISMAPNG; unfold! It would reveal a wide range of ministries, many of which were founded by the pioneer women • Some minister within ISMAPNG in specific roles; and their companions and continued, replicated, • Some minister within our institutional or adapted and transformed by those who followed in incorporated ministries; their footsteps across each generation since 1846 in • Some minister within other church-based or Australia and since 1956 in Papua New Guinea. We community organizations; have continued to respond to needs as best we could with the resources available to us. Two new resources • Some minister across a range of geographical became available. We commissioned Adele Howard areas and groups. RSM in late 2013 to develop a DVD to tell the story of ISMAPNG’s origins and early days. The DVD ‘The Story of ISMAPNG: coming together for mission’ is Our engagement in works of mercy has probably accompanied by a CD-ROM ‘The Mercy Story: Leading been in a variety of contexts and in a range of roles, to the founding of ISMAPNG’. The Ministries booklet some formally commissioned while others were not. prepared by the Mercy Ethos team and distributed We can be engaged literally when we visit someone in to Sisters in 2014 gives an overview of our current prison or provide water to a thirsty traveller or teach areas of ministry involvement as an Institute. Many someone a new skill or concept. Figuratively we can ministries are being continued in our name today be engaged when we keep lines of communication under the leadership of women and men who are also going with someone imprisoned by fear or when we committed to responding mercifully to those in need. spend time with someone thirsting for companionship Through our involvement in ministry governance and or when we teach others to overcome prejudice our ongoing interest in local mercy ministry across towards a newcomer. You are invited to recall the ISMAPNG we support and encourage these Mercy different stages of your mercy ministry journey and leaders in whatever way we can. the particular path you have taken, using the diagram as a focus point. At the closing of the Holy Door to conclude the Jubilee • As you look back on your religious life which of Year of Mercy, Pope Francis, in Misericordia et these works have been part of your formal or Misera (2016, p. 29), reminded us that “the door of informal ministry over the years? mercy of our heart continues to remain wide open.” He went on to say that our hearts can craft the works • If you were to reflect on the past day or the past of mercy “in a thousand different ways” and that “each week of your life, in which of these works have one takes on a different form.” (p. 36). The quality you been engaged, literally or figuratively? of our ‘being mercy’ and ‘doing mercy’ continues to shape who we are becoming. We can only be called to do what we are capable of doing and there is As examples come to mind you might like to identify humility in acknowledging that reality. Many of us are them in some way on the diagram or to ponder in a transition time, a time when we are moving out them in your heart, giving thanks for the mercy of of involvement in explicit ministry/ies or outreach God which has been revealed to you through these activities, often after many years of full time or part interactions, through the giving and receiving of mercy time involvement. Many of us are realizing that, as in a particular time and place. No doubt there have we are unable to undertake a specific ministry any been difficult periods, situations and times when more, we can still participate in the transformation of efforts appeared to go unrecognized or contributions our world and we are finding many ways to do that. taken for granted. No doubt, there have been It is as if a deeper awareness of mission is emerging opportunities opened up to minister in areas or with and that we are moving into a fuller continuation of mission where contemplation and activity come closer together. Some of us may be finding our transitions 10 difficult to negotiate. We need to find effective ways together to do this. Engaging the ILT, Community of helping each other make these transitions life- Leaders and others in theological reflection with the giving and of ensuring an appropriate balance in MCIC was also significant. One major outcome from our lives. the first theological reflection process was a shift in thinking about Mission Centres as ‘places’, towards JOURNEYING FROM ‘MISSION CENTRES’ the deeper concept that ‘Mission centres us’ where TO OUR INSTITUTE MISSION AND we are in our life and ministry. MINISTRY UNIT The MCIC recognized the value of networks for those Leading up to the 2011 Chapter, there was much involved in similar ministries across ISMAPNG and of conversation about the establishment of Mission bringing such groups together to discern possibilities Centres, with centres envisaged in each of the North, for coordination of mission activity. Gatherings of Central and Southern Regions of the new Institute, to Sisters working in pastoral ministry and of those provide a focus for mission and ministry. We sought working with detainees in detention centres are two the assistance of others in determining the best way examples of initiatives taken by the MCIC to enhance of taking the concept further as we engaged with existing networks. our Chapter statement. We greatly appreciated the work of and subsequent recommendations from the The role of the Justice Co-ordinator for ISMA Mission Centres Implementation Committee (MCIC) continued through into ISMAPNG during this time and the Institute Mission Team (IMT). Both groups as did the Mercy Global Action representative. We engaged with Sisters and our ministry partners in are grateful to Carmel Heagerty RSM for her ministry order to clarify a way forward. Both groups assisted in this area. The linking of advocacy and justice was us to grapple with many issues during the four years a challenging role during these early days when it leading up to implementing the framework we have was unclear where issues and concerns could be now, with the establishment of our Institute Mission addressed within ISMAPNG as well as enabling us to and Ministry Unit and the Mission Animation team, be a voice beyond our boundaries. both of which came into being in January 2016.
At the time, when specific ministry proposals came Mission Centres Implementation Committee from these gatherings or from individual Sisters or (MCIC) groups of Sisters, there was no clear process in place The Mission Centres Implementation Committee for considering them, approving them and resourcing (MCIC) was established in May 2012 with the task of them once approval was given. Conversations “developing the concept of Mission Centres based on between the ILT, Community Leaders, the MCIC the documentation already available and the outcome and later the IMT about specific proposals helped of the consultation process, and then articulating us reach clearer understandings of who should be the core purpose of the Mission Centres - the spirit involved when and why; however, seeking clarity and function of Mission Centres”. Its members were and transparency takes time and an apparent lack of Eveline Crotty RSM, Margaret Endicott RSM (Facilitator), progress can be frustrating for those involved. Some Carmel Heagerty RSM, Gaye Lennon RSM, Maryanne proposals were more easily attended to in a shorter Loughry RSM, Anne McGuire RSM and Moira Truelson time frame than others. For example, there were RSM. Sally Bradley RSM and Theresia Tina RSM worked immediate responses when we asked through our closely with the MCIC. There was great enthusiasm Institute newsletter for Expressions of Interest from for the task. With the assistance of a Project Officer, Sisters to minister in detention centres. We were very Moira Truelson RSM, who was able to action the work grateful for the generous response of many Sisters of the Committee and engage the Sisters in the who volunteered to go to remote detention centres process of discerning this emerging concept, they under the auspices of the Jesuit Refugee Service. We helped us take further steps in clarifying the concept continue to respond to proposals for our involvement of ‘mission centres’ and along the way identified and in provision of affordable housing. Considerable negotiated some difficulties inherent in ‘the new’. progress has been made in our ability to provide Inviting Sisters to discern collectively the implications timely and appropriate responses to proposed of our 2011 Chapter statement for future mission mission-focused initiatives. direction was important and they recognized the contribution of Community Leaders in bringing Sisters
11 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
Establishing effective means of networking and Gatherings as well as provision of support communication were important issues in 2012, as to Sisters and ISMAPNG in advocacy projects they continue to be today. The MCIC newsletters and submissions. provided us with information regularly but it was evident that some of us did not read them The IMT’s efforts to be inclusive and engage with and that other means of communicating needed various groups contributing to mission activity, consideration. We continue to grapple with this issue. justice and mission formation within ISMAPNG were hampered at times by the absence of an established One of the key insights emanating from the work forum which brought these groups together. of the MCIC between May 2012 and June 2013 was While this may not have hampered their efforts an understanding that ‘mission centres us’. In their significantly it did make such engagement more time- final report to the ILT they recommended that a consuming. Small groups were established in the key Mission Centre Committee be appointed to oversee areas of Ecojustice, Refugees and Asylum Seekers further developments. They also recommended that and Indigenous peoples and these contributed a Mission Centres Hub be established in Sydney, to the later Mission Gatherings. The subsequent and that two other centres with outreach programs establishment of a range of Institute forums has commence across ISMAPNG in locations where certainly improved our ability to engage with each demonstrable energy for the concept existed, other on matters affecting our life and mission. possibly associated with existing places. They also reaffirmed the importance of fostering relationships, The call during the 2011 Chapter for the clear lines of communication and support between establishment of particular places for Mission groups with an existing mission focus. The seeds Centres had moved to a different focus by 2014. for the work of the Institute Mission Team had been With Sisters and partners involved in many different sown and the idea of the upstairs floor of our ministries truly centred around the Chapter office at Lewisham becoming a ‘mission hub’ Statement, the need was seen to be more in the fine- came closer to reality. tuning of our structures to enable communication across ISMAPNG, between Sisters and ministry Institute Mission Team (IMT) partners, developing common policies and practices In May 2013 the IMT (Margaret Endicott RSM, and a smoother process for enabling responses to [Convenor], Gaye Lennon RSM and Margaret Moore happen in a timely manner. RSM) set about its work, building on the achievements of the MCIC and on other developments occurring During August and September 2014 five Mission within ISMAPNG. The other developments included gatherings were held across ISMAPNG. Many of our visioning days and our search for appropriate you were amongst the more than 500 Sisters, language to reflect the broader realities of our Institute and ministry colleagues and Associates Institute – who are ‘we’? The terms of reference for who attended. Together “we explored our sense the IMT included reflecting with Leaders, especially of belonging and displacement in our earth the ILT and ILF, on the broader picture of mission. community being shattered by displacement. After being challenged to understand the broader ‘we’ of The IMT were also involved in identifying and ISMAPNG, time was spent broadening our horizons supporting key people who would be instrumental and understandings of the issues in our world. We in the development stage of Mission Centres and brought these stories and issues into dialogue with continuing to imagine and encourage possibilities the Beatitudes. for Mission initiatives and projects. The terms of reference included the possibility of employing an Finally in the light of our communal discernment we Executive Officer; however, the IMT decided the full identified fresh edges of mercy action into the future, time role most needed at this time was an Advocacy both personally and collectively.” (Extract from Officer. The proposals and calls to be involved in IMT Handover Report to ILT, Nov 2015, p. 7) The responding to the urgent needs of our time were at gatherings also provided important opportunities for times overwhelming so this role was created and in participants to learn from each other about what was May 2014 an Advocacy Officer was employed. This happening already and the opportunities which could enabled the transfer of responsibilities for the Justice be taken for closer collaboration in order to enhance Coordination to be taken into this role. The Advocacy existing partnerships. Officer assisted with the preparation of Mission 12 The IMT spent a great deal of time immersed in the The IMT’s efforts to identify what was already data before identifying ten areas which captured happening in these areas amongst Sisters and the energy and desire for action emerging from the within our sponsored and co-sponsored ministries, gatherings. The areas identified were: to engage with those expressing interest in working further on an area and to keep us abreast of 1. Advocacy: [Blessed are those who strive for developments, were well-documented in their IMT justice for the voiceless; they will lead others newsletters so are not repeated here. to truth]
2. Refugees and Asylum seekers: [Blessed are A foundational issue identified during the Mission the asylum seekers for they shall find Gatherings and the work of the IMT related to the freedom one day] structure and processes supporting our Mission. Part of the report from the Mission Gatherings to 3. Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people: the ILT in December 2014 included reference to the [Blessed are they who respond to the lament need for a new structure with staffing resources of land, for the joy of creation will be theirs] to enable the energy and focus on mission to be 4. Health – Social and Mental: [Blessed are further encouraged and developed. We owe a those who have suffered illness or rejection debt of gratitude to the IMT for their creative and for they shall understand those who suffer persistent insight and vision which assisted us to find the same] ways to embed the bigger sense of mission into our 5. Ecology: [Blessed are those who are in right structures. This is the story of how the Mission and relationship with the earth/cosmos and all Ministry Unit came into being. This call resonated creatures, for they will create a spiral of with the work of the Visioning groups that met in mercy and peace] 2014 and 2015. 6. Peace-building and counteracting Violence (Social Issues): [Blessed are the women In order for timely progress to be made in addressing who are hurt for they will find their way strategic issues relating to mission and ministry we to happiness] were all coming to realize that we needed permanent and more adequate levels of staffing within an 7. Homelessness and Housing: [Blessed are the appropriate organizational structure which would displaced for together we will find a home] enable ‘mission’ to ‘inform, animate and enhance 8. Human Trafficking: [Blessed are those mutual engagement’ (IMT Report, Dec 2014). In harassed and helpless for they will discover order to keep the momentum going while options the compassion of God] were being considered, the IMT’s role was extended until November 2015 when they met with the ILT to 9. Rural Areas: [Blessed are those whose lives discuss their handover Report and the transition to have been crushed, for they will be lifted up] the Mission and Ministry Unit. 10. Mercy – recognizing our larger and unfolding story: [Blessed are those who study, for their wisdom will be gifted to others]
The intended shifts emphasise mission as integral to everything we do...
13 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
MISSION AND MINISTRY UNIT Mercy Ethos team In her letter of August 31, 2015, announcing the The main focus of the Mercy Ethos team is the establishment of the Mission and Ministry Unit as formation of Ministry staff, Board members and part of a restructure within ISMAPNG, our Institute Institute staff. This is done through a sequential suite Leader noted the following: “Building on the hard of ‘set’ programs targeting 4 levels: work done by the Mission Centres Implementation • Level 1 half-day orientation programs are Committee and following them the Institute Mission designed for people new to Mercy or who have Team (IMT), the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) has not undertaken formation; taken the decision not just to introduce a Mission Unit, but to re-structure the entire Institute towards a • Level 2 Mercy Matters programs are designed more explicit focus on Mission and Ministry. We have for front line (ministry delivery) staff and their learnt that we need to position the Institute as an supervisors; organisation firmly focused on Mission, rather than • Level 3 Mercy Story programs are designed having a mission focused unit as part of our structure. for people in Mercy ministry who already have This initiative is fully consistent with the tenor of a leadership role or who are identified as discussions held with senior leaders across ISMAPNG potential leaders in their workplace; in July 2015. • Level 4 Mercy Leadership Program and Dublin The intended shifts emphasise mission as integral pilgrimage, focusing on Sisters and other to everything we do, so those responsible for leaders in Mercy Ministry (e.g. Ministry Board supporting, coordinating and developing our mission Directors and senior staff). response will be clearly perceived as having central and influential roles in the Institute. At the same time the changes will address some difficulties that have The team also provide ministry-specific programs emerged as the current structure has evolved.” and support and mentoring for ministry leaders who have responsibility for facilitating formation Under the leadership of the Executive Leader, Mission for ministry programs within our larger ministries. and Ministry, Elaine Wainright RSM, the teams within The Mercy Ministry Leaders Community provides the Mission and Ministry Unit (Archives and Heritage, ongoing formation opportunities for those who have Mercy Ethos, Communications, Ministry Governance participated in the Dublin pilgrimage. Table 1 shows and Mission Animation) are focused on animating, the attendance at Mercy Ethos programs offered coordinating and developing the Institute’s response during 2014 – 2016. We are very pleased that five to our call to be agents of God’s mission of Mercy for or six Sisters have participated in each our Earth. They do this in a range of ways as outlined Dublin pilgrimage. in the ‘Organizational Culture and Framework’ thread. Both the Mercy Ethos Team and the Mission Animation team are directly involved in formation for mission as the following information illustrates.
14 TABLE 1: ATTENDANCE AT MERCY ETHOS PROGRAMS 2014 - 2016
2014 2015 2016 PROGRAM No. Total No. No. Total No. No. Total No. Offered Attending Offered Attending Offered Attending
Orientation – cross ministry 3 58 3 49 3 43
Orientation – specific groups 7 164 5 313 8 187
Mercy Matters – cross ministry 10 165 2 48 3 33
Mercy Story – cross ministry 6 79 4 47 4 56
Catherine McAuley Award 1 18 1 16 1 10
Dublin Pilgrimage 1 29 1 36 2 52
Board Formation 3 17 9 54 1 8
Mercy Ministry Leaders Community 1 45 2 39 1 28
Custom programs – Levels 2 & 3 12 516 11 564 16 764
Custom programs – Level 4 3 54 7 59 4 30
In addition to the suite of programs offered each year, They heard of extraordinary engagement in ministries there are a number of bespoke programs offered in focusing on the plight of the needy in both rural and response to requests for assistance with formation urban contexts. They recognized a great thirst among opportunities for a particular ministry group (e.g. a you to have these efforts acknowledged and, in some ministry Ethos and Culture subcommittee) or a group instances, strengthened or refocused. There was also external to ISMAPNG (e.g. diocesan or parish schools an expressed wish to network with others and most with a ‘Mercy heritage’). In 2016 there were 29 such significantly a deep desire that we share a common programs, involving approximately 1300 participants. theology of mission and ministry, and especially of mission as Sisters age and move from a full, A Review of the team, conducted by Anne active ministry. Hetherington RSM and completed in December 2016, highlighted the effectiveness of the current programs Actions arising from our concern for the degradation and identified the potential for further development of our environment and the treatment of asylum and integration of mission formation activities seekers and refugees are seen as a way of realizing across ISMAPNG. our Chapter statement. The team has also considered other projects previously suggested concerning Mission Animation team the homeless and our indigenous partners and The initial task undertaken by the Mission Animation reformulated some for our consideration as the ILT. team was to review the materials collated by the IMT. They have also met with our Sisters in Papua New This material was very rich, with many of the themes Guinea to explore how best to articulate our mission and suggestions it contained emerging from the focus there. Mission gatherings conducted across the Institute in 2014. Mindful of this material and the richness of the A significant milestone in the work of the Mission Institute Chapter statement, the team next undertook Animation Team during 2016 was the launch of a series of 5 meetings, held in Cairns, Melbourne, the Institute’s sustainability policy - An Integrated Canberra, Fremantle and Wewak, to listen to Sisters Approach to Sustainable Living. It is being and hear their experiences of and reflections on implemented in all aspects of Institute life and its mission across the Institute. implementation will be integral to our life and mission into the future.
15 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
The team consults with the ILT and with Community Mission Animation team. Other responses to need Leaders about how best to realize projects and have come as a result of our decision to honour initiatives within our Institute. They have also worked commitments made by former Congregations. Other closely with other partners in the Mission and responses have been made by our incorporated Ministry team and the Operations team to ensure that ministries, including McAuley Ministries, and in some our mission focus is shared across the Institute. instances we have made Institute resources available to other agencies who could more appropriately We know that much more needs to be done but the undertake a particular ministry e.g. housing for low desires of the Sisters and those who work with us income earners, refugees or people leaving prison. for mission and what could happen to realize these desires is becoming clearer. It is not possible to acknowledge every ministry initiative taken since ISMAPNG commenced. The Formation for mission - carriers of the charism initiatives outlined below were endorsed by the ILT into the future following considerable discernment and the provision When we also include the work of Initial Formation of appropriate levels of resourcing and accountability and the ongoing formation of Members of the to enable their sustainability. Initiatives included are Institute, the formation of Directors, Board Members the Mercy Action Support Fund; McAuley Ministries and ministry staff, the formation of Institute staff, Limited; ‘Along the Murray’; Theological education for Associates and Young Adults, there are a number of religious women in Papua New Guinea; affordable people working in a variety of ways across ISMAPNG housing for low income earners; a new vision for in what we refer to as ‘formation for mission’. We Mercy Associates; Young Adult ministry. are at a time in the life of ISMAPNG when this crucial ministry of formation needs to become more focused Mercy Action Support Fund (MASF) and coordinated, enabling those involved to dream The Mercy Action Support Fund (MASF) was launched together about what might be possible and contribute in September 2013. The fund is administered by to strategic planning for a future which continues Community-based MASF Committees according to to unfold. An initial gathering representing those guidelines agreed upon by the ILT and Community groups involved in formation for mission was held on Leaders, and resourced by the generosity of Sisters February 28, 2017, to explore together what might returning surplus funds each financial year and our be possible for those entrusted with ‘carrying the claiming of GST exemptions. It is a fund from which charism’ in the future. We look forward to considering financial resources are sought by application and the possibilities emerging from the conversations and made available to support local mission and outreach to implementing co-ordinated strategies to enhance projects undertaken by members of ISMAPNG where our approach to formation for mission. the ministry activity would not normally be funded from another source. A review of the MASF after A SNAPSHOT OF MINISTRY INITIATIVES its first year of operation revealed it was greatly Alongside our existing ministry involvements, we appreciated and well administered, though a few continue to hear new calls and determine how Sisters seemed not to have heard of it before, with best to respond to them. We have welcomed the some minor changes suggested to enhance its suggestions which have come to us. In determining operation. For example, given the number of requests the best way forward when we consider a proposal for scholarships for education being received by we have found guidelines developed by Fr Frank MASF Committees, these items were designated as a separate area of ministry support from 2014/15 Morrisey OMI very helpful. An important consideration for us continues to be where we can place initiatives onwards, and are now accounted for separately as a within our ISMAPNG organizational framework so consequence. Since its inception and up to December they have the necessary support and protection, 31, 2016, approximately 1,100 requests for financial governance structure and means of accountability to support have been approved and processed. ensure their future viability. Some responses to need have been facilitated by Community Leaders in their MASF Committees in each Community have allocated geographic regions. Other responses have been made approximately $100,000 in grants annually. Appendix under the auspices of the ILT following a request 1 shows an overview of the funds allocated by MASF made to us by Sisters or a parish or a diocese, or by Committees till the end of 2016. Assistance has been recommendation from Community Leaders or the provided to a wide range of people for a wide range
16 of purposes. Those assisted include refugees, asylum establishment phase had concluded. At the end of seekers, people on bridging visas and in community 2016, MML engaged 52 Sisters and employed 30 detention; people in rural and regional areas; women, lay people in 54 ministries. The numbers fluctuate children and families; people undertaking education as Sisters and/or Community Leaders seek to have and training or retraining programs. Examples of help a ministry included or as Sisters discontinue their provided include: involvement in a particular ministry or as staffing needs change at a retreat or conference centre. The • Provision of personal care items, food, range of ministries within MML is represented in the household items, clothing, travel cards; word picture. • Short term financial assistance for payment of rent, utilities, medical and dental bills and drought relief; • Travel costs for relocation and attendance at funerals; • Purchase of educational resources including books, uniforms, school breakfast programs; • Fees for short courses, school camps, school holiday programs, drug and alcohol programs.
We are grateful to the Sisters who accepted the invitation from Community Leaders to join the MASF Amongst the significant achievements within MML to Committees and to those who continue to administer date has been an improved understanding among the the fund. Sisters of the structure and purpose of MML and an appreciation of the rich diversity of ministry among Establishment of McAuley Ministries its members. Productive relationships have been McAuley Ministries Limited (MML) was established established with Community Leaders and members of in June 2014, with a founding Board of five Sisters both the Operations and Mission and Ministry Units appointed to exercise governance for those ministries on matters relating to MML. Two annual gatherings which had previously been directly responsible to of those involved in MML have certainly contributed the Institute Leader. Denise Fox RSM, a member of to a growing sense of identity and purpose and Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa Sisters of Mercy participants have contributed to the identification New Zealand, was appointed the Project Officer. of focus areas for further work to be done such as Prior to the launch of MML we were exploring ways enhancing professionalism in the delivery of services, of providing effective support to Sisters and lay accessing appropriate professional development staff who were working in a range of ministries and further developing existing support networks. (some of which had been referred to previously Legal requirements relating to Workplace Health as ‘individual ministries’) for which ISMAPNG was and Safety, Professional Standards and financial responsible. In May 2013 we held a meeting of a accountability continue to be addressed. Procedures representative group to explore what might be for submission and approval of budgets and for possible. Another impetus to the development of provision of support to Sisters and centre managers an appropriate support network and organizational have been developed. framework came with the legislation relating to the Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission More strategic issues are also being considered by the (ACNC). The establishment of MML enables these MML Board and CEO in conjunction with Community ministries to provide services on behalf of ISMAPNG, Leaders, the ILT and the Mission and Ministry Unit as a ‘basic religious entity’ under the ACNC legislation, appropriate. These relate to such matters as: as our Institute is not registered under the ACNC legislation for the delivery of pastoral, education and • the future of ministries which rely on an accommodation services. individual Sister and determining realistic options for continuation of a ministry when a Two more Directors were appointed in 2016 and Sister can no longer undertake it; Denise Fox RSM was appointed the CEO, given the
17 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
• potential for partnerships with other religious in some towns in the region but had withdrawn congregations or groups to sustain an existing from other places. The Bishops of the dioceses of ministry when the need for it can be Sandhurst, Wagga Wagga and Wilcannia Forbes were well demonstrated; informed of our desire to explore possibilities and were very supportive of the initiative. • procedures for drawing a ministry to a close as needed; It was decided to include in the initial planning any Sisters who would like to be involved in the project, • navigation of the ‘grey areas’ of responsibility with over 20 Sisters responding to an Institute- when a more complex matter involves a Sister, wide invitation to be part of the initial meeting in the Community Leader, the Board of MML and Yarrawonga in February 2015. Some currently lived or the ILT in making decisions with regard to a had previously lived ‘along the Murray’ while others particular ministry and/or ministry site. were interested in living in the area in the future; others were keen to see what they could offer to The Board is also giving significant consideration to meet needs for retreats, spiritual direction, training the criteria for inclusion of a ministry within MML and or general support, while others were interested of determining the future viability of some ministries in learning about and being part of a process for in light of current needs and the availability of determining an appropriate response to ministry financial resources. Reviews of retreat and conference needs in a particular setting, in this case a rural centres have also been initiated. area. The gathering generated much energy and enabled Sisters, some of whom had not met each While there was a degree of apprehension amongst other before, to imagine what might be possible as a some Sisters in the early days of MML and the degree result of gathering relevant information about local of engagement with MML amongst Sisters and staff community needs and dreaming together, knowing varies, we do not doubt the value of this ministry we would be basing our options and final decisions initiative in terms of enabling us to provide personal on our capacity to meet real needs. support, to maintain a high level of professionalism Since that initial meeting facilitated by Eveline in the services provided by the various ministries now Crotty RSM, who continued to work with the Sisters under the banner of MML, to manage our resources involved for 18 months, further exploration has effectively and to ensure we meet our current occurred and significant developments have taken legislative and compliance obligations through place. At subsequent gatherings Sisters who had transparent ministry governance arrangements. We committed themselves to ongoing involvement in thank all those who have contributed in any way to the project engaged in further reflection, visited the development of MML. towns and learned about the mercy presence Exploring ministry ‘Along the Murray’ there in the past while continuing to discern their The ‘along the Murray’ project as it has become availability for mission in the area. There were known emerged from discussions in June 2014 at a ongoing conversations with Community Leaders, meeting of the former Institute Leadership Forum local Bishops, parish representatives and community organizations. As a result, Sisters are again living when Faye Kelly RSM and Shirley Garland RSM shared with the ILT and other Community Leaders their and ministering in Griffith, Corowa and Shepparton desire to consider some possibilities for discerning where Mercy communities had been in the past. future ministry in Yarrawonga. Associated with Ministry in Yarrawonga and Cobram and in parts of this was the strong call coming from the Mission the Wagga Wagga diocese has been expanded and gatherings to see how we might respond to the an intermittent presence in Deniliquin, Finley and needs of rural people. Nathalia has been re-established. The ministries being undertaken include working with refugees, There has been a long-standing Mercy presence in leading prayer and spirituality groups, visitation, areas along the Murray river, from Albury/Wodonga family counselling and training in budgeting and to Mildura and in the hinterland, situated within anger management. A new project in Shepparton to the two states of Victoria and New South Wales and assist in the education of indigenous children which across the dioceses of Ballarat, Sandhurst, Wagga emerged under the ‘along the Murray’ banner is being Wagga and Wilcannia Forbes. Sisters are still present financed by ISMAPNG in the implementation stage and managed by Mercy Works.
18 This initiative is significant for a range of reasons. Theological education for religious women in Following some engagement with relevant needs Papua New Guinea analysis processes, possibilities for ministry have On March 12, 2016, a Memorandum of Agreement been generated from ‘grass roots’ discernment by was signed between ISMAPNG and the Divine Word a group of Sisters over a period of more than two University (DWU) Papua New Guinea for the provision years. There has been reflection and discernment of of accreditation, assessment and academic mentoring ministry opportunities in these rural communities. for a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry for religious This is being done in the context of today’s world, women in Papua New Guinea. ISMAPNG accepted full through biblical and theological reading, through responsibility for the design, delivery and costs of the sessions with Veronica Lawson RSM and at other program which was then fully accredited by DWU. prayer and reflective times. In its own way it has been a theological process to best discern ways forward Kathleen Williams RSM and Patricia Fox RSM first and the Sisters who have carried the project forward met with the ILT in November 2014 to explore the have done that individually and collectively in a possibility of ISMAPNG sponsoring this initiative and variety of ways. to identify the steps involved in bringing the initiative to fruition. The desirability of providing theological Undertaking much of the planning in various physical education for Mercy Sisters in Papua New Guinea had locations ‘along the Murray’ has brought a valuable been discussed at an earlier time within the Institute realism to the conversations and enabled collective Formation Council and was also part of an ongoing local knowledge to be expanded. While a group can conversation among the Circle of Mercy theologians ‘dream big’ and think ‘outside the square’ the insights who provided ongoing support in the planning. With generated within it can also help to moderate the a decision made by the ILT to support the proposal, options and determine what is practical, ‘doable’, Kathleen undertook to coordinate the research, consistent with our broad mission direction and negotiations and strategic conversations with key sustainable at least in the short to medium term, people needed to ensure the necessary progress given the constraints within which we minister. was made and crucial timelines met. Part time administrative assistance was also provided. Partnerships or agreements have been formalized with other church agencies to enable ministry to Theresia Tina RSM spoke with religious leaders at be authorized and ISMAPNG has made resources their annual conference in Port Moresby in March available as needed. It is hoped that possibilities 2015, ascertaining a high level of support for the for ministry will continue to be identified and that proposal from that group. Bishop Douglas Young, creative ways of responding to them will continue to Chair of the Council of DWU, was also supportive emerge. The process used to identify and respond to of the initiative, and recognized the value of the needs ‘along the Murray’ can also be applied in other program being tailored to the needs of the religious areas where we are invited to minister or where we women. Consultation among the Mercy Sisters about might identify a possibility worth pursuing. Ongoing the design and contents of such a program revealed evaluation of the project will help to ensure we a strong desire for the opportunities for theological continue to learn from our experience so education to be opened up to other women’s that it can be applied in other contexts. congregations as well. Further evidence of support was reflected by the participation of over 70 women
19 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
religious in a pilot program, a scripture unit taught by Providing affordable housing. Elizabeth Dowling RSM in second semester 2015. DWU The thread which addresses stewardship of our agreed to give retrospective accreditation for prior resources contains details about our properties learning to those who completed the pilot unit. and their various usages. When we no longer have The Diploma in Pastoral Ministry consists of 16 units, use for a property as a residence for Sisters, as a of which 12 are required for successful completion. holiday house or as a place for ministry, we need to The courses are offered in three locations, Wewak, do something with it. Given our mission focus, we Goroka and Mt Hagen, to maximize the opportunity have explored options for assisting people through for Sisters to participate in part time study. provision of affordable housing, often in response to your requests for ISMAPNG’s involvement in a Commitment to study places additional demands housing project or through your suggestions about on participants, most of whom are also involved in ways in which an individual property might be used. ministry and other initial and ongoing formation activities. Mercy Sisters and some of their colleagues In consultation with our Institute Property team from Australia have been engaged to teach various we determined that ISMAPNG would not become units, introducing participants to the key theological involved in the management of housing projects at disciplines of Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and this stage but that we could provide suitable property History, and Practical Pastoral Ministry. It is hoped to be managed by another agency. Currently, nine of that the studies will enable participants to know and our residential properties have been made available understand their religious traditions and to bring to other church agencies for provision of affordable those traditions into dialogue with their cultural housing. These arrangements are formalized traditions, thereby facilitating mutual enrichment. It by means of a memorandum of understanding also aims to equip them to contribute to and promote (MOU), a licence or a periodic lease. Most of the the education and well-being of those whom they current arrangements are for three years, due for teach or care for in their social or health ministries, renegotiation in 2018. or with whom they work in other capacities. • We have an MOU with the St Vincent de Paul ISMAPNG has underwritten the program financially Society who manage five Institute properties in but alternate sources of funding to ensure the longer Queens Park, Western Australia, two properties term sustainability of the program are now being in Woodville Gardens, South Australia and one actively pursued. The establishment in November property in Weetangera, Australian 2016 of a Board of Directors for Catherine McAuley Capital Territory. Services Limited, an existing but previously dormant • The Bathurst Refugee Support Group has a Institute Company registered to operate in Papua licence to use an Institute residence to provide New Guinea, marks a significant step in that the accommodation for refugees in Bathurst, Board now takes responsibility for the ongoing New South Wales. operation of this ministry. • In Ballarat, Victoria, we have periodic lease During the time when this ministry initiative was arrangements with Centacare for use of one coming to life much has been achieved. Many Sisters property and the same arrangements for a have been extraordinarily generous in giving of their second property were in place until the site was time and expertise and many Sisters are embracing ready to be redeveloped by Mercy Health for the opportunity to learn and to contribute their aged care ministry. insights with regard to mission and ministry. We believe the Church in Papua New Guinea will be greatly enriched by the strengthening of the In response to a request from the Bishop of the capacity of religious women to take their rightful diocese, an application is in process for an Institute place in helping to shape future directions in property in Port Augusta, South Australia, to be whatever way they can. rezoned by the local Council to enable it to be used as accommodation for prisoners on their release.
20 A unit in Bendigo, Victoria, was offered to local • CLRINSW – NSW Rural Dwellers agencies for affordable housing but the offer was not Christmas Appeal; taken up. Institute members are also in discussions • Tuart Place, Western Australia with St Vincent de Paul in Adelaide at present about (support services for survivors of abuse). potential development of Institute property for affordable housing. These may be small efforts in the scheme of things but we hope we can build on them and continue to make our resources available when We also support ‘one off’ donation requests for a we are able to do so. variety of ministry-related purposes and contribute to emergency relief appeals for those affected by In quite a different way, we made a significant natural disasters in Papua New Guinea, Australia and contribution to raising awareness of affordable elsewhere in our world. housing issues when we provided McAuley Community Services for Women (MCSW) with a Some discussion of our ministry with young adults grant of $100,000 to prepare their submission to the and our support for the ministry of Mercy Associates Victorian Government’s Royal Commission into Family now follows. While both areas of ministry existed Violence 2015/16 which handed down its Report in prior to ISMAPNG’s establishment and might not March 2016. Given that all the recommendations therefore be considered initiatives in the same way made by MCSW were incorporated into the as others described previously, both ministry areas recommendations coming from the Royal Commission have been shaped by initiatives taken by Sisters in we hope this strategic input will bear much fruit in the the past and by reviews commissioned more recently future for women and children who are at the risk of by the ILT. becoming homeless as a result of family violence. New vision for Mercy Associates Responding to requests for ministry assistance The Mercy Associates movement began in Australia On behalf of ISMAPNG we provide annual donations in the 1980s and at the beginning of ISMAPNG there to a number of agencies who request our support for were around twenty groups across Queensland, ministry purposes and whose ministry involvements New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. are consistent with those of our Institute. There were commonalities in what the groups were Agencies include: doing - shared prayer, formation in the Mercy story and charism, ministry outreach, and fund raising • Women and the Australian Church (WATAC); for Mercy mission. Each group had a strong local • Edmund Rice Centre; flavour and was supported by local Sisters; however, there was no formal way of uniting or connecting the • Catholics in Coalition for Justice and Peace groups. We were committed to resourcing the Mercy (CCJP); Associates movement into the future based on the • Pacific Calling Partnership; following foundational beliefs:
• Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking 1. The founding story of Catherine McAuley is not in Humans (ACRATH); just for the Sisters of Mercy, but holds meaning • Catholic Mission Conference (biennial); and inspiration for many women and men of mercy. • St Patrick’s College, Townsville, Queensland (student scholarships); 2. The charism of mercy is a gift for the whole church and beyond, and this is a present call • Mt St Bernard’s College, Herberton, Queensland from Pope Francis. (student scholarships); • Mercy Education Seeds of Justice program; • Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Student Conference (biennial);
21 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
Based on these beliefs we hoped that the following handbook and a formation resource book were might emerge: also completed.
• A model for Mercy Associates that is inclusive of different capacities, ages and life commitments. • Opportunities for personal, professional and spiritual formation, ministry outreach, and lay leadership training, also for the sake of the broader church. • Another ‘pathway’ in Mercy which offers The launch ceremony was held in Sydney in June strength to live out Catherine’s vision and hold 2016 with each group being invited to hold a similar a connection with Sisters of Mercy. ceremony in their own location. A Mercy Associates Leadership Group was formed and met for the first time in October 2016. They are looking to engage During 2012-2013, a Working Party comprising Sisters four part-time network facilitators whose focus is to and Mercy Associates met to consider future options support existing groups and to identify opportunities, for the Mercy Associates movement. They developed especially in Mercy ministries, for new Mercy a new Vision Statement and framework for Mercy Associates groups to form. Associates to become an Institute-wide initiative. It has been an inspiring journey working with lay women and men who are already Mercy Associates, Vision Statement or those who desire to become Mercy Associates, to Mercy Associates are called to live and share the develop this Institute-wide initiative with a renewed compassion of God revealed in the life of Jesus Mercy Associates Vision and framework. We have Christ, in Scripture and through the vision and watered seeds of Mercy and planted new ones. We charism of Catherine McAuley. have listened deeply to where the Spirit may be leading us all as we ‘widen our tent pegs’ to include Guided by mercy values of compassion, justice, those who feel called to be more actively involved and hospitality and hope, they: committed to the mission of Mercy. • celebrate and give thanks for God’s merciful love Young adult ministry When ISMAPNG began in December 2011, justice • nurture their relationship with God to enable and leadership ministry with young people, both them to witness to their faith in prayer secondary students and post-school, already and action existed in a variety of ways. Strong foundations for • give expression to God’s mercy: developing the values of mercy and justice were - in response to the needs of these times already embedded across our Mercy secondary schools especially through two programs - the Seeds - in the ordinariness of their daily lives of Justice program and Young Mercy Justice Tree and in all their relationships which has a particular focus on Year 11 students. • journey with each other and the Sisters of Mercy. Since 2005 in Melbourne and other parts of Victoria Young Mercy Links has offered volunteering An Implementation Committee developed the new experiences, justice model in 2015-2016, and we engaged Carmel Ross education and awareness- as the Executive Officer. Together they completed raising for post-school the Vision Statement and framework, developing a young adults. new logo, badge, certificate and brochure, as well as updating the website information. An administrative
22 Young Mercy Links is open to all young adults who In October 2015 a Young Adult Ministry Working Party have left secondary school. The core principles are presented to us a proposal to begin a Stand Up for built on a belief in the value of: Mercy one-year Formation Program with post-school young adults. We gave ‘in principle’ agreement to this • Building the capacity and generosity of young in October 2015. A Task Group was then formed to adults to work for a just world. further explore and develop the implications of this • Offering formative experiences for young program including - a time-line, staffing requirements, adults based on the opportunity to build promotional and induction processes, program relationships over time with marginalised content, budget, and possible projects beyond the people in a ‘Mercy way’ which encourages project. A more detailed Report was presented to us mutual respect. in May 2016. At this stage this possible program has been put ‘on hold’ pending the outcome of a broad • Providing young adults with support and review of all areas of ‘formation for mission’. education in order to reflect on their experience and grow in awareness of social Young Mercy Links South Australia (YMLSA) is a justice issues. newer initiative and was built on previous local • Creating a point of contact for young adults networking with young adults. It was officially to link with others to develop like-minded launched in September 2016. Approximately twenty friendships, and for the opportunity to link people attended this event, at which founding with justice-based networks both locally members shared their vision for the group and and internationally. screened ‘The True Cost’, which is a documentary highlighting human trafficking in the clothing industry. Their first collective ‘action’ was to make up Twelve years later, Young Mercy Links Victoria hamper packs for newly-arrived refugee families and has grown significantly and is still going strong. In these were distributed in December. In 2017, YMLSA 2016 once again approximately 30 young adults are hopes to continue building relationships so that they involved, with around 10 - 15 of those young people may strengthen this newly-formed network, and make being very committed and regularly attending events a positive contribution through the spirit of mercy to and activities. Some had recently graduated from each other’s lives and the world around them. The Mercy schools and others had been involved with the formation of this group has been possible through group for a number of years. In 2016 a YML group the ongoing support of Meredith Evans RSM and young was involved in the Mercy International Reflection adults who are taking a leadership role. Process, focusing especially on issues of sustainability and poverty. The Victorian coordinator Bernadette All involved in this ministry believe that it is an Inman is supported by Margaret Moore RSM and an important time to search out the best ways forward Advisory Committee which meets twice a year. in this reconfigured Institute. It is our desire that the Mercy identity of the groups be strengthened, In 2014 we commissioned Carmel Ross to review clarity of vision and purpose deepened, and stronger these existing programs (other than Seeds of Justice connections made across the Institute, along with which is part of the ministry of Mercy Education), suitable structures to be put in place to support and with the Young Mercy Justice Network Report grow this ministry with young adults into the future being presented to us in August 2014. Based on through ISMAPNG. the Review’s findings and the recommendations contained in the Report and the views of all those We hope the information in this thread has helped who contributed to it, we continued to affirm our you to understand the journey we have taken with ministry to secondary students, hoping to build on regard to mission and ministry since December 2011. and strengthen our ministry across the Institute to It is an ongoing journey, one of holding on to our post-school young adults. hopes for a better world and of our collective capacity to make a difference.
23 THREAD 1 I God’s Mercy as the Source of Our Mission and Ministry
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• Some Sisters feel that their particular ministry is not sufficiently known or appreciated by others. Whether this feeling has been heightened by the advent of our new Institute or whether it was an issue prior to ISMAPNG is difficult to know. It is important that Sisters feel they contribute to furthering the mission of Jesus within ISMAPNG. • We are still trying to find the best mechanism or role which will help us to ensure an appropriate justice focus and determine the best way to undertake effective advocacy. Dilemmas exist around how best to do justice and advocacy. • It does take time to develop an organizational structure or framework within which all the aspects of our mission and ministry can find an appropriate home and become integrated. There are still some ministry areas we have not yet placed in our organizational framework, such as Mercy Associates and our Young Adult ministry involvements. • We recognize the great value of engaging in a reflective process which enables us to focus on how we are in our world, bringing our reality into dialogue with scripture and our tradition and thus informing our strategic direction.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• Finding ways to provide a range of opportunities for Sisters to engage with each other around their ministry involvements and recognizing the contribution of those Sisters working or volunteering with agencies outside our Institute; • Continuing to hear and where possible to build on local initiatives so we can work with ‘the local wisdom’; • Recognizing the particular call for Mercy ministry into the future in Papua New Guinea and working with the local Sisters to respond to the call; • Discovering the best ways of keeping Sisters and ministry partners informed of current and possible future ministry involvements; • Working alongside other congregations to develop more effective ministry partnerships and strengthening our capabilities for doing so; • Finding respectful and effective ways of managing our personal ministry transitions.
WE NOW INVITE YOU TO TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WHICH FOLLOW:
How well are Sisters recognized as ‘doing mercy’ and how can we all take responsibility, as Q1. appropriate, for helping each other feel we are contributing to ISMAPNG and furthering the mission of Jesus through our involvement in ministry?
Which of our mission and ministry involvements do you find most exciting at this stage of Q2. our Institute’s growth and development?
24 Our Way of Living
RH side section page 2 adjusted.indd 1 03-Mar-17 5:58:22 PM THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
Our Way of Living Our Constitutions remind us that “Our commitment in hope demands a new way of living: a loving contemplation of the Word, a taking on of Christ’s mind, within a faith-filled community.” (Constitutions 5.01)
“Our identity as women religious is made are included to help paint a picture of who we are visible through the witness of how we live, becoming and to provide a basis for reflection as we the sacramental strength of what we do.” consider our future directions. (Constitutions 5.02) Living as ministerial religious women, “sharing responsibility for our common A SNAPSHOT OF ‘US’ life and mission” (Constitutions 6.02), has its daily At the time of writing this Report, we are a group personal challenges alongside its privileges as we of 809 women of Mercy, living in urban, rural and strive to live a life congruent with our religious remote areas, in villages and in the bush. Currently commitment. There are also challenges for us as we live in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, an Institute to give credible witness through our Ireland, Kenya, Sudan, Pakistan and the United States collective way of living and our involvement in of America. Two of us are centenarians and three of ministry which is consistent with our mission. us are yet to turn 30. We are and have been engaged in ministry in a range of places as we reflected upon In this thread we focus on elements of our way earlier in this Report. of living as members of ISMAPNG including the establishment and ongoing development of our Graph 1 shows the number of Institute members six Communities and leadership within them. We from December 2011 till December 31, 2016, with also address significant aspects of our ongoing Table 2 showing similar details about the number of journey as religious women and comment on our members of ISMAPNG by year since December 2011. formal Visitation to Communities. Some statistics
GRAPH 1: TOTAL SISTER NUMBERS OVER TIME
ay O ar ug an un ov r u y
26 TABLE 2: NUMBER OF INSTITUTE MEMBERS: DECEMBER 12, 2011 - DECEMBER 31, 2016
NO. OF SISTERS YEAR COMMENTS AT DECEMBER 31
2011 941 Number of Sisters at commencement of ISMAPNG, December 12.
2011 939
Includes 37 Sisters who transferred to ISMAPNG from other 2012 956 Mercy Congregations. Includes 4 Sisters who transferred to ISMAPNG from other 2013 912 Mercy Congregations. Includes 2 Sisters who transferred to ISMAPNG from other 2014 870 Mercy Congregations.
2015 844
2016 811
The 2012 report “Planning Horizons 2011 – 2015” GRAPH 2: CURRENT COMMUNITY PROFILE (known as the ‘Think Evans’ Report) predicted that our numbers would likely be less than 700 as we approached the 2017 Chapter. The report also stated that “if the current capacity of the Sisters can be applied astutely, balanced across mission and communion, and with both supported by sound infrastructure, then a sustainable future is very possible – extending indefinitely into the future” (Evans and van der Wall, 2012, p. 11). Many people have contributed their insights and expertise as we have tried to achieve the balance referred to between mission, communion and infrastructure. Development n ra n ra or ou ou ou is continuing and the task is not finished. Clearly our numbers are declining but this does not appear to be g g g dampening our collective commitment to mission g g g and ministry. Central B Community, our largest Community We each belong to an Institute Community. The numerically, has approximately 60 Sisters more thinking leading up to the establishment of ISMAPNG than our smallest Community, South B. The Sisters was that each of the six Institute Communities who transferred from other Mercy congregations would have ‘more or less’ equal numbers of Sisters. belong to either Community Central B or North which Circumstances since then have changed our original explains why these two Communities have the largest Community profiles. The number of Sisters in each number of Sisters. The largest number of Sisters Community, by age cohort, as at December 31, 2016, aged 50 or under is in the Northern Community, is shown in Graph 2. with the majority of Sisters in this cohort living in Papua New Guinea.
27 THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
Sisters’ Current Age Profile GRAPH 3: SISTERS’ CURRENT AGE PROFILE commissioned to shape an entirely new leadership role. Your welcome and support, shown so tangibly at the commissioning rituals, meant a great deal. Community offices and support staff were gradually organized and the journey was underway! Shaping a new leadership role Our Constitutions (J6.33) state that “the main
responsibility of the Community Leader is to create bonds of unity among the members and to help them grow in fidelity to the life and mission of the Institute”. The particular responsibilities inherent in the role (Constitutions J6.34) are:
g g i) nurturing religious life in the community through prayer, worship, theological reflection g g and communal gatherings; g g ii) fostering relationships of mutuality among the Sisters; The commitment of Sisters to religious life and iii) ensuring effective processes for mission, reflected in how we live each day as a communication, including access to conflict member of our Institute, is our greatest individual resolution processes; and collective resource. Our current age profile is shown in Graph 3. This profile does have implications iv) supporting the Sisters in their ministries; for our life and mission. In reflecting on these v) arranging with a Sister her place of residence implications it is important to consider the broader according to Institute policy and ensuring realities outlined elsewhere in this Report. They adequate resources for ministry; provide some context for any actions we have taken or may take at local, Community or Institute level vi) signing, on behalf of the Institute Leader, the or which may be taken by subsequent Institute contractual and voluntary arrangements for Leadership teams. a Sister’s ministry; vii) facilitating the movement of Sisters from CREATING OUR COMMUNITIES community to community within the Institute; Our focus here is on the ways in which our viii) overseeing the preparation and administration Communities have become established. Much had of the community budget; been done in preparation for giving life to the new. Much has happened since December 12, 2011, when ix) accessing and overseeing the necessary ISMAPNG came into existence! You continued to do administrative services for the community; what you were doing as Mercy women in your local x) promoting understanding among the Sisters area. We were very grateful to the Sisters, mainly of the Institute’s policies in relation to the former Congregation Leaders and team members, community and ensuring they are who generously took on the role of ‘Transition Co- effectively implemented; ordinators’ till our first Community Leaders were xi) liaising with local bishops, agencies and groups appointed in January 2012 by our Institute Leader, as necessary for the life of the community. to whom they are responsible, and commissioned in March 2012. When Shirley Garland RSM, Faye Kelly RSM, Berenice Kerr RSM, Berice Livermore RSM, Mindful of these responsibilities, the Community Helen Owens RSM and Bev Strong RSM accepted their appointments they had a role description ‘on paper’, Leaders set about building community life and as outlined in our Constitutions. They were formally mission in the context of our new Institute in a range of ways. You will have your own sense of what has
28 worked well and of what could be done differently Care Allowance, 15 Sisters on a Budget and 11 Sisters in the time ahead. Some significant aspects of on a Special Allowance. Allowances are increased culture-building initiated by the ILT are described annually according to the Consumer Price Index. later in this Report, in the ‘Organizational Culture Community Leaders ensure that additional resources and Framework’ thread. Here we focus on aspects are made available to Sisters with particular needs of ‘community building’ which are important in a and liaise with the Finance team to provide them. Community context. We acknowledge the generosity of Sisters who return surplus funds each year and who send in tax Building a foundation invoices/receipts to enable us to claim back Goods Community Leaders set about getting to know Sisters and Services Tax payments. These funds enable us to and establishing ways of doing what needed to be support various mission-focused activities, including done within the Community. Some things, such as our MASF. the ongoing care of Sisters and organizing finances, needed to be bedded down very quickly. Effective Nourishing religious life and building relationships and respectful relationships needed to be established Building community life and responding to God’s call with staff whose work relates directly to our lives. are relational so Community Leaders made every There were some challenges involved in this, given effort during the first few months to meet Community that it was three months into the life of ISMAPNG members, to learn about the areas in which they before they took up their role and some practices lived and hear about their ministry. Meeting local were already established. There was no blueprint Bishops, parish clergy and members of other religious and each community had its own characteristics so congregations working in the various dioceses where different ways of doing things developed to meet Sisters lived and worked was also important. Gradually community needs. This had its advantages and its community newsletters were established as a means disadvantages as we look back; however, concerted of sharing information and creating connections. efforts have been made by many people over these first five years to ensure we have clear and consistent Later in this thread mention is made of the many procedures for attending to matters affecting our ways responsibilities are shared at present within lives. A commitment to forming good relationships communities. It took time to move from ‘this is the between the various teams across ISMAPNG whose way we have always done it here’ to the embrace of a work relates directly to our lives, has borne fruit different way of doing things or to keep doing some and enables issues of concern to be addressed things the same way but with a different mindset respectfully and in a timely manner. In saying that, and for a new reason. The appointment of pastoral we acknowledge that some Sisters feel disempowered co-ordinators and health and well-being co-ordinators by changes in the ways some things have been done helped to establish links for Sisters with other in the past so we need to find ways of resolving support staff in our Administration offices. In some concerns which remain. areas of our Institute there was a long history of lay people being employed as carers or co-ordinators but We are blessed in the way our needs for shelter, in other areas this was a new development, requiring food, financial and other resources, transport and a big shift in thinking and practice, with careful healthcare are provided for across ISMAPNG. Very management needed to bring about the transition. early in the life of our new Institute three options Community Leaders have had to think creatively and for finance were presented, with Sisters giving a very work hard to determine when extra levels of care clear preference for the monthly Allowance system and support are needed and to determine who will and some others for an annual budget. The Director best provide such care and support. This need was of Finance and Administration, Ian Hobbs, worked foreshadowed five years ago in the Think Evans closely with an advisory group of Sisters (Gwen Report (p. 21) which stated: “Planning that Sisters Garland RSM, Angela Jordan RSM and Janet Lowe RSM) will largely be the ones to support Sisters necessarily to develop the options and submit them to the ILT for assumes that there will be sufficient Sisters who are approval. As at 1 January 2017, there were 668 Sisters able. The feasibility of that assumption will diminish on the Standard Allowance, 117 Sisters on the Aged so rapidly after the short term that it would be as
29 THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
well to work on other assumptions from the outset of Sisters who have relocated within a Community ISMAPNG … this calls for drawing on support available or moved into another Community, ourselves and in various parts of the general community and Community Leaders included, or who have moved as planning for further additions to an extended team of their care needs have changed, have had to lay personnel. This will leave substantial capacity for re-establish networks of support and that also takes mission and ministries.” time. The ways in which Sisters have supported each other during these transitions reflect the many In various ways Community Leaders have engaged opportunities offered and taken to establish new as many Sisters as wanted to be involved in doing friendships and support networks. This is part of our things and taking responsibility in local clusters. Local personal engagement in ‘culture building’ as ISMAPNG initiatives continue to be taken to strengthen our continues to emerge. relationships with each other. Many of these do not rely on the involvement of the Community Leader at Setting up support networks and structures all but have come to birth or expanded because of Community Leaders have developed various ways the enthusiasm and creativity of an individual or small of ensuring support for themselves in the emerging group of Sisters in a local area. Involvement may have role and for supporting Sisters in each Community. meant lengthy travel as Sisters accepted an invitation Some of the initial structures were ‘loose’ and have to go beyond ‘their local scene.’ subsequently evolved into what is in place now (e.g. most Community health and well-being co-ordinators Nurturing a sense of belonging are now employed through one of our ministries or How do we know we ‘belong’ when something other providers so ISMAPNG does not have to act as new happens? Hopefully each of us has had some the direct employer; many positions in these areas experiences during these five years which have were staffed by Sisters until recently). Much time and helped us feel part of our Institute. Some of us effort over these five years has gone into clarifying thrive on meeting people we have not met before responsibilities in matters relating to the lives of the while others find that very stressful. We have heard Sisters and to establishing that the authority regarding many stories of Sisters taking initiatives to travel to the service needs of Sisters is with the Community areas they had not visited before and of being given Leader but that the delivery of services and support for wonderful Mercy hospitality. Sisters communicate them lies with our Operations staff. with each other in times of joy and sadness and send a card or email message of encouragement Gradually specific roles were developed (e.g. in response to something they may have read contact persons, funeral co-ordinators, cluster co- in a newsletter. We also know that some Sisters ordinators, health and well-being co-ordinators) and initially found it hard to ‘find a place at the table’ role descriptions for positions such as pastoral co- at Community or Institute gatherings, to build new ordinators were clarified. We have an ongoing need for connections and make new friendships. It takes the assistance of lay people with the professional skills time to feel that we are now among friends when needed in this area as we age and can no longer travel we gather rather than to feel we have merely or our care needs change. attended an event.
30 It took time to identify the common principles Sisters have appreciated the gatherings organized underpinning the various ways in which assistance was by the MCIC, the IMT, the Mission and Ministry team being provided for Community Leaders. We had many and the MIRP co-ordinators as they have helped us conversations about the concept and the reality of to bring mission and ministry into focus in a new ‘assistants’ and ‘assistance’. Community Leaders, acting time. Such gatherings have also helped in presenting within their delegated authority, appointed assistants a bigger view of our Institute’s mission and in doing to undertake particular roles within the Community. so continue to bring our Chapter Statement to life. The ILT and the Community Leader consulted Knowing that so many Sisters regularly pray for about the appointment of Barbara Broad RSM as the special intentions relating to our life and mission Assistant, in Papua New Guinea, to the Community brings another dimension to our outward focus. Leader in the Northern Community. We recognized in the initial structure that a high level of delegation was Fostering an Institute identity required so that Sisters in Papua New Guinea could It takes time to build Institute identity in a meaningful have appropriate attention given to their local needs way and we each engage quite differently, depending and issues. What was clear was that assistance, by on a range of factors. As do Community Leaders, whatever name and in whatever form, was needed we try to reinforce the message that all Sisters and that the people in those roles provided invaluable are involved in the mission of our Institute. Local support to the Community Leaders. response to need is our Institute response to need. We also help one another. Communities responded Within the former Institute Leadership Forum (ILF – generously to our call to help our Sisters in Papua now known as the Institute Sisters Leadership Forum, New Guinea during the recent drought when so ISLF) we spent a great deal of time in the first four many people with whom they worked, even their own years sharing what was developing in each Community families, did not have enough food. Specific examples in relation to provision of support and from that, of ways we have endeavoured to foster an Institute identifying the common principles which were inherent identity and culture are outlined elsewhere, in the in the arrangements which had been made. We are ‘Organizational Culture and Framework’ thread. aware that some Sisters feel assistants/support roles ought to be appointments of the ILT rather than the An initiative which has been very effective in Community Leader and/or that Sisters should be able this respect is ‘Take a Break’. These gatherings to vote for persons to take up assistance roles. We commenced in 2013. We were very pleased to are not sure how widespread such thinking is. Any support this initiative, as were Community Leaders. change to current practice needs to ensure that the We thank the co-ordinating committee of Faith Jones Community Leader can work effectively with Sisters RSM and Lizzie Finnerty RSM, assisted by Anne Keim and others in an assistant/ce role. RSM, Pauline Murray RSM and Carolyn Hunt RSM in 2013 and Rosie Carroll RSM during 2014 – 2016, for Linking life and mission their enthusiasm and commitment. These gatherings We know from our own experience that communities continue to provide an opportunity for Sisters across function better when we are happy in our living ISMAPNG “to meet each other and enjoy some time arrangements and in our ministry situation. The in beautiful places with people they may not have outward focus which this engenders in us can be met before.” (Extract from ILT newsletter, March 28, a source of great energy for mission. It was our 2013). Table 3 shows the venues and the number of experience during Visitation that Sisters seem to be participants from 2013 – 2016. Two gatherings are as involved as they can be in mission and ministry in planned for 2017. their local situation and that their involvement takes many forms.
31 THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
TABLE 3: ‘TAKE A BREAK’ provided us with very helpful insights and direction LOCATIONS AND NUMBERS in addressing some of these issues. The ISLF provides a regular opportunity for Community Leaders to OF PARTICIPANTS 2013 - 2016 bring to the leadership table the life and concerns of NO. OF the Sisters. Their engagement with the Sisters and YEAR LOCATION PARTICIPANTS the ILT places Community Leaders in a significant position, enabling them to keep the perspectives Seville, Cairns 13 of the Community and of our broader Institute in 2013 balance. Community Leaders now meet together Santa Casa, Queenscliff 14 for a day prior to ISLF gatherings, providing them Seville, Cairns 13 with opportunities for mutual support and ongoing 2014 critique of the role as it unfolds. The ILT contact Tuart Hill, Perth 14 person, through her regular contact and follow up of Seville, Cairns 8 matters relating to the Community, provides another 2015 form of support to each Community Leader. Tuart Hill, Perth 12
Seville, Cairns 11 Among Sisters, we are aware of differing expectations 2016 of the Community Leader. Even though some Tuart Hill, Perth 13 responsibilities are delegated, as the ILT we have TOTAL 98 ultimate responsibility for the ‘business’ which was previously the responsibility of the Congregation Leader and team. Each Sister has responsibility for Reports from each gathering have been included her personal living of religious life. This personal in newsletters so you will know, as we do, that the responsibility however is exercised in the knowledge gatherings have provided opportunities for Sisters that we are each members of a group and that this to meet and share with others across our Institute may place some restrictions on us at times. We are and to build a sense of identity together. In doing growing in our understanding of the Community so, they are achieving their purpose and for that Leader’s role and our appreciation of what can we are grateful to all who have been involved. Your reasonably be expected of one person. Hopefully we ‘local hospitality’ to Sisters ‘taking a break’ across our are also growing in our understanding of what we are Institute has been outstanding. called to contribute to the life of our communities. Despite the ‘bumps and potholes along the road’ a There are many ways to cross-fertilize ideas and great deal has been achieved in five years and we do happenings in various areas. In addition to the have reason to celebrate these achievements. written word, we continue our efforts to communicate in ways which help us to feel connected and part Documenting an expanding role of our broader life and mission, to feel that we are We are in a much better position now than we were ‘Institute women’. in January 2012 to articulate the key aspects of Community leadership. We decided at the end of Clarifying and critiquing the role of 2014 to extend by one year the appointments of the Community Leader first six Community Leaders. At the end of 2015 we Eighteen months into the new we invited Sisters appointed four new Community Leaders (Marie Duffy to participate in a review of the role of Community RSM, Mary Geason RSM, Carolyn Nolan RSM and Helen Leader. Many responded, expressing how they saw White RSM) and reappointed two (Faye Kelly RSM and the role developing and identifying areas where Berenice Kerr RSM). In October 2016 we appointed clarification might be needed, where ways of doing Margaret Moore RSM as Acting Community Leader things could be improved or additional support while Faye was ill. We now have eleven Mercy women provided for Community Leaders. The enormity of with experience of leading in the still emerging the leadership role undertaken by our Community context of an Institute Community. Leaders was also recognized. Later consultations
32 Our Constitutions foreshadowed the ongoing • endorsing recommendations to the ILT e.g. development of the role of the Community Leader by Enrichment Leave, establishment of a new stating (Constitutions J6.35) that “… the Community ministry, housing for Sisters, sale of property. Leader may exercise other responsibilities within the community, as delegated by the Institute Leader. C622”. In the ensuing period, we have There may be some matters relating to your life and engaged with Community Leaders on their collective mission about which you have had conversations with experience of the leadership matters which came your Community Leader but which are not reflected to them and the additional tasks we asked them in the areas of leadership responsibility included in to undertake on our behalf. As a result of our joint this thread. If such matters become recurring issues reflections on that experience, additional aspects of across communities and we see the need to develop a their leadership role have been identified policy or guidelines and procedures to address them and documented. then they will be followed up appropriately.
Some of these aspects include: We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the women who have shaped the role of Community Leader • membership of the ISLF; and who have worked with Sisters in doing so. Each one has contributed her gifts and talents in a spirit • appointment of assistants who will assist of generosity and in challenging times. There are the Community Leader in carrying out her matters around the number, structure and operation responsibilities. The role of, and the title of communities which require further consideration given to assistants will vary according to the and we commit ourselves to addressing them and to particular needs of the place. There is no fixed engaging further with Sisters in doing so. term for assistants;
• delegation to act on behalf of the Institute Sharing leadership within our Communities Leader when requested e.g. Executor of a Will In addition to Community Leaders and assistants (preparation of funeral); Power of Attorney; by whatever name, we acknowledge the many • representing the Institute in the local Sisters who are undertaking leadership roles communities, which may include representing within their Community. This leadership is reflected the Institute at facilities conducted (or formerly in their acceptance of a range of Community conducted) by the Institute e.g. at the opening responsibilities including: of a new service; • Health and wellbeing support roles; • presiding at and hosting celebrations for • Membership of Committees such as MASF the Sisters; Committee, Jubilee Committees; • taking up local issues on behalf of the Institute, • ‘Family member’ roles for Sisters in aged care; sometimes at the direct request of the Institute Leader and Team; • Special events co-ordinators and caterers; • engaging with the Leadership Team in planning • Funeral co-ordinators; future provision for the Sisters; • Cluster co-ordinators; • authorising day to day expenditures for • Newsletter co-ordinators, contributors Community and Sisters’ needs e.g. provision of and photographers; extra care, information technology, telephones, • Assistance to Sisters in financial matters, travel, property repairs and maintenance; communications and technology; • ensuring that the electronic data base is up to • Drivers or travel companions; date for Sisters in her area; • Prayerful presence and support for Sisters who • liaising with Institute Personnel as required are ill or dying; and e.g. Formation, Property, Human Resources, McAuley Ministries, Professional Standards; • The many unheralded acts of kindness which come when we notice a need and respond! • establishing committees or task forces as necessary, e.g. MASF;
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Let us never underestimate the contribution we can commencement of ISMAPNG till its role concluded at make as these are wonderful examples of the ways in the end of 2014. The Council had recommended, as which we share our life and mission. Our focus now part of a review conducted by Anne Lane PBVM, that moves to the living of our mercy religious life in its there be an Initial Formation team, separate from various phases. but connected with those responsible for ongoing formation across our Institute, an area in which the MEMBERSHIP OF OUR INSTITUTE Council had also been very active. The Council also We continue to grow in our appreciation and recommended the establishment of a Council for understanding of our call to be women of mercy Mercy Formation which would incorporate all groups in our time, place and stage of life. Our formation engaged in ‘formation for Mercy mission.’ experiences help to equip us for the journey; as our Constitutions remind us: “we learn, throughout In 2015, two new Formation teams were initiated, one the whole of our lives, what it means to walk as in Australia (members appointed were Patricia Fox followers of Jesus.” (Constitutions 7.03). Knowing RSM and Theresia Tina RSM) and another in Papua New that the Spirit is the one who forms and changes us, Guinea (members appointed were Mariska Kua RSM, we discern as best we can the most appropriate way Theresia Boyek RSM, Claudia Apalenda RSM and Schola to support each woman at different stages of her Fakiwi RSM). They meet regularly with the Director to journey as a member of our Institute. discern the most appropriate ways of meeting the needs of the women in initial formation. We are each responsible for the way we live our religious commitment. We find the guidance, Since the beginning of ISMAPNG three Sisters have encouragement and nourishment we need through taken Perpetual Vows and nine Sisters have taken regular prayer and reflection alone and with others, First Vows, as shown in Table 4. Three Sisters, Anne celebration of Eucharist when and where that is Dooley, Hilda Yangele and Bernardine Kavi, have left possible, spiritual direction and “by our engagement our Institute before making final vows. in initial and ongoing religious and professional development.” (Constitutions 7.10). In the last three years over twenty women have enquired about entering the Sisters of Mercy and Initial Formation when these were followed up thirteen had personal The Director of Initial Formation, who is accountable interviews with the Director (7 Papua New Guineans, to the Institute Leader and supported by Formation 4 Australians, 1 Korean, 1 Vietnamese). These teams in Australia and Papua New Guinea, oversees women ranged in age from 19 – 42 years in Papua a range of activities associated with our program New Guinea and 25 – 57 years in Australia. Some for Initial Formation. From the commencement of enquirers had little idea about religious life, while ISMAPNG until March 2014, Kaye Evans RSM (RIP) others wanted a more traditional form of ‘convent was in this role. We pay tribute to Kaye who sadly life’ and several made contact from outside Australia passed away on 3 July 2016. Her legacy in the field or Papua New Guinea, wanting to transfer from of formation and spirituality will no doubt live on in other congregations. Some of these women were the lives of all those Sisters whose lives she touched. searching for a group to which they could belong At the time of her death all the Sisters now in Initial and receive support for their faith, a need that was Formation in Australia and Papua New Guinea not being met in their parishes. Some of these were expressed gratitude and deep affection for Kaye also interested in the idea of becoming Associates or and a deep sense of loss at her death. Joan Doyle Consecrated Virgins. Currently, a secondary teacher RSM succeeded Kaye, having been appointed at the from Melbourne is in Enquiry Stage II (Postulancy) in beginning of 2014, taking up the role in April 2014. South C Community.
The Institute Formation Council (Barbara Bolster RSM [Chair], Cheryl Camp RSM, Eveline Crotty RSM, Carmel Dwan RSM, Kaye Evans, RSM [RIP], Maree Haggerty RSM [RIP], Joan Sibberas RSM, Theresia Tina RSM and Kathleen Williams RSM) provided advice, support and direction for the Initial Formation Director from the
34 TABLE 4: SISTERS IN INITIAL FORMATION, 1 JANUARY 2012 - 31 DECEMBER 2016
LOCATION WITHIN ISMAPNG PAPUA NEW GUINEA AUSTRALIA
03/03/12 Helen Glasheen
Date of Perpetual Vows 08/09/12 Anne McGuire
10/12/16 Elizabeth Young
12/12/09 Rachael Waisman 11/08/13 Mai Nguyen-Doan
29/01/11 Bernardine Kavi 18/01/14 Michelle Goh
26/11/11 Meryline Yasaku
29/11/12 Doris Kaip Date of First Vows 29/11/13 Janet Andrew
29/11/14 Marianna Kolkia
10/09/16 Doreen Mainick
26/11/16 Mathilda Paro
Developments in Initial Formation the Sisters in Papua New Guinea, to devise a new With the resignation of two of the Formators in model for formation which provides candidates with Papua New Guinea at the end of 2014 a new model of a variety of experiences to assist them in their shared responsibility for Initial Formation which had vocation discernment. been agreed to by Sisters in Papua New Guinea was introduced. After her spiritual year in Wewak the one Provision of free education in Papua New Guinea is candidate spent time in three other communities to opening up possibilities for our women. Three of our experience Mercy community and mission. This model newer members completed Year 11 and 12 studies of shared responsibility and empowerment has been in 2016 and two other Sisters will do likewise in in operation in Australia in more recent years with a 2017 and 2018. Higher education is becoming more wider group of Sisters sharing in the Initial Formation important as we keep pace with a rapidly changing program with candidates. Considerable effort has world and advancing technology. been made by Joan Doyle RSM, in collaboration with
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Emerging trends The focus will be on mission and directions set by A number of trends are evident and will continue to the 2017 Chapter. In order to help build our identity shape our future. as ISMAPNG and MIA a small group of Sisters from across ISMAPNG who are not in Initial Formation will • The number of women entering religious life be invited to participate, along with a couple of newer is obviously diminishing and this trend will members from Aotearoa New Zealand. continue as the laity assume a more prominent role in the church. Ongoing formation • Our Sisters currently in Initial Formation are From a review of the Institute Formation Council a multicultural group, having been born in in the second half of 2014 came a new model for Papua New Guinea, Malaysia and Vietnam. initial and ongoing Formation. At the time, there were a number of groups involved in formation • Women are entering religious life at an and a variety of programs existed, including Mercy older age. Many come with considerable life Ethos, Mercy Alive, Initial Formation and the Circle experience and professional qualifications. This of Mercy Theologians. Ways were needed to bring reflects the changes in society in general where them together, while recognizing the particular focus people very often do not marry or start a family and canonical requirements of the Initial Formation until they are in their 30s and are established program. The review affirmed the importance and in their career. the challenge of resurrecting the Mercy charism • A sense of community and wanting a more and shaping it so it remained a source of energy radical living of the vow of poverty in keeping for mission into the future. It was envisaged that with our care for the earth and the poor is this could be achieved through sharing, reflecting being sought by many newer members. and dreaming together, enabling a new vision to emerge. The importance was recognized of holding the questions of “who are the ‘we’ of ISMAPNG?” and We pray that ongoing consideration of these ‘signs of exploring possibilities for new ways of belonging. In the times’ will enable us to respond appropriately in the two years since the review, we have continued to our future planning. keep these questions before us and are now at the stage of bringing together for the first time all who Forging a global Mercy identity among have some involvement in ‘formation for mission’ newer members across ISMAPNG. As the numbers of Sisters of Mercy diminish globally we recognize the need to strengthen our identity Since 2014 we have had a range of ongoing formation as members of ISMAPNG and MIA. This is especially initiatives at Community level, including themed important amongst the younger/newer members retreats, guest speakers at Community gatherings, of our Institute. During the last six years we have events linked to the Year of Consecrated Life and the provided opportunities for this to happen, with Year of Mercy. In 2016 MIRP and Chapter preparation several combined gatherings being organized for gatherings have also been part of our ongoing Sisters in Initial Formation in Australia and Papua formation. The theology course for women religious New Guinea, with Sisters in initial formation in in Papua New Guinea is providing a rich experience of Aotearoa New Zealand also participating. ongoing formation for our women and their Sisters in other religious congregations. In 2014 the gatherings of Sisters aged ‘65 and Under’ were held in Goroka and Adelaide. Elizabeth Young Access to retreats which meet the needs of Sisters RSM and Rachael Waisman RSM will attend the Final can be problematic in some areas of our Institute, Vows Program at Mercy International Centre, Baggot especially when Sisters are unable to travel long Street, Dublin, in May, 2017, together with other distances or where existing offerings may not participants from USA, Philippines, Guyana and South suit their needs at the time. Community Leaders Africa. In October 2017 another gathering is being have been proactive in arranging annual retreats planned for Newer Members from ISMAPNG in Cairns. for groups of Sisters, as have our retreat and
36 spirituality centre managers within MML who are be said for all of us of course, no matter our current including different styles of retreat in their annual age. How we lead now or may have led in the past programs. In 2018 ISMAPNG will be providing two may not be the way we are called to lead in the scholarships for Papua New Guinean religious women future. It is important that our younger women have to participate in training in Melbourne as spiritual ongoing opportunities to broaden their leadership directors, enabling them to meet a real need within experience, enhance their leadership skills and gain their own communities and religious communities confidence in accepting leadership roles. We continue more broadly. Spiritual directors from other parts of to find ways in which this can occur. our Institute have also provided some opportunities for spiritual direction when they visited Goroka, Mt There are many reasons why an experience can be Hagen or Wewak. formative. Sometimes it might be well after the event before we can name the significance of a particular The ’65 and under’ gatherings in 2015 provided the retreat, a renewal program or participation in a approximately 100 women in this age cohort an reading and sharing circle. Taking responsibility for opportunity to come together in Goroka or Adelaide, our own ongoing formation is important and we together with ILT members, to share and learn from generally do accept that responsibility. Sometimes, each other. Many were meeting each other for the unintentionally perhaps, we might ‘let things slip’ first time. With the assistance of Susan Pollard RSJ for a time. Others may notice something before we and Anne Derwin RSJ, aspects of our life and mission realize it. If that happens, how can we support each were explored. The questions and the learnings were other and call each other to fidelity to our way of life? shared across our Institute via a Reflection booklet Our friends and colleagues can support us through which invited all Sisters to engage in small groups difficult periods, as can other significant people with the issues which had emerged. As our age and skilled professionals when appropriate. Our profile indicates, Sisters in this cohort are the ones willingness to be part of conversations on difficult more likely to be called to leadership in a variety issues can also open up pathways for addressing of ways, including at future Chapters. As a group them. Together in faith, may we continue to respond their ministerial involvements and the opportunities to God who has called us and who has promised to available for them to exercise leadership in their remain faithful. professional fields and/or within their former congregations varied greatly. The same can probably
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Renewing and enriching our response to God’s call appropriate for a new time and circulated them to Enrichment leave enables us to take time “for you, keeping you aware of updates as appropriate. various opportunities for personal, spiritual and Initially, Community Leaders approved amounts up professional development … The time and length of to $6000 before approval needed to come to the ILT. this period depends upon the needs of the Sister, The amount which could be approved locally was later previous opportunities, the type of Enrichment Leave increased to $10,000, thus streamlining the process. planned and the demands of her ministry.” (Extract Table 5 shows the number of Sisters who have had from ISMAPNG Policy for Enrichment Leave, some enrichment leave during the period January 2016). We honoured the approvals given by former 2012 - December 31, 2016, and the associated cost Congregations and, in consultation with Community to ISMAPNG. Leaders, developed a policy and procedures
TABLE 5: ENRICHMENT LEAVE 2011-2016
FINANCIAL YEAR NO. OF SISTERS/COMMUNITY TOTAL FOR YEAR AVERAGE COST
32 North 6 South A 2 2011 - 2012 $240,933.05 $7,529.16 South B 6 South C 18 113 Central A 9 Central B 15 North 28 2012 - 2013 $540,787.09 $4,785.72 South A 26 South B 11 South C 24 92 Central A 12 Central B 20 North 13 2013 - 2014 $529,317.39 $5,753.44 South A 15 South B 12 South C 20 103 Central A 13 Central B 17 North 35 2014 - 2015 $464,182.65 $4,506.62 South A 16 South B 8 South C 14 78 Central A 13 Central B 22 2015 - 2016 North 17 $427,178.93 $5,476.65 (as at Dec 31, 2016) South A 13 South B 5 South C 8
TOTAL TO DATE 418 $2,202,399.11 $5,268.90
38 From time to time we receive correspondence from ‘Awakening our Stories as Consecrated Women’. This Sisters on their return from leave, indicating the value focus invited us to recall and own our call to religious of the experience and expressing their gratitude to life and the call to become one Institute. our Institute for making such opportunities available. The ILT, who put our existing plans on hold in We wanted to come to you in your place of living and December 2011, look forward to some enrichment to ‘do visitation’ differently so your input into how you leave in the future! wished to engage with us was very helpful in shaping our visit to each Community. Based on your feedback, Holiday time can also provide an opportunity to we arranged individual or small group interviews, rest, relax and refresh ourselves. We have our visits to individual homes or clusters for meetings, preferred ways of spending this time and within prayer and/or a meal, visits to places of ministry, ISMAPNG we are fortunate to have a range of our as well as the larger gatherings which took place in own ‘holiday house’ options available. We are grateful various centres in each Community. In some places to the members of the Holiday House Committee we enjoyed a meal together after a gathering. (Barbara Bolster RSM, Angela Jordan RSM, Julie Anne Ryan RSM, Alan Schofield and Bev Strong RSM) for Our purpose was to give you an opportunity to see their work in developing and making available a and be seen, hear and be heard by at least one ILT comprehensive booklet with information about each member and for all of us to become even more of our holiday houses. They monitor annual usage familiar with the Institute as a whole. From our and, in conjunction with Community Leaders and our perspective it provided us with a deeper appreciation Property team, help us to identify when a holiday of the diverse lives and ministries of all of our Sisters. house may need to be sold or replaced because it is Hearing your feedback on the experience of becoming no longer suitable. one Institute was also important. We enjoyed the opportunity to be with you in your ordinary life and Remembering our deceased Sisters place(s) of ministry and we valued the chance to Many of you have accompanied our Sisters as they gain first hand experience of being with each one, approached death. Our Constitutions (7.13) remind even if only for a short time in some instances. We us that “our ministry to one another then is a most experienced moments of grace, new learnings and loving act of mercy” and that “death will be the last moments in which we discovered the challenges of response of our life of steadfast love and mercy.” life as a Sister of Mercy. At the time of writing this Report, 173 Sisters have died as members of our Institute. Each one is listed Visitation was a most enriching time for us. Many by name in Appendix 2. You may have read each one’s moments stand out, including your welcome and story in the Eulogy or Words of Remembrance which hospitality in your homes, ministries, local clusters are shared with you. Many Sisters have expressed and in larger gathering spaces where we met for gratitude for being able to share their memories reflection and sharing. Community Leaders assisted with other Sisters while others have appreciated the us in many ways too. Many of us visited places for chance to learn something of the life of Sisters they the first time, so we really enjoyed the opportunity had not met or did not know very well. to meet the local people, including Mercy colleagues, local bishops and friends, and to obtain at least a Join with us for a quiet moment as we remember our fleeting glimpse of what life is like in the places where deceased Sisters in prayer… we live and minister.
OUR FORMAL VISITATION OF We valued the sharing of our mottos and the stories of our unfolding Mercy religious life which COMMUNITIES this sharing facilitated. As Sisters together, we We have had a number of occasions to be with you in reflected on the first four years of our Institute and your local areas over these five years but in 2015/16 acknowledged and affirmed what seemed to be we undertook our formal program of Visitation during working well. Also it was good to hear emerging from which we met nearly 800 Sisters. As it was the Year of Consecrated Life the theme chosen for visitation was
39 THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
our discussions the many suggestions about how Our visits reinforced for us that through our diverse some things could be done differently or better in the actions and ways of being, we are all living out the time ahead. mission of the Gospel and collectively we continue to fulfil the promise and challenge of our Chapter From our time with you during visitation, we believe statement through our extravagant hospitality, we grasped anew the enormity of what had been compassion and justice. undertaken by the establishment of ISMAPNG on December 12, 2011. In the scheme of things four We tried to integrate some of our learnings from years was not very long, especially if we don’t just visitation into our strategic plan. In retrospect we think of it as a linear, chronological space but as a acknowledge that it would have been beneficial for us time of initially doing what needed to be done and to have had this experience of visitation of the whole then discerning where the Spirit might be leading us Institute earlier in our time of leadership; however, in as religious women into the future. this first leadership term it was not possible.
We were touched by the works of Mercy, large and small, being done across our Institute quietly, FUTURE PROJECTIONS ABOUT ‘US’ AND consistently, strategically, willingly and sometimes at WHO WE MIGHT BECOME great personal cost. Table 6 below shows projected numbers for each current Community till June 2035 and Graph 4 shows projected numbers for our Institute as a whole from June 2015 till June 2070.
TABLE 6: COMMUNITY PROJECTIONS 2015-2035
JUNE 2015 JUNE 2020 JUNE 2025 JUNE 2030 JUNE 2035
Central A 120 96 61 30 6
Central B 180 145 93 55 16
North 146 116 77 43 16
North PNG 24 24 24 23 22
South A 131 104 67 32 13
South B 103 87 62 25 8
South C 156 136 88 45 22
TOTAL 860 708 472 253 103
40 GRAPH 4: PROJECTED SISTER NUMBERS R E TED TER ER 2 2 2 22 un un un un un un un un un un un un
Projections can change of course in response to We know some Sisters feel that ‘reconfiguring’ came changing situations. In the near future we could too late. We are where we are today because of the have a new way of living and ministering with our efforts of many to listen carefully and to dream about Mercy colleagues and lay partners in mission which ways of being and living and organizing ourselves in bears little resemblance to what is happening within order to meet emerging needs as well as we could ISMAPNG in 2017. Who knows how our Mercy world with the resources available to us. That direction has will be configured in 2035? We could be part of ‘Mercy not changed. Could it not happen again, even as late Pacific’ or one global Mercy congregation. We could as June 2070, that ‘it started with two (or three)’? be part of a completely new form of consecrated life or religious life, reflected in different ways of living, having opportunities to contribute our wisdom and insights and to be leaders in a radically reformed church in Australia, Papua New Guinea and throughout the world.
Could it not happen again, even as late as June 2070, that ‘it started with two (or three)’?
41 THREAD 2 I Our Way of Living
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• While our lifestyle is ‘radical’ in many ways, we know that our existing form of religious life is in a significant time of change and that it has to be in order to remain credible or to re-establish its credibility. • As it evolves our Institute will need to continue to be courageous and prophetic as we live where we live and engage in mission where there is need. • Our ways of organizing ourselves in Communities will change in response to reflection on our initial experiences and a realistic appraisal of our future needs. • In taking up our leadership roles the very real displacement we experienced, as did our Community Leaders, has its rewards as well as its costs. New experiences and challenges have led to personal and professional growth and the establishment of additional support networks. Each of us has had to attend to the personal implications of moving from our ‘places of Mercy origin’ so that something new might come to life.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• As a group of women we are well provided for and we are generous in the ways we give of our time and resources. However, it is always a challenge for us not to become caught up in a consumerist mentality or to think that it is the responsibility of future generations to care for the earth. • It is a challenge for us to really listen to our newer members and to recognize the gifts they bring at this moment in our history. It is also a challenge to offer a sense of community to newer members when so many Sisters are either living alone or are in ‘set’ communities. • The decline in the number of Sisters, across our Institute generally and in Communities in particular, has implications for our ministry involvements, our infrastructure requirements, operations and finance. It is important that our Strategic thinking and planning is able to balance the reality with the possibilities that continue to unfold in relation to support for Sisters and support for our broad mission direction in the future. • It remains a challenge to ensure that the ILT has the capacity to do what needs to be done in the shorter and medium term, given our changing demographics. Leadership in all areas of our Institute has to be responsive in an environment which is complex and dispersed, even though technology has the potential to connect and link us in ways not possible before.
WE NOW INVITE YOU TO TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WHICH FOLLOW:
What am I doing personally and in my Community to strengthen our identity Q1. as ISMAPNG?
Of all the issues touched on in this thread, which two seem to present the greatest Q2. challenges for our future?
42 Leadership and Governance
RH side section page 3 v2.indd 1 03-Mar-17 5:54:29 PM THREAD 3 I Leadership and Governance
Leadership and Governance This thread focuses on leadership and governance within our Institute. We recognize that all members of our Institute exercise leadership within their particular areas of influence and that some have accepted an invitation to specific designated leadership and/or governance roles.
Our Constitutions (6.06) remind us that “Within our greatly appreciated. It ranged from the practical, such Institute, formal authority is vested primarily as arranging our initial accommodation in Sydney, in Chapters when in session and in designated to thorough briefings on matters relating to our new leadership. To promote unity of life and mission Institute. A primary focus in January 2012 was the amidst a creative pluriformity, such a visible focus appointment of Community Leaders, a significant of governance and leadership is necessary.” The new leadership role within ISMAPNG. As we look back context for what follows is our belief that designated now over more than five years, we recognize both leadership and governance are ministries, exercised the privilege and the challenge of shaping the new. on behalf of ISMAPNG and in the name of the church. Those who succeed us will have their own particular challenges as an Institute leadership team. In this thread we invite you to reflect with us on the approach we have taken to our Leadership From the start we recognized the benefit of regular role. We note the many dimensions of our life and professional supervision which each of us undertakes mission which call for our attention as leaders. We individually. We also saw the importance of also provide some insights into our governance periodically taking some time away from the office responsibilities and highlight specific initiatives to grow in our knowledge of each other and to build taken to enhance the governance of our institutional an effective team. In order to do that we have met ministries. We conclude with an overview of the ways twice each year, in February and July, for three days we address our responsibilities and obligations in at a time, with a facilitator who has worked with relation to Professional Standards. us and assisted us in identifying our priorities and consequent planning. We are appreciative of the OUR APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP support and assistance given to us by Therese Carroll We were elected to the ILT in December 2011, taking RSJ during the first half of our term and to Susan office immediately. This had its own particular Pollard RSJ since then. During these planning days, challenges, both personal and ministry-wise, as as with other meetings which were held at locations we each had to make a rapid transition from the across our Institute, we valued the opportunity to ministries in which we had been involved prior meet with the local Sisters and to share a meal. to the Chapter. While still at the Chapter our first administrative task was to become the signatories to Towards the end of 2013 we developed a Strategic all the bank accounts which would enable our new Plan for 2014/2015. This plan drew on the experience Institute to operate. of our first two years as we endeavoured to implement our Chapter statement and helped Based at Lewisham, Sydney, for the first 16 months us focus on the strategic issues which needed we began to shape the new role and respond as best our attention in the ‘middle years’ of our term we could to the matters before us. The assistance and possibly beyond. We circulated the plan and given by the outgoing Institute of Sisters of Mercy instigated opportunities to share with you our of Australia (ISMA) Leadership Team, Nerida Tinkler thinking behind its development. The four strategic RSM, Caroline Ryan RSM and Karon Donnellon RSM, was priorities were:
44 • Mercy Religious Life today; Responding to our mandate from the 2011 Chapter As an ILT we have been very conscious of the • Institute Identity and Culture; mandate we were given by the 2011 Chapter. We • Mission of Mercy; and needed to attend to the setting up of our Institute • Institute Structures. and in doing that we had the good fortune to work with skilled advisors who had much more insight than we had about what was required. We also had the Within each of these areas we identified a range of wisdom being handed on by the ‘Towards the New actions to continue, to initiate or to review. Institute’ (TNI) Leaders and the work done by the ISMA Leadership team. That much was obvious, but Looking back now at its value, the document gave more inspirational was the Chapter Statement. We us an additional reference point for our planning in have used the Statement extensively in setting the important middle years and most of what we are our priorities. engaged in during this final year is consistent with our priorities then. Almost all the elements of the Early in our term we came to the realization that the 2014/2015 plan are mentioned somewhere in 2017 Chapter would be a significant moment in the this Report. life of the Institute. The Chapter of 2011 was indeed the founding Chapter, but in many respects this will be During each year of our leadership there has been a the ‘first’ Chapter for the Institute in that it will operate focus area for our Institute-wide activity. against a backdrop of lived experience of the Institute, and the delegates will be drawn from across the existing • 2012 – Community: working with you and our Institute whereas delegates to the 2011 Chapter were new Community Leaders to establish the new primarily drawn from the prior Congregations. in its initial stages;
• 2013 – Institute: discovering ways to establish As early as 2014 we decided that it was critically our new identify through our Institute important to ensure that Sisters were as satisfied gatherings and launch of our Constitutions; as possible with decisions around who would be • 2014 – Mission: engaging with you, our staff, attending this Chapter, and that this decision should ministry colleagues and Associates through our be made well ahead of the commencement of the Mission gatherings; actual Chapter process. Elizabeth Dowling RSM, Gwen Garland RSM and Caroline Ong RSM responded to • 2015 – Visitation: alongside our focus on our request that they consult Sisters and then make Religious life as it is emerging, inviting you to recommendations about this matter. The process indicate how you would like to meet with us. for Election of Delegates that we have used for the • 2016 – Year of Mercy: engagement in many Chapter is the result of their careful work during 2015 ways, including through involvement in MIRP; and while it might not be what everyone wanted we feel confident that it is the process most likely to • 2017 – Our Chapter year: continuing to inform leave Sisters feeling satisfied about who will attend. our Chapter agenda by our shared preparation.
Terms of Reference were developed for the Chapter Preparation Committee towards the end of 2015 and Insights coming from the various gatherings and the Committee was appointed before the end of the other activities associated with these focus areas year. Caroline Ryan RSM accepted the role of Chair of for Institute-wide activity have provided us with the Committee and Ros Carr RSM, Karon Donnellon RSM significant direction and some dilemmas now and and Duyen Nguyen RSM are the Committee members. again! They have certainly shaped the way we have Since early in 2016 they have worked consistently to attended to the business of our lives as a ensure that as far as possible the Chapter process will leadership team. provide Sisters generally with many opportunities to participate, and the delegates with all the information and support they will need to take their role at the Chapter. We have every confidence that an excellent Chapter process is being offered.
45 THREAD 3 I Leadership and Governance
We are grateful to the members of the three Chapter OUR EMERGING MEETING AGENDA Working Parties established in 2016 to consult with Until October 2014, the ILT met fortnightly, for two Sisters around these areas: consecutive days. Recognizing that it was sometimes difficult to complete the follow up from each • Chapter Working Party for Community fortnightly meeting when other commitments were Structures (CWPCS): Eveline Crotty RSM [Chair], taken into account, from that time onwards, until the Margaret Broadbent RSM, Anne Foale RSM, end of 2015, we met monthly, for three consecutive Margaret Hart RSM, Mariska Kua RSM, days. This has enabled us to follow up matters in Kathy Ryan RSM, Bev Strong RSM and a more realistic and timely manner in between Kerry Willison RSM. meetings. With the decision to establish the Executive • Chapter Working Party for Finance and Leadership Team (ELT), since January 2016 we have Stewardship (CWPFS): Angela Jordan RSM met monthly as the ILT for two days and with the [Chair], Rosemary Day RSM, Berice Livermore Executive Leaders for two days as the ELT. Having RSM, Kath Tierney RSM, Nerida Tinkler RSM one designated week for meetings per month enables and Sylvia Williams RSM. much better planning and follow up to occur. Urgent matters arising in between meetings are attended to • Chapter Working Party for Constitutions and decisions ratified as appropriate at the (CWPC): Helen Delaney RSM [Chair], Carmel next meeting. Heagerty RSM, Helen Mary Peters RSM and Caroline Vaitkunas RSM. The multi dimensional nature and scope of the ILT’s leadership is reflected in the matters which routinely come before us, in addition to the unexpected things Sisters are now reflecting on material in the Reports which happen. Consequently we have structured coming from the CWPCS and the CWPFS after various our ILT and ELT meetings to reflect the range of gatherings across ISMAPNG. The CWPC is also responsibilities we fulfil. Some items can appear on continuing its work and will consider the implications, the agenda for both meetings. Kathy Fuller assists the if any, for our current Governance documents of meeting Chair to prepare the Agenda and attends the significant matters arising as part of our meetings as Minutes Secretary. As appropriate, some Chapter preparation. agenda matters are discussed in camera. We have appointed a Committee to develop a process for involving Sisters in the ‘Call to Leadership’ prior OUR ILT AGENDA to our Chapter and thank Margaret Endicott RSM Following time for prayer and reflection, a typical ILT [Convenor], Carole Carmody RSM, Carmel Dwan meeting Agenda addresses the following areas of life RSM and Helen Kearins RSM, for their willingness to within our Institute. On the left hand side of Table 7 undertake this important task. are listed the broad Agenda headings for our formal ILT meetings. Each of the broad areas usually has a number of sub-items for consideration. The examples of sub-items included in the right hand side of the Table are provided to give you some idea of the range of items addressed in a typical meeting.
46 TABLE 7: TYPICAL ILT MEETING AGENDA
ILT MEETING AGENDA THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES OF SUB-ITEMS RELATE TO THE CORRESPONDING ITEMS AGENDA HEADINGS
Visitors to meeting Director of Initial Formation at 2.30pm Day 1; Communications Manager at 1.30pm Day 2.
Minutes of Approval of Minutes; reporting on actions arising from previous meeting. previous meeting
All correspondence inwards and outwards since the previous meeting is tabled. Letters Correspondence requiring action are dealt with in the relevant agenda item e.g. donation requests.
A current focus is the Institute Chapter e.g. progress of draft ILT Report; consideration of Planning requests from Chapter Preparation Committee (CPC); Agenda items for joint meeting of ILT and CPC.
Administration Information about when Stanmore admin staff will be on leave; Possible reorganization of office space to accommodate new staff member.
Discussion with Communications Manager on next stage of new website; Communications Identifying items arising from meeting for inclusion in next Institute newsletter.
Reports from Trademark Committee about requests for extraordinary use of the Mercy Cross or the other two Mercy Marks; Institute Committees Report from the Research and Publications Committee on progress of a ‘coffee-table’ history being prepared for a significant celebration.
Update on matters arising since previous meeting and progress on existing claims; Response Professional Standards to TJHC for additional information for the Royal Commission in relation to ISMAPNG’s education ministries.
Reports from contact persons about matters of interest or concern; Communities of ISMAPNG Planning for next ISLF meeting; ILT involvement in significant celebrations.
Sister A - application for final vows; Sister B – coordinating public announcement of new ministry role for this Sister with another church organization; Sister C – letter expressing concern about how ILT dealt with a matter; Sister D – update on response to request to undertake a short term project for the ILT; Sister E – proposal to apply for an MIA advertised position after consultation with Members Community Leader; Sister F (deceased) – progress on closing bank accounts because of irregularities in existing documentation at time of death; Sister G – response to invitation to consider a Board appointment; Sister H – confirmation that Professional Standards documents have been signed and sent to Bishop of Diocese in which Sister is going to be ministering periodically.
Sister A – ratification of approval given outside meeting to request for $12,500 to go to a sick relative for urgent medical treatment; Patrimony Sister B – request for $10,000 to go to a particular ministry; Sister C – request for $3,000 to go to sibling for personal needs.
Enrichment leave Consideration of requests submitted for ‘in principle’ approval for the following year.
Formation of Sisters Discussion of Quarterly Report with Director of Initial Formation.
47 THREAD 3 I Leadership and Governance
TABLE 7: TYPICAL ILT MEETING AGENDA - CONT...
ILT MEETING AGENDA THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES OF SUB-ITEMS RELATE TO THE CORRESPONDING ITEMS AGENDA HEADINGS
Consideration of dates for joint meeting of Leadership team members of Mercy Congregations in Australia, Papua New Guinea and Aotearoa New Zealand; Progress on jointly sponsored initiatives; Matters relating to other Request from another congregation for advice on a particular matter; Congregations Approval for payment of annual levies to Catholic Religious Australia; Request regarding voting rights for ISMAPNG at AGM of Catholic Religious of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Mercy International Update on MIRP meeting planned for Dublin; Confirmation of MIA annual meeting dates 2017; Association Report on recent teleconference of MIA Leaders.
Team Planning for team days with Susan Pollard RSJ; Sharing dates for retreats and holidays;
Matters which do not fit anywhere else or are ‘one off’ items e.g. letter from former member General business of a former Mercy congregation for financial assistance in time of need.
Consideration of requests coming from organizations or from individuals. Donations
Deciding who amongst the ILT can attend or who might represent us at official openings or other significant celebrations for our current ministries or ministries with which former Mercy Invitations congregations had connections; opening masses for the school year; Blessing and opening of new ministry facilities; Mercy day celebrations; jubilees; significant celebrations for other congregations; meetings with other church agencies; ACU graduations; conferences etc.
Space for visioning The focus of this varies and is usually linked to matters currently under consideration. and dreaming
What worked well? What could have been better organized? How to avoid overcrowding our Review of meeting next agenda etc.
Roles/tasks for following Arrange any changes to our roster for Chairing, checking Minutes, writing the newsletter meeting reflection etc.
Close of meeting
The multi dimensional nature and scope of the ILT’s leadership is reflected in the matters which routinely come before us…
48 OUR ELT AGENDA Leader and/or Team leader, and containing all the Since the establishment of the Executive Leadership necessary background detail. These requests cover a Team (ELT) in January 2016, we have moved to the range of areas such as support for Sisters, property, ELT monthly meeting agenda the various Reports technology, archives, finance and policy approvals. previously presented within a section of the ILT As appropriate, individuals or representatives from meeting. We receive Reports from the Executive Institute groups meet in person with the ILT or ELT to Leader Mission and Ministry on matters pertaining report on current developments or specific projects to the Mission and Ministry Team, including a (e.g. ISMAPNG’s involvement in a pilot scheme for no separate Report from the Executive Officer Ministry interest loans for refugees). Governance presented in person, and from the Executive Leader Operations. We also receive Following time for prayer and reflection, a typical ELT briefing papers on matters under consideration (e.g. meeting Agenda addresses the following areas of life issues to be considered re employment contracts within our Institute. On the left hand side of Table 8 and stipend arrangements for Sisters engaged in are listed the broad Agenda headings for our formal Institute-sponsored ministries or external agencies), ELT meetings. Each of the broad areas usually has a periodic draft policy updates (e.g. review of housing number of sub-items for consideration. The examples policy) and progress reports on existing projects (e.g. of sub-items included in the right hand side of the Institute data base upgrade). Requests requiring Table are provided to give you some idea of the range the approval of the ILT come as formal Decision of items addressed in a typical meeting. Requests, signed off by the relevant Community
TABLE 8: TYPICAL ELT MEETING AGENDA
ELT AGENDA ITEMS SOME EXAMPLES OF MATTERS RELATING TO ELT AGENDA ITEMS
Executive Officer Ministry Governance at 11.00am Day 1; Visitors to meeting Manager, Archives and Heritage at 11.00am Day 2; Professional Standards Officer at 2.00pm Day 2; Communications Manager TBA.
Minutes of previous meeting Acceptance of Minutes and update on actions assigned at previous meeting.
Correspondence There is little correspondence directly related to this meeting.
Information sharing on matters arising at ILT meeting, such as timeline for publication of ILT’s Planning Report to the Chapter.
ISMAPNG Committees Update on discussions re Trademark for Mercy Associates Logo - Trademark
Updates on matters raised at ILT meeting which are of relevance to ELT e.g. dates for ISLF Communities of ISMAPNG meetings and input from Executive Leaders at ISLF. REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE LEADER MISSION AND MINISTRY
1. General Report 1. Update on current projects and possible future initiatives (e.g. follow up from ‘Formation for Mission’ gathering). 2. Mercy Ethos 2. Update on planning for Dublin program. 3. Archives & Heritage 3. Discussion of Briefing Paper regarding need for secure storage in light of two recent instances of minor flooding in rented off site storage facility. 4. Communications 4. Update on consultation with IT re types of videoconferencing equipment needed to enable effective usage into the future. 5. Mission Animation 5. Update on visits with Sisters across Institute.
Report from Executive Appendix 6 is a sample of the Monthly Report on Ministry Governance, including ministry- Officer Ministry Governance related decision requests.
49 THREAD 3 I Leadership and Governance
TABLE 8: TYPICAL ELT MEETING AGENDA - CONT...
ELT AGENDA ITEMS SOME EXAMPLES OF MATTERS RELATING TO ELT AGENDA ITEMS
REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE LEADER OPERATIONS
1. Monthly update on numbers of Sisters by 1. Discussion of projected future numbers in light of the Community, age cohorts, projected future predictions made by Think Evans in their 2012 Report. numbers etc. 2. Financial performance monthly summary, 2. Update on the effect of delays in the disposal of properties including cash flow and investments; financial earmarked for sale on the amount of money needing to be trends; balance sheet; cost centre overviews, drawn down from investments to meet budgeted expenses. ministry support and ministry funds.
3. Property monthly summary including property 3. Update on property maintenance program in Papua New value, Sisters’ housing profile, ministry property; Guinea; discussion of need to be strategic in planning for update on vacant, surplus and investment Sisters’ future accommodation needs e.g. properties with properties and temporary accommodation. stairs are increasingly problematic. 4. ISMAPNG staff profile, including staffing levels, 4. Discussion of current staffing profile and its implications for departures, appointments and vacancies; office space; acknowledgement of low level of WHS claims. Workplace Health and Safety and Workcover claims. 5. Project Reports, relating to current or future 5. Update on Project looking at Systematic Cost Savings across projects in any of the areas of responsibility ISMAPNG; Update on transfer of cemetery plots to IPAL. within the Operations Unit. 6. Decision Requests 6. Decision Requests to sell Property A and purchase Property B; Decision Request to approve revised policy regarding
Sisters’ Housing. 7. Briefing papers 7. Briefing paper on the roll out of a Sustainable electricity solution across ISMAPNG.
Discussion of Quarterly Report with Professional Standards Officer; Professional Standards confirmation of arrangements for filming Tok Pisin presentation of Professional Standards material at gathering in Mt Hagen.
Update on matters relating to networking of existing groups Young Adult Ministry within ISMAPNG.
Report from Executive Officer, Mercy Associates, including Mercy Associates consideration of draft Role Descriptions for part-time network facilitators.
Identification of potential founding Board members for Catherine Mercy theologians - Theological education for religious McAuley Ministries Ltd, the Company taking responsibility for women in Papua New Guinea the project.
Following our morning prayer, Day 2 of our ELT meeting starts with Space for visioning and dreaming this, its focus aligned with matters under consideration.
Matters which do not fit anywhere else or which may be ‘one off’ General business e.g. Discussion of possible staff participants in Canon Law course.
Identifying any matters discussed which should be added to our Risk management risk register e.g. potential future claims for compensation against ISMAPNG.
Review of meeting What worked well? What could be done differently? Close of meeting
50 The agenda for our Leadership team meetings in The first regular gathering to be named a ‘forum’ the early days looked nothing like the ones outlined was the Institute Leadership Forum (former ILF, now here! In the first few meetings we dealt with the known as the Institute Sisters Leadership Forum, list of matters which needed immediate attention. ISLF) which brought together the ILT and the six As ISMAPNG evolved we have been able to adopt a Community Leaders four times each year. These more strategic approach to addressing the matters gatherings, facilitated by Kerry Brettell, have enabled for which we are responsible as the ILT and to the ILT to engage with the broader aspects of the determining the most appropriate ways in which to life and mission of the Sisters as experienced within address them. We recognized the types of expertise the communities of our Institute. From the start we needed ‘around the table’ and gradually the we recognized that each Community was different, positions were created which enabled us to access reflecting such things as the different cultures, that expertise and to delegate some aspects of sub-cultures and customs of former Congregations, decision-making to others as appropriate. We also different geographical configurations and differences recognized the need to create opportunities for other in urban, regional and rural environments and the leaders to be with us ‘around the table’ and thereby different approaches to leadership exhibited by the contribute to our decision-making and the broader Community Leaders. life of ISMAPNG. The influence of our Community Leaders on the Thank you to those who support us at the emergence of our Institute and on the lives of the Institute Centre Sisters in particular has been substantial and is We are supported in our ministry of leadership evident in a range of ways. The role description by many people who work with us at the Institute outlined in our Constitutions was a starting point Centre in Stanmore. In particular we thank Kathy for their approach to community leadership as they Fuller, Executive Assistant to the ILT, for her diligence established the new. An additional aspect emerging in in following through matters arising from our the first year was the administrative work associated deliberations at ILT and ELT meetings and for her with the role, arising from their interactions with willingness to share the knowledge gained from Sisters and the various teams supporting Sisters. The many years of working with the Sisters of Mercy. We input of Community Leaders into the development of are grateful to Nicole Horgan (till January, 2015) and processes for a range of operational matters relating Shirley Carter for their leadership and management to the lives of the Sisters became an important aspect of the Stanmore office and to Denise Fletcher, Sarah of their role. Massard, Sarah Morris (till December, 2016) and Heather Hole (since February, 2017) for the welcome Developing some common approaches to matters they give to those who come to Stanmore and for affecting the life and mission of the Sisters across their generosity and creativity in approaching the our Institute was a challenge as we often reminded various administrative tasks they undertake. ourselves that we inherited many different ways of doing things. We developed policies and/or INSTITUTE FORUMS procedures around the choices for Sisters’ finances, The 2016 and 2017 calendars of activities reflect the celebration of Jubilees, Enrichment Leave, housing development of a number of forums through which for Sisters and approvals for ministry initiatives, the ILT and the ELT engage with other designated all the while endeavouring to shape an Institute leadership groups within ISMAPNG. In February 2016 culture underpinned by good will and fidelity to our the ILT circulated a paper ‘Designated Leadership Constitutions and our 2011 Chapter Statement. within the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia The other leadership forums, discussed in more and Papua New Guinea’, a narrative which gave a detail in the ‘Organizational Culture and Framework’ snapshot of designated leadership at that time in thread, are also finding their identity and purpose. our Institute. (See Appendix 3 for the narrative). They grew out of meetings arranged to address Significant reflection, planning, time, energy and issues of common concern and have now developed resources have contributed to the establishment to the stage where they are part of our annual and integration of the various spheres of leadership calendar of activities. We continue to critique these outlined in the narrative. developments, mindful that the designated leadership narrative is evolving and that it is only one of a number of narratives which could be written.
51 THREAD 3 I Leadership and Governance
ISMAPNG’S CONTRIBUTION TO providing a voice for those affected by global realities. LEADERSHIP IN THE WIDER CHURCH MGA has relied on receipt of detailed and timely AND THE MERCY WORLD information from local mercy people to substantiate their arguments for strategic action by UN Institute members contribute to leadership in the representatives on particular issues such as human wider church in Australia and Papua New Guinea trafficking and lack of access to safe water. in a variety of ways. We see this as an important contribution, given we have personnel and resources The endorsement and implementation of MIRP at our disposal as one of the larger religious during 2016 is an excellent example of how our congregations. Berneice Loch RSM, as President, and local, regional and global mercy networks can work Sally Bradley RSM, as a Councillor, served a two year together, enabling diverse outcomes from a common and a four year term respectively on the Council of focus. We look forward to exploring the outcomes of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA). Barbara Bolster the final meeting of MIRP co-ordinators to be held in RSM is the current President of the Conference of Dublin in March 2017. Leaders of Religious Institutes in New South Wales (CLRINSW) and Sharon Price RSM continues in her Members of ISMAPNG have been or remain in role as Executive Officer of CLRINSW; Barbara significant MIA-related roles e.g. Elaine Wainright RSM Broad RSM, Theresia Tina RSM and Helen White RSM is the international co-ordinator of MIRP and Angela represent ISMAPNG at the Annual meetings of the Reed RSM has taken up the position of Co-ordinator Religious Leaders of Papua New Guinea and the of MGA at the United Nations. Carmel Heagerty RSM, Solomon Islands; Mary Lowcock RSM is the Executive Margaret Endicott RSM and Deirdre Gardiner RSM (since Officer of Catholic Religious Australia in Queensland mid-2016) have been the MGA contact persons on (CRAqld); Community Leaders represent ISMAPNG on behalf of ISMAPNG and the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane, State-based support groups for Religious Leaders in North Sydney and Parramatta Congregations. Sylvia Australia and in Papua New Guinea. Williams RSM (Nov. 2009 till Dec. 2015) and Margaret Scroope RSM (since Nov. 2015) have held the position Three Institute members are currently Vicars for of Assistant Director: Administration and Finance for Religious – Ailsa Mackinnon RSM in the Parramatta MIA. Several Sisters have also volunteered at MIC Diocese; Margaret Hart RSM in the Wilcannia Forbes during the past five years. Diocese and Marie Ralph RSM in the Archdiocese of Adelaide. Kaye Evans RSM (RIP) was Vicar in the We value highly our continuing strong Mercy links Archdiocese of Melbourne until shortly before her with the Sisters of Mercy Brisbane, North Sydney and death in July 2016. Other Institute members sit on Parramatta Congregations. We work together in a Diocesan Councils and Committees, Professional variety of ways including: Standards bodies and numerous other church decision-making or advisory bodies at diocesan or • our organization of arrangements for the parish levels and we are grateful to them for their contribution of Mercy congregations in contributions and commitment to these leadership Australia and Papua New Guinea to the MIA roles. Many Sisters also actively contribute to parish Endowment fund; communities in their local areas. • our joint sponsorship of visits by Mary Reynolds RSM, Mary Wascowiak RSM, Aine Contributions to our global Mercy Mission As part of Mercy International Association (MIA) O’Connor RSM and Denise Boyle FMDM; we continue our contribution to bringing the vision • our joint responsibility for activities relating to of MIA to life. Berneice Loch RSM has served four the Cause of Venerable Catherine McAuley; consecutive years as President of MIA, working • our co-ownership of the three Mercy Marks alongside the leaders of the other 11 Mercy (i.e. Trademarks); Congregations to enhance our global response to need. It is an ongoing challenge to determine the • our co-sponsorship of Mercy Works Ltd; and most appropriate ways of working globally across our • other issues arising from our shared Mercy world. Through Mercy Global Action (MGA), commitment to MIA. maintaining a Mercy presence at the United Nations (UN) is a strategic means of exerting influence and
52 The Leaders of the four congregations in Australia with effect on December 12, 2011. Under civil law, and Papua New Guinea meet annually, joined by ISMAPNG is an unincorporated association governed the Leader of the Sisters of Mercy in Aotearoa New by a Constitution. Zealand. Interest in attending this gathering has also been shown by the Congregation Leader of the Sisters Prior to reconfiguring a great deal of consideration of Mercy in the Philippines. Every two years there is was given to the most appropriate civil structure for a combined meeting of Leadership teams from these the new Institute, given that the former congregations five groups. There has also been cross-congregation operated under a range of civil entities. The New South involvement between the coordinators of MIRP and Wales based congregations operated under the Roman attendance at the Mercy Mission Formation Network Catholic Church Community Lands Act (NSW), the three gatherings twice a year. Sisters and ministry leaders Queensland based congregations were corporate from Brisbane, North Sydney and Parramatta have entities established under Letters Patent, the two also participated in the Dublin program, as have Western Australian and one South Australian based Mercy ministry leaders from Aotearoa New Zealand congregations were incorporated associations and and Newfoundland. It is a wonderful gift to be ‘mercy the two Victorian congregations were unincorporated together’ in whatever ways present themselves. associations, each governed by a Constitution, with property associations incorporated as companies We began this thread by noting that all Sisters have limited by guarantee. With regard to the autonomous the capacity to shape and influence our life and region of Papua New Guinea, there was an incorporated mission i.e. to lead in some way. Such responsibility association registered as Sisters of Mercy Papua New does not fall only to those in designated leadership Guinea which held the property in Papua New Guinea. roles, something we explore further in the ‘Our way In general, for other matters the autonomous region of living’ and ‘Organizational Culture and Framework’ acted as an unincorporated association. threads. We now move to an overview of our governance responsibilities. The legal and other advice at the time was to establish ISMAPNG as an unincorporated association GOVERNANCE RESPONSIBILITIES and that advice was accepted. We have not changed OF THE ILT that arrangement but it is a question which will Exercising the ministry of governance is a significant need consideration again in the future, especially aspect of the ILT’s role. This governance role refers as the findings of the Royal Commission when they to our “responsibility for and stewardship of the are handed down later in 2017 are likely to have purpose and meaning of the organization in the implications in civil law for all religious congregations, light of the relevant law (canonical or civil) and the not just ISMAPNG. expounded mission of the organization.” [Chait, Ryan and Taylor, 2005, p. 3]. We appreciate the value of GOVERNANCE OF OUR ongoing professional development for ourselves in INSTITUTIONAL MINISTRIES the area of governance and have learned much from When ISMAPNG came into being on December our participation in programs including the Canon 12, 2011, the ministries which were formerly the Law for Religious course, seminars and courses responsibility of the founding Congregations were conducted by the Australian Institute of Company transferred to ISMAPNG. These ministries fell into Directors and governance seminars associated with two main categories – those which were civilly Catholic Health Australia. incorporated (five of which were co-sponsored with other Church authorities) and those which were There are many aspects to the governance of an directly responsible to the Institute Leader. The civilly Institute the size of ISMAPNG as the following incorporated ministries each had Boards which also detail indicates. exercised governance responsibilities.
ISMAPNG’s standing in canon and civil law In early 2012 we appointed a Task Group (Carmel ISMAPNG is a religious institute of pontifical right, Crawford, Roy Hambly, Berenice Kerr RSM and Joan recognized under a decree of the Congregation Wilson RSM [Convenor]) to advise us on possible for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies structures and strategies for the governance of of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL), dated July 16, 2011, our ministries into the future. We valued their
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identification of key issues to be considered and their Table 9 below gives an overview of the Ministry recommendations and have used these to develop companies for which the Institute Leader our thinking since then. and Councillors became the Members at the commencement of ISMAPNG and identifies major governance changes made since that time:
TABLE 9: MINISTRY GOVERNANCE CHANGES SINCE 12 DECEMBER 2011
NAME OF MINISTRY COMPANY GOVERNANCE CHANGES SINCE 12 DECEMBER, 2011
Expanded to include: Three colleges in Perth, Western Australia: Santa Maria College Attadale, Mercedes College and St Brigid’s College Lesmurdie– all Mercy Education Ltd on 1 January, 2012; One college in Victoria: Catholic College, Bendigo, on 1 January, 2013; One college in Adelaide, South Australia: St Aloysius College, on 1 January, 2014.
Mercy Health and Aged Care group of Companies, as at Company restructure approved 16 August, 2016, with staged 12 December 2011. implementation, some re-naming:
1. Bethlehem Home for the Aged Inc 1. Bethlehem Home for the Aged Ltd 2. Marianella Nursing Home Ltd 2. Mercy Health Property Ltd 3. Mercy Care Centre Young Ltd 3. Amended Constitution of Mercy Care Centre Young Ltd 4. Mercy Health and Aged Care Inc 4. Mercy Aged and Community Care Ltd 5. Mercy Health Service Albury Ltd 5. Amended Constitution of Mercy Health Service Albury Ltd 6. Mercy Hospice Inc 6. Mercy Palliative Care Ltd 7. Mercy Private Hospital Inc (dormant) 7. Registration of dormant company cancelled 8. Mercy Public Hospitals Inc 8. Mercy Hospitals Victoria Ltd 9. Mercy Health Foundation Ltd 9. No change 10. Rice Village Ltd 10. No change Note 1: St Brigid’s Convent of Mercy Perth Inc Note 1: St Brigid’s Convent of Mercy Perth Ltd moved to Mercy Health on 20 June, 2016. Note 2: Mercy Health Australia Ltd approved, Note 2: Holding Company established for the above companies. 16 August, 2016
Mercy Centre Lavington Ltd Became Mercy Connect Ltd, 1 July 2016
St Joseph’s Cowper Inc Became St Joseph’s Cowper Ltd, 18 July 2014.
Fraynework Ltd No governance changes
Mercy Community Services Ltd Became Mercy Services Ltd, 1 July 2012
Mercy Aged Care Services (Singleton) Ltd Transferred to Mercy Services Ltd, 1 July 2014
Rahamim Inc Became Rahamim Ltd, 1 July, 2014.
McAuley Community Services for Women Ltd No governance changes
St Aloysius College Adelaide Inc Became part of Mercy Education Ltd, 1 January 2014.
54 TABLE 9: MINISTRY GOVERNANCE CHANGES SINCE 12 DECEMBER 2011 - CONT...
CO-SPONSORED MINISTRIES GOVERNANCE CHANGES SINCE 12 DECEMBER, 2011
Mercy Works Inc (co-sponsored with Brisbane, North Became Mercy Works Ltd, 18 February, 2015. Sydney and Parramatta Mercy Congregations) Further restructure in 2016.
Damascus College Ballarat Inc (co-sponsored with the Became Damascus College Ltd, 16 May 2016. parishes of Ballarat)*
St Francis Xavier Primary School Ballarat Inc (co- Becoming St Francis Xavier Primary School Ballarat East Ltd, sponsored with the Bishop of Ballarat)* early 2017.
Emmanuel College Warrnambool Inc (co-sponsored by ISMAPNG, the Christian Brothers and the parish of St No governance changes Joseph’s Warrnambool)*
Catholic College Bendigo (co-sponsored with the Diocese of Sandhurst; ISMAPNG became the sole Became part of Mercy Education, 1 January 2013. sponsor in January 2013)
MacKillop Family Services Ltd (co-sponsored with the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St Joseph of the No governance changes Sacred Heart)*
*ISMAPNG appoints Governors or Members for these ministries
The ministries which were directly responsible to the The Governors replace the ILT as Members in the Institute Leader included those ministries undertaken company structures of our co-sponsored education by Sisters who were acting in a range of professional ministries. The ILT constitutes five of the eight capacities as part of ISMAPNG and Sisters and lay Members of Mercy Works and nominates two of the colleagues whose ministries were associated with six Company Members of MacKillop Family Services. heritage centres, conference centres, retreat and ISMAPNG also has three Stewards on the five-member spirituality centres. These ministries became part Stewardship Board of Mercy Partners which is a of McAuley Ministries Ltd when it was established Public Juridic Person (PJP) in its own right. in July 2014. The Board Chairs and Board members of each As Members of these companies, the ILT became ministry company play a vital role in ensuring the responsible for the exercising of the reserve powers mission of ISMAPNG is reflected in the activities of outlined in the Constitution of each company. In each ministry. Appendix 4 contains a list of Sisters summary, these reserve powers relate to: who are currently Directors and Board members of our sponsored and co-sponsored ministries, and • the Catholicity of the ministry and its fidelity those ministries external to ISMAPNG where we retain to mission; a place on the Board as of right. Appendix 5 contains • stewardship of Church property and a list of all current Directors and Board members. • ensuring the good name of Mercy, thus preserving the spiritual patrimony of ISMAPNG.
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SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN Development of common Constitutions for RELATION TO MINISTRY GOVERNANCE ISMAPNG sponsored ministries We continue to develop systems for engaging with Each of the ministries for which ISMAPNG became our ministries in ways which enable us to attend responsible in December 2011 had its own Company to our governance responsibilities while also Constitution. While there were many similarities enabling the ministries to function effectively as across the Constitutions the differences meant that Mercy ministries in a complex social, economic and extra diligence was required to ensure that the legislative environment. The developments briefly requirements of each Constitution were followed in referred to in the following paragraphs have assisted matters such as the appointment of the Board Chair us to make our ministry governance processes more or Directors and the approval of loans for capital systematic and effective. developments. The development of a common constitution across all ISMAPNG’s sponsored Annual General Meetings and ministry visits ministries, into which each ministry has inserted its For the first three years the ILT held the Annual specific aims and objects and ministry purposes, has General Meetings (AGMs) at the ministry locations, enabled consistency in practice and has streamlined usually combining the AGM with a ministry visit and procedures for matters which are required by the meetings with the Board, ministry leaders and staff. Constitution to come to the ILT as Members of These visits enabled us to learn much more about the Company. each ministry, to see first hand what was happening and to hear of developments under consideration. Streamlining processes for Decision requests to November became a very hectic month, given the large come to the ILT numbers of AGMs due to be held in November for The ILT respects the distinct roles of governance, those ministries operating on a financial year. Rather leadership and management in relation to our than tying the ministry visits to May for the education ministries. Under civil and church law some decisions ministries (which operate on the calendar year) and are required to come from the ministry Board to October/November for all the other ministries, since us as Company Members for approval. A decision 2015 most of the AGMs have been held at the Institute request template has proven to be most effective in Office in Stanmore as part of the November ILT enabling us to feel confident we have all the relevant meeting, and visits to ministries have been organized information needed to make an informed decision to coincide with other significant events on a date about matters under consideration. In completing suitable to the ministries and ourselves. the various aspects of the Decision Request template the ministries are also able to demonstrate that any Establishing the role of Executive decision they request is related to their Mission and Officer Ministries Strategic Plan, is supported by evidence of need and The establishment of the role of Executive Officer reflects thorough consideration of the issues relating Ministries (now Executive Officer Ministry Governance to the request. - EOMG) in October 2013 was an important development. Jonathan Campton was appointed to Enhancement of the annual Ministry the role, liaising with our incorporated ministries Governance Forum on behalf of the ILT for matters requiring ILT input The ILT hosted the first of the annual ministry and/or decision making. The EOMG continues to governance forums in February 2013, bringing work closely with the ILT, ELT, Board Chairs, ministry together Board Chairs, senior leaders, Institute leaders and other Institute staff to facilitate the members and Institute staff with experience and effective consideration and progress of governance- expertise in ministry governance. For many ministry related matters. The sample monthly Report from the representatives it was their first experience of an EOMG, included as Appendix 6, reveals the volume Institute-wide ministry gathering. Since its modest and scope of the tasks associated with the role and beginnings the forum has become a significant means also gives some examples of the issues with which the of networking and collaboration. The sharing of EOMG is engaged. experience and insights around significant issues for our Institute, our sponsored and our co-sponsored
56 ministries has led to the development of an Institute Change of some ministry companies from Governance Charter, a draft Governance Manual Incorporated Associations (Incs) to a Company and conversations around enhancing ministry Limited structure collaboration. The 2016 Forum included a half-day Given the increasingly complex legal and industrial Orientation for participants new to the forum, thus landscape in which our ministries operate the enabling them to meet some participants and to have ILT decided (in conjunction with co-sponsors as an overview of our Institute ministry involvements appropriate and the relevant Boards) that those prior to the start of the two day forum. companies which were Incorporated Associations (Incs) would become Companies Limited by In September 2016 the first gathering of our Social Guarantee (Ltd). This change affords the ministries Service ministries as a distinct group was held to more clarity in regard to governance roles, increases explore issues such as the sustainability of these protection to our Directors in limiting their liability ministries into the future. The gathering also and increases transparency in the legislative provided an opportunity for sharing our expertise environment arising from the ACNC legislation. in advocacy and our learnings from the early stages Rahamim and St Joseph’s Cowper made this transition of implementing the National Disability Insurance in 2014, Damascus College in 2016 and St Francis Scheme (NDIS). A second gathering is planned for Xavier Primary School Ballarat in early 2017. March 2017. A further initiative on our part resulted in Catholic Social Services Australia (CSSA) hosting a Company restructures Round Table in Canberra on February 13, 2017, Two of our incorporated ministries, Mercy Works Ltd to explore joint advocacy with CSSA in regard to and Mercy Health Inc, have undergone a significant NDIS. The gathering was a positive step towards company restructure in order to more effectively developing an Institute voice on issues facing our enable them to continue their operations into Social Service ministries, especially advocacy on the future. As Company Members we have been behalf of those people who might be disadvantaged engaged in considerable discussion over time with in the transition to NDIS. representatives of each of the Boards, CEOs and other senior ministry staff, Institute staff and, in the case of Implications of ACNC legislation Mercy Works, with the Members from the other three The Australian Charities and Not for Profit Mercy Congregations, prior to official decision requests Commission (ACNC) legislation which came into effect coming to us from the respective Boards. We recognize in late 2012, with the Commissioner appointed in the multi-faceted nature of the preparation phase and December 2012, provided the impetus for the ILT the complexity of the implementation process. The to decide the most appropriate way to provide legal quality of the Briefing Papers we receive and robust protection for those ministries which were directly discussions of their content has enabled us to come to responsible to the Institute Leader. Under the our decisions with a high degree of confidence that the legislation, not for profit organizations could not have recommendations from the Board will enhance each more than one core purpose – ISMAPNG is a ‘basic ministry’s ability to undertake its mission with more religious entity’ under the legislation. At around the certainty in a changing environment. same time as the legislation passed and was being implemented, the first gathering of Sisters involved Governance of our Property Companies in some of these ministries was being planned to The ILT are the Members and Directors of the discuss ways of providing support and fostering following Property Companies within ISMAPNG: networking and collaboration. Out of this, McAuley Ministries was born. • Institute Property Association Limited (IPAL) which contains the property in which Sisters live and the property on which the Institute offices are located;
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• McAuley Property Limited (MPL) which contains The establishment of our Institute Professional most of the property used by our incorporated Standards Unit has assisted us greatly in fulfilling our ministries, with a few exceptions, namely Mercy leadership and governance responsibilities in this area. Connect (formerly Mercy Centre Lavington), and St Joseph’s Cowper, both of which retain Our approach to Professional Standards some property in the name of the ministry, Within ISMAPNG the aim of our approach to an arrangement which existed prior to the professional standards has been to establish formation of ISMAPNG (Note: Mercy Health has policy and practice which will ensure a strong and some property in Mercy Health Property Ltd, compassionate response to those with complaints formerly Marianella Nursing Home Ltd, from and to respondents. We also aim to create an ongoing transactions in Western Australia and in Rice safe environment for all, especially for children Village Ltd as part of the Trust arrangements). and vulnerable adults. We have built on the good work done by the former congregations, developing • Sisters of Mercy Papua New Guinea a ‘standard practice’, and in so doing ensuring Incorporated owns property in Papua consistency across the Institute. We have sought to New Guinea. utilise best practice principles. As a result of ongoing review of our practice, we continue to upgrade our There has been a change in relation to two Property policies and procedures as our knowledge increases. companies which came into ISMAPNG in December 2011. The changes enabled these two existing The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses property companies, no longer holding assets as of to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission) has June 2013, to become registered companies in Papua provided an opportunity for the Catholic Church New Guinea and to engage in activities there. and other organizations to explore reasons for sexual abuse and to identify what has been done to • Catherine McAuley Services Limited was prevent it happening again. The Truth, Justice and registered in Papua New Guinea to hold Healing Council (TJHC) has expressed admiration ministry activities in Papua New Guinea. and gratitude for the courage of those women and It was formerly Sisters of Mercy (Ballarat) men who have told their stories, carrying with them Property Association (SOMBPA). All its the pain and suffering resulting from their abuse. property transferred to IPAL or MPL as part of Their stories have now been heard and it is the reconfiguring in June 2013. responsibility of all religious leaders to respond • Mercy Sisters Limited was registered in Papua so that abuse does not happen again. The Royal New Guinea to hold activities related to the Commission has required us to test our work in this life of the Sisters in Papua New Guinea. It was area against best practice. formerly Sisters of Mercy Property Association (SOMPA). All its property transferred to IPAL or The measures put in place within ISMAPNG over the MPL as part of reconfiguring in June 2013. The past five years are outlined below: company is not yet active. 1. Professional Standards Unit: In 2011 a Professional Standards Unit was established Some property-related decisions require us to meet with responsibility for: as Company Directors in between Annual General • Provision of protection processes, which Meetings. We usually include such meetings within an includes ensuring the appropriate on-going ELT meeting. professional standards education for Sisters, ISMAPNG staff and volunteers. Exercising responsibility for Professional • Managing ISMAPNG’s response to any Standards – establishment of Professional professional standards complaint. The Standards Unit for ISMAPNG. Professional Standards Unit comprises a We have given a significant amount of time over these Professional Standards Officer, In-house five years to ensuring we are meeting our obligations General Counsel and Administrative with regard to professional standards.
58 Assistants. The work of the unit is supported specialised pastoral support to complainants by several others including the Manager, throughout the Towards Healing, Melbourne Archives and Heritage, and her team and Response and mediation processes. the Communications Manager. Prior to the 6. Reporting protocols: We have established a appointment of a Professional Standards reporting protocol which sets out the statutory Officer in August 2015, Caroline Ryan RSM reporting requirements to report complaints or fulfilled the role of Ministry Integrity Facilitator, allegations of abuse of vulnerable individuals. laying a firm foundation for all the structure The reporting protocol reflects the statutory that has followed. requirements across each state/territory in 2. Professional Standards Consultative Panel: Australia and in Papua New Guinea. In accordance with the Towards Healing 7. Education: In late 2016, a compulsory Protocol, a Professional Standards Consultative education unit was developed. This program Panel (Panel) was established in 2016. The is one in which all Sisters, staff, associates Panel provides impartial advice and assists the and volunteers must participate every year. Institute Leader throughout different stages of We are very grateful to Helen Baguley RSM, handling complaints of abuse. The members Helen Law RSM and Daphne McKeough RSM of this panel hold qualifications in professional who worked with the Professional Standards areas such as law and social services, and have Officer, Margery Jackman, to develop the unit. expertise in protecting children and The training is being rolled out during 2017 and vulnerable people. it is expected that subsequent trainings will be 3. Policies: ISMAPNG has implemented a range delivered by local Sisters and others, following of policies including a Professional Standards a ‘train-the-trainer’ model. A video recording Policy, a policy on Protection for Children and of the presentation has been made available Vulnerable Adults, a policy on Pastoral Care both in English and Tok Pisin, as a resource to Support Abuse Survivors. Supplementary for those who are delivering the training to documents have also been developed by ensure there is consistency in the information the Professional Standards Unit to identify being conveyed. A Professional Standards processes for handling complaints. These Presentation video will also be developed documents include a requirement for each later in 2017 as a supplementary training for staff member and potential members to have induction of staff and for those who miss the a police clearance prior to working within initial rollout. ISMAPNG. All staff are required to obtain a 8. Enhancement of Child Protection and police check. All Sisters involved in active Responding: ISMAPNG ensures that all ministry and others involved with children are of our Ministry Boards are aware of the required to hold working with children checks. need to implement children and vulnerable Human resources policies have been developed person protection measures. As a minimal to manage any grievance or complaints against requirement, all must comply with applicable staff or Sisters within ISMAPNG. state, territory and federal government 4. Streamline practices: ISMAPNG has legislation in such matters. Beyond that, the continually reviewed professional standards Boards and the organisations for which they policies and procedures to strengthen have responsibility, ensure that their practices the manner in which we respond to and and procedures reflect a compassionate and manage professional standards complaints. pastoral care for those involved, consistent All professional standards queries are now with our Christian values. Processes are being managed through the Professional developed so that an annual verification Standards Unit. statement can be provided by each Board to the Institute Leadership documenting the 5. Pastoral care and relationship restoration: implementation of these procedures. Where it is acceptable to the complainants, we are committed to providing pastoral care. We continue to draw on expertise to provide
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Support for Survivors involved the following elements: pastoral In the past five years, ISMAPNG has received a support, an apology which is, as far as possible, small number of requests to review claims already a response to the need expressed by the finalised by our former Congregations. In doing complainant, and some financial consideration. so, we have followed a procedure according to the • We make a financial contribution to various model guidelines provided by the Truth Justice and agencies which offer counselling and support Healing Council, also drawing on what has been to survivors of abuse. learnt through the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry. In each case, ISMAPNG has accepted the request, • We work with the relevant diocesan and even though the original claim was not against the religious congregations in cases where the Institute, and sought to resolve the matter in the complaint concerns ISMAPNG and another most suitable way for that claimant without resorting Church Authority. This joint approach has been to litigation. Some of these requests have been adopted to make the process as simple as finalised and deeds of settlement completed. Some possible for the claimant. survivors have been provided with ongoing support • We have continued to accept the submission and more recent requests are at various stages of both new claims made against ISMAPNG of mediation. and any of the former Congregations which make up ISMAPNG, as well as claims for review. Our response has continued to focus on the interests of the claimant(s), expressed through the following means: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse • Where it is acceptable to the complainants, The Royal Commission commenced in January we have also provided pastoral care, the 2013. From April 14 – 22, 2015, public hearings as nature of which has varied depending on part of the St Joseph’s Orphanage, Neerkol (Case the needs of the individual. It has included Study 26), were held in Rockhampton. The former paying for counselling sessions with qualified Neerkol Orphanage was managed by the Sisters of professionals external to ISMAPNG, referral Mercy Rockhampton Congregation until 1978. In to professional services and covering medical her capacity as Institute Leader, Berneice Loch RSM expenses etc. Our legal advisors are aware was asked to appear. On behalf of ISMAPNG, she they can offer pastoral care as a matter reiterated our profound regret that any child suffered of course. any form of abuse while in the care of the Sisters • We make available our Archives and Heritage of Mercy. Following a similar apology made by our team to assist with access to their records; Rockhampton Sisters in 1997, a public apology was issued and appears on our Institute website. • We aim to settle and resolve claims expeditiously. Settlements have usually
60 The final Catholic Church Case Study (Case Study 50) As members of a religious institute within the was held in Sydney in February 2017. Berneice Loch Catholic Church we must maintain our vigilance in RSM was summoned to appear as one of a panel of ensuring that never again can the structures and seven leaders of religious congregations and Eveline leadership of the Church contribute to a culture Crotty RSM was invited to appear as an expert witness. that enables abuse to occur. May we as religious women, working alongside the lay women and men A Royal Commission Prayer drafted by Caroline who are our partners in ministry within ISMAPNG, Ryan RSM was prayed throughout our Institute, continue to claim our vital role within the Church. As for the survivors and for the success of the Royal our Constitutions (3.01; 3.05) remind us “within the Commission in preventing abuse in the future. While Institute, each of us, in faith, seeks to respond the Royal Commission remains a source of distress without compromise, to the God who has called to Sisters and others, the outpouring of prayer … as we strive to reflect “right relationships in the and support from within and beyond our Institute ways in which we relate to others, in our use of continues to be a great source of comfort. resources and in our exercise of power.”
Our Professional Standards policies and procedures are robust. However, we owe it to the survivors of sexual abuse to ensure that we continue to reflect best practice in our protection of those to whom we minister. We also have an obligation to protect ourselves. Ongoing review and refinement of our practices and policies and regular training are essential aspects of maintaining a safe Institute.
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WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• Leadership within our Institute has many dimensions, requiring attention to the ‘inner life’ of ISMAPNG and its ministries as well as to our relationships with groups outside ISMAPNG, especially other church agencies and the wider society where we live and minister. • Attending to our governance responsibilities in relation to our ministries takes a lot of our time and energy as a leadership team. It is a significant component of our monthly ILT/ELT agenda. • There is great complexity around governance responsibilities within ISMAPNG. We have taken steps to simplify decision-making and accountability processes around our reserve powers and clarify them with our ministries but it does remain complex. • We need to use well-informed people as our advisors in relation to governance matters. • We need to ensure ongoing education is provided so we continue to meet our obligations in relation to Professional Standards.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• Irrespective of changes which may come in our community structures, our governance of ministries or our regional/global Mercy configurations, we must continue to explore ways of leading into the future. This will enable us to recognize our individual and collective capacities for leadership and critique them in light of the emerging reality of our life and mission. • Challenges certainly exist in relation to the ongoing sponsorship of our institutional ministries. There are alternative ways to govern the ministries for which we are currently responsible under canon and civil law. As an Institute with significant ministry governance responsibilities we will have to determine what is best into the future so that our governance structures will enable our ministries to flourish. The creation of a new Ministerial PJP may not necessarily be the best option so we need assistance in coming to an informed decision. • Any change in current governance arrangements for our ministries will have implications for future leadership teams because it alters the ILT’s responsibilities quite significantly. Given that significant changes take time to design and implement, the leadership team elected in August 2017 will have to attend to ministry governance under the current arrangements until changes are deemed appropriate. • Many challenges exist in relation to Professional Standards including maintaining a pastorally caring response to survivors, remaining vigilant in meeting our obligations and responding as appropriate to the findings of the Royal Commission.
WE NOW INVITE YOU TO TAKE SOME TIME TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WHICH FOLLOW:
What are the most important considerations for you as we explore leadership into the Q1. future within ISMAPNG?
For you, what were the most informative aspects of the leadership and governance issues Q2. addressed in this thread?
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Organisational Culture and Framework Our Constitutions call us to “give expression to God’s steadfast love and mercy” and to live in a way which “calls forth relationships of equality, a real acceptance of ourselves and others, a forgetfulness of anything that does not make love its message.” (Constitutions 5.09). As we develop ways of organizing ourselves within our Institute so that we can be faithful to what is asked of us “our challenge is to devise structures that strengthen the bonds which link us together, yet free and support us for our ministry. Our structures should be clear but flexible …” (Constitutions 5.13).
How does a new Institute start to take shape and area or cluster as part of the Community and the develop a culture which reflects in its life and Community as part of our wider Institute. However, mission and the way it organizes itself the values tensions exist and can be heightened when Sisters underpinning these words from our Constitutions? In feel, for whatever reason, some disconnection this thread we engage with this question by outlining between themselves and the broader Institute. some of our strategic culture-building efforts and the factors shaping the organizational framework It can be a challenge to see the ‘bigger picture’, which has emerged. We also outline the ministry and to embrace a more inclusive worldview which can support focus of each team within the Mission and broaden our horizons as Mercy people. Hopefully we Ministry and the Operations Units. can keep making the effort to understand and critique the cultures of our former congregations, where we OUR DEVELOPING INSTITUTE CULTURE forged a strong sense of identity, and be honest with Adapting the work of Flynn and Mok (2002, p. 160) ourselves about why we respond as we do when we and Millikan (1987) we can describe culture as an experience ‘the rub’ of change so that grief, either expression of “the core beliefs, values, traditions, individual or collective, does not hold us back. The symbols and patterns of behaviour which provide opportunity for a fresh start can be life-giving yet meaning to the organizational community and which it is natural to grieve for what we have left behind. help to shape the lives of everyone who belongs to We continue to create ‘a new thing’ and we each it …” Arbuckle (1995) highlights the shared nature belong to it. of the values which shape the network of symbols, myths and behaviours which emerge as a culture Given that we are dealing with some things very develops. These human dimensions are helpful points differently now from how they were done in former for reflection as we critique the development of our congregations there can be tensions between Institute culture. Each of us, Sisters and the women differing cultures and expectations. Trying to embrace and men who work with us, continues to shape it, something new can be harder when these cultures either consciously or unconsciously. or sub-cultures are ‘thick’. Change doesn’t happen the same way for everyone and we need to keep We recognize that there are many factors shaping our working on building our Institute identity. This is ISMAPNG culture and that there are many ‘layers of not done at the expense of the past of course as the belonging’ five years into the new. At all levels within ongoing conversations about our identity, who we our Institute efforts continue to be made to build were, who we are now and who we want to become relationships which enhance a sense of unity and as Mercy women in the next phase of our lives, are belonging. However, there is no set timeframe which so important. It is also important to discern when enables each of us to see herself or her Community our conversations need to include our lay colleagues, as part of our broader Institute. Hopefully we are ministry partners and associates. becoming more able to see ourselves in our local
64 In our 2014 Report of the Institute Leadership Team While these might seem small steps they were (p. 5) we reflected as follows: designed to enhance a sense of belonging to a new “In a world in which the gap between the rich and Institute and to assist those external groups who the poor is widening, ‘we’ are all people with hearts were loosely connected to former congregations or yearning for mercy and justice. ‘We’ together have so who knew little about ISMAPNG to grasp something many gifts and skills which can enliven and increase of our mission and purpose. We were conscious our capacity for mission. ‘We’ have long credibility in that each Sister’s sense of belonging to something our large and well-established ministries of education, new would take time to become a reality and that health and aged care, while individuals are known too engagement with the new could not be forced. We for our faithful presence in places far and wide. We all also appreciated the fact that the cultures and sub- strive to live out the Spiritual and Corporal works of cultures of the former congregations came with us to Mercy. Some of the people who minister in the name greater or lesser extents and that elements of these of ISMAPNG feel themselves called to Mercy and formative cultures would remain significant. There have a strong sense of commitment to the ministry is a delicate balance to be maintained between the of bringing the Mercy of God to people in a vast stability and assurance offered by the familiar and number of ways. So, in the spirit of our 2011 Chapter the embrace of the uncertainty and chaos inherent in statement, together ‘we’ need to discern what this call something new. may mean with grateful hearts and an openness to where God may be calling us all.” Language is a powerful symbol. ‘We’ has very different meanings depending on the situation in which the It takes time and effort to grow into a new way of word is used and the reality which its use is trying to being together as members of our Institute and as a convey. When ‘we’ is used by our Institute staff and broader Institute ‘family’ and we are still in a time of our ministry colleagues it is important to realize that transition. Naming the emerging reality around our they were also caught up in the changes brought Institute culture can free each one of us to continue about by ‘reconfiguring’. As we know, the members along our particular path of mercy without losing of our Institute are the Sisters. We also know that sight of the collective path we are forging together. Catherine McAuley was assisted by women and We held high hopes and expectations for our new men who were not Sisters of Mercy but who worked Institute in December 2011 so how might we describe alongside her to respond to the needs of the people what has emerged from our intentional culture- in Dublin and to work for societal change. So it is in building efforts over the 5 years since then? our day. Points of connection needed to be nurtured with many groups, with our present task being to Signs, symbols and language maintain and enhance them so that together we can Many small, deliberate steps have been taken to continue to shape ISMAPNG through the sharing of start building an Institute identity through the our collective wisdom and experience. development and use of appropriate signs, symbols and language. Receiving our Institute name badges Buildings are powerful symbols. It had been was a significant beginning! We have each received an anticipated prior to ‘reconfiguring’ that the Lewisham Institute Mercy-themed calendar annually since 2012. buildings would be unable to provide the space At the commissioning ceremonies for each of the six needed for the ILT and our support staff, for our Community Leaders in March 2012 a Chapter candle Archives and for Mercy Works to function effectively from the foundation Chapter in December 2011 was (initially we were all sharing offices, corridor space presented to each Community Leader as a symbol of and meeting rooms), so plans were developed her delegated authority. These candles continue to be to renovate the buildings at 33 Myrtle Street in used at Community and Institute-wide celebrations. Stanmore to create the Institute Centre. Various Each Sister received an A4 sized and a bookmark delays occurred, mainly due to ongoing negotiations sized copy of the 2011 Chapter statement, written with the local Council. We moved to Stanmore in April in Tok Pisin and English, on a dynamic background 2013, thus freeing the space at Lewisham to undergo designed by Anne McMillan RSM. A banner depicting renovation, with the downstairs space being made our new Institute was designed for use at gatherings available to Mercy Works and the upstairs spaces for and promotional material reflecting the diverse ISMAPNG. The installation of a lift made the upstairs nature of ISMAPNG was developed. gathering space more accessible.
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The bronze of Catherine McAuley sitting on a seat former congregations in relation to these research in the garden at Stanmore has become a significant projects and/or publications. Through the Institute Mercy symbol since its installation in 2014. Fellow Research and Publications Committee various types travellers, guests and visitors sit and reflect awhile, of support and resourcing have been provided spending time with Catherine in ‘her space’. Many to enable all except three of these projects to be requests have been made and granted for permission completed. They are still in progress. Additional to use this image of Catherine in prayer rituals existing projects have also come to light and new and publications. projects have been approved.
Our founding stories In 2014 we commissioned a multi media resource Each of the groups coming into ISMAPNG shared which told the story of ISMAPNG’s origins, providing a the founding story of Catherine McAuley and her valuable resource for sharing the founding story with early companions in Dublin. Indeed we share this our Sisters, Institute staff and ministry colleagues. story with all our Mercy Sisters and lay companions In 2016 the ILT initiated a project to document the throughout the world. Our shared beginning marked history of ISMAPNG. A Reference Group has been the starting point for the ritual at the commencement established to locate and catalogue existing primary of the 2011 Chapter, the elements of endings and and secondary sources of data and to identify data beginnings so beautifully represented in the booklet which ought to be gathered from those involved in ‘Acts of Chapter and Foundation documents’. the ‘reconfiguring’ process. This will enable additional primary data to be obtained and more detailed As one aspect of writing our new story we were research to take place in the future. keen to ensure that significant milestones within the former congregations be celebrated as Institute Our Institute story is continuing to unfold. The events while being mindful of the local historical timeline in Appendix 7 identifies some of the key contexts. To that end, in discussion with Community events within ISMAPNG initiated by or sponsored in Leaders we identified the significant celebrations whole or in part by the ILT up till now. It does not to be those marking 60, 75, 100, 125, 150, 160, and include events organized at local Community level or 170 years of the various Mercy foundations across by our ministries. As you recall those events in which ISMAPNG. Many of you will have participated in you were able to participate or subsequently heard such celebrations during the past five years. Some about or read about, we hope they invoke a sense of have involved travelling back to places where we no ‘opportunities offered’ and ‘opportunities taken’ for longer have a permanent mercy presence of Sisters you and for others to ‘be there’ physically or in spirit or ministries. on significant occasions and to shape what is unfolding. At the commencement of ISMAPNG we were aware that 14 Congregation or ministry-related historical projects were being conducted. The ILT honoured the approvals and the funding arrangements made by
66 Rituals and celebrations Community newsletters have also grown and Ritual can be a powerful avenue for giving meaning to developed, as has communication among Institute significant occasions. A common ritual was developed staff and across our ministries. Our Institute website for the commissioning of the Community Leaders in underwent a minor upgrade in 2012 to reflect our 2012 and again in 2016 for the commissioning and new reality and a new website was launched on recommissioning ceremonies. 12 December 2016. It is a fine line sometimes between ensuring you have the information you Special rituals were held to welcome Sisters who need and ensuring we don’t contribute to chose to join ISMAPNG after its inception and to ‘information overload’. This can be a delicate formalize their transfer to our Institute from other balancing act, especially at peak times such as Mercy Congregations. We have followed their journey during Chapter preparation. since then and have learned something of the challenges they faced in taking such a step. With regard to culture building however, we have tried in our various means of communication to use In 2013 our governance documents (Constitutions, an inclusive language which reflects the wonderful Directory and Acts of Chapter 2011) were printed and variety within Mercy life and mission across ISMAPNG. included in a specially designed folder for ease of We now speak consciously of ‘our Institute’ rather access and reference and presented to each Sister as than ‘the Institute’. We are becoming better at critiquing part of a prayerful ritual. Community Leaders assisted our use of language to avoid unintentional bias e.g. by the ILT by ensuring that Sisters unable to attend one not using the word ‘overseas’ in our ISMAPNG policy of the local gatherings were presented with these documents as it can be perceived to be ‘Australia documents in person as appropriate. – centric’ and by using the full name ‘Papua New Guinea’, rather than ‘PNG’ in our writing. A more Communication, language and culture building detailed discussion of Communication is taken up in Effective internal and external communication is vital the ‘Communication and networking’ thread. in shaping a positive culture. From the start of our Institute the ILT has regularly communicated with Development of shared values and vision as the Sisters via our newsletters. We know that some of us foundation of shared culture read official communications regularly while others We have chosen two aspects to share in our do not! We were heavily criticised by a small number reflections on this area, namely the development of Sisters about the quality of our communication of guidelines on the celebration of jubilees as an during the first year of our leadership when the element in the establishment of our Institute culture results of a review of our communication became and the creation of opportunities to engage with our available towards the end of 2012. We knew that staff and ministry colleagues to articulate a vision for improvements were needed so we implemented how we might work together to create the new. some short-term strategies while attempting to identify our longer term needs into the future. Our Our celebration of Jubilees current newsletter format and its contents bear scant The celebration of Jubilees provides an example of resemblance to the original! Newsletters and emails how we went about developing Institute guidelines or hard copy messages from the ILT have been our for a significant occasion. Jubilee celebrations which official means of communication, thus ensuring that had been planned for the first year of our Institute Sisters all receive the same information in a timely during 2012 went ahead so jubilarians celebrated as manner with regard to significant Institute matters. they would have done in their former congregations. Our newsletter reflections provide an opportunity It was evident when we considered previous practice for us to explore with you the religious and spiritual that we had up to 15 different approaches to Jubilees, dimensions of our leadership and it has been each reflecting local circumstances and traditions. heartening to hear from time to time how you use Working with Community Leaders we developed these reflections, as well as the prayer focus and guidelines for celebrating Jubilees across ISMAPNG Gospel reflections. and implemented them from 2013 onwards. There were obvious differences in such things as provision of gifts (some received substantial gifts of up to
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$1000 from their congregation; some were entitled our thinking ‘visually’ as standard organizational to trips funded by the congregation; some received charts did not apply. It was not until we decided to a small gift but no money; some gifts were the result draft a narrative in late 2015 that we could more of contributions from individual Sisters rather than clearly describe what was unfolding. This narrative on from the congregation); the years of religious life designated leadership (Appendix 3) was the vehicle celebrated (e.g. some congregations celebrated for outlining one element of what had developed in 40 years while most did not) and the number of the life of ISMAPNG. celebrations in which a particular Sister might be involved on the occasion of her jubilee (some had Leadership and decision-making a congregation celebration with the Sisters; some While more detailed comment on leadership is congregation celebrations included family members contained elsewhere in this Report, our approach and Sisters; in addition, some jubilarians had to leadership and decision-making both shapes individual celebrations with family or with family and reflects our emerging culture. As ILT members and friends, paid for by the congregation). we each came to our role with differing leadership experiences. In the early days when we were faced As outlined in the guidelines shared with Sisters with decisions which needed to be made promptly in late 2012, we identified appropriate values and we attended to them as best we could with the principles, key elements contributing to common information at hand and advice from others as practice and our approach to jubilee gifts. Each needed. In matters relating to the lives of our Sisters Institute Community has a Jubilee Committee which we have worked towards having decisions made works with the Community Leader and the jubilarians at appropriate levels, mindful of the principle of to plan the celebrations. Many Sisters across our subsidiarity. Consultation is an important part of Institute make contact with our jubilarians by mail, most processes so we try to involve those whose email or phone during the year and, if they are able to lives are likely to be influenced by our decisions by do so, travel to the particular Community celebrations inviting their input. Our processes have been clarified in response to an invitation. We are blessed indeed after reflection on experiences which revealed factors to be able to celebrate these significant milestones in such as gaps in processes, insufficient information or some way with the Sisters named in the annual list of background detail, lack of communication, an overlap jubilarians which we publish. in lines of delegation or untested assumptions about how things ought to happen. Unless there A vision for working together to shape the new are factors at play which are beyond our control we The ILT were keen to bring together a group of Sisters communicate our decisions to those involved as soon and our lay colleagues to see if we could start to as we are able to do so. articulate a common vision and to explore the ‘we’ within ISMAPNG. Our efforts met with varying degrees Other threads of our emerging culture, including our of success. There was a great deal of enthusiasm leadership and governance and our stewardship of and a willingness to enter into the task of the resources, are addressed elsewhere in our Report. ‘Visioning Days’ in March 2014 and July 2015 and we In describing aspects of the way we do things or came up with some appropriate language alongside aim to do things we are conscious of the many ways many questions. Questions emerged around how you contribute to the ongoing development of our we describe the relationships between ourselves, Institute culture. You know how our Institute ‘feels’ the Sisters who are the members of ISMAPNG, and from the inside as you navigate the new. the women and men who work alongside us within ISMAPNG and within its sponsored ministries. The Another intentional aspect of our culture building address from Berneice Loch RSM as Institute Leader, has focused on ways of organizing the way we do which formed part of each of the Institute Mission things and of providing an effective framework gatherings in the second half of 2014, captured some within which ISMAPNG can operate. In the second of the questions and our emerging understanding. part of this thread we attend to our emerging However we stumbled when it came to representing organizational framework.
68 AN EMERGING ORGANIZATIONAL Chapter in December 2011. While a number of ‘in FRAMEWORK WITHIN ISMAPNG principle’ decisions had been agreed upon, many A great deal of time and effort has been devoted things could not be implemented until ISMAPNG to establishing within ISMAPNG what Arbuckle became a canonical and civil reality on December (2005, p. 5) refers to as “a framework of order that 12. The development of our Institute Communities allows people to get on with their daily work”. The is explored in the ‘Our way of living’ thread of this current organizational framework outlined in the Report. Here it is not necessary or even possible to Designated Leadership narrative (Appendix 3) reflects detail the evolution of each of our current teams. five years of gradual development whereby the However, brief reference to the reasons behind support structures and services needed to support the appointment of a Legal Officer and Technology the life and mission of the Sisters and ISMAPNG Manager in the early months of our leadership may more broadly could be provided. We often recall shed light on some of the immediate issues with our first leadership action after our election at the which we were grappling. Reflecting the complex Chapter in 2011 – in the dining room at St Joseph’s environment within which religious congregations Baulkham Hills Conference Centre we had a suitcase operate, some issues remain constant while new full of documents prepared by Ian Hobbs which we ones emerge! needed to sign to enable ISMAPNG to operate from Day 1!! In the material which follows we outline the A framework begins to evolve existing relationships and operational framework, Reference has already been made to ensuring we acknowledging that elements of our framework could operate bank accounts immediately, thus continue to evolve. ensuring allowances, wages, salaries and invoices could be paid. We were faced with a number of legal We have endeavoured to “place decision-making matters which needed immediate attention. A priority at the appropriate place” (Constitutions 6.03). Our was the systematic transfer of property owned by current organizational framework is built around former congregations into the two new companies, the ILT, ELT, our Institute Communities and the McAuley Property Limited (MPL) which holds most of various teams within the Mission and Ministry Unit the property used by Institute ministries, and Institute and the Operations Unit, both Units coming into Property Association Limited (IPAL) which holds the existence in January 2016. Prior to May 2014, the residential property in which Sisters live and the land departments which had been established during the on which our offices operate. Much of the associated first two years of our Institute were part of ‘Finance legal work, especially the preparatory work, could and Administration’. be done ‘in house’ so we approached Eileen Ann Daffy RSM in January 2012 to undertake the newly A huge amount of preparatory work had been established role of Institute Legal Officer. In accepting undertaken by the ISMA Leadership team, the TNI the position, she worked closely with Thomsons, our Leaders, the Reconfiguring Committees, Ian Hobbs external Institute Legal advisors (now Thomson Geer). and all who assisted them leading up to the first
A great deal of time and effort has been devoted to establishing… “a framework of order that allows people to get on with their daily work”.
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There were over 900 property transactions involved, As we seek to build an identity and culture for some of which could not be finalized until 2016. Mercy Support Services, consistency in our values Each state and territory has different property- will be important.” related legislation, some records held by former congregations were incomplete or not available Much work was done by the MSS Management team and the arrangements with some external agencies to engage MSS staff in exploration of the values operating on congregation property were unclear. identified as being core to their support roles For these reasons and many others, it was clear that within ISMAPNG: we needed to develop robust internal systems for recordkeeping in relation to legal matters and for • Hospitality – We have an attitude of being ensuring that decisions relating to property were present to others. made and implemented in a timely manner. The • Excellence – We provide a dedicated and seeds of a future Property team were being sown consistent high level of service alongside the seeds of a Legal team. • Respect – We acknowledge the inherent value of everyone and everything As our Administration offices and Community offices became established we addressed the matter of our • Integrity – We are fair and equitable in all Information technology and computer needs. There our dealings were many frustrating times early on while specific • Unity – We progress the mission by needs were identified, while problems of a systemic working together. and localized or ‘one off’ nature were resolved and while possible longer term solutions for ISMAPNG as a whole were explored. At the same time, Sisters who Most MSS staff members were based in one of the previously had been used to receiving local assistance Administration Centres at Alphington, Tighes Hill or with their computer problems were not sure who Rockhampton, and, since April 2013, at Stanmore. to approach so much work was done to ensure They also provided support to Community offices in assistance was given in a timely manner. Adelaide, Ballarat, Cairns, Canberra, Grafton, Perth and Townsville. MSS also included all of the direct The appointment of Travis Wheelan to the role of support staff working within Communities so it was Technology Manager in March 2012 arose from our a significant development to bring them together. realization that we needed assistance to address the In their interactions with Sisters and colleagues technology-related issues we were facing. Looking MSS staff endeavoured to live out these values. The back now, while we still have some ongoing issues emphasis given to values during the subsequent two much progress has been made in five years. years did much to establish a positive workplace culture and to provide a reference point for ESTABLISHMENT OF MERCY responding to circumstances where the interactions SUPPORT SERVICES with Sisters or Institute colleagues had not had the The establishment of ‘Mercy Support Services’ in desired outcome. May 2014 marked an important development, as the Director of Mercy Support Services (MSS), Ian Hobbs, ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURE TO indicated in his communication to Sisters and staff on ENHANCE OUR MISSION FOCUS May 5, 2014: In January 2016, a significant restructure of our organizational framework took place with the ‘It is important to note that this is more than establishment of the Mission and Ministry Unit and just a change of name – it represents a change the Operations Unit. Underpinning this decision was of mindset. Rather than thinking of ourselves the enhancement of our ability to ‘do mission’, to as a series of departments supporting ISMAPNG resource and support our ministry activities more we want to think of ourselves as a Ministry of effectively. At the same time it enabled us to spread ISMAPNG which has an integral role to play in leadership responsibility and in doing so to address delivering the overall mission of mercy … How we some workload issues. do things is just as important as what we do and how we do things is determined by our values.
70 Teams within the Mission and Ministry Unit was required of our archivists prior to the hearings by There are five teams within the Mission and Ministry the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Unit. The Executive Leader Mission and Ministry, Abuse in Australia as ISMAPNG had to provide specific Elaine Wainright RSM, has overall responsibility for information relating to each of its founding Australian each team. The main focus of each team is outlined in Congregations. Provision of information to the Royal the brief summary which follows. Commission and the Truth, Justice and Healing Council has been ongoing. Mission Animation The focus of the Mission Animation team, members Ministry Governance of which are Deirdre Gardiner RSM and Maryanne On behalf of the ILT, the Executive Officer Ministry Loughry RSM, grew out of the work of the MCIC and Governance (EOMG), Jonathan Campton, liaises the IMT. In their first year, the team spent time in closely with Ministry Board Chairs on matters conversation with Sisters across our Institute, hearing relating to the governance of our sponsored and of their ministry involvements and dreaming together co-sponsored ministries. The role was established in about what else we are being called to consider October 2013 and, as with any new position, it has in response to the needs evident around us. Their taken time to evolve and become integrated into networks include our Institute staff, our ministries, the mindset of Boards, ministry leaders and the ELT. other church and faith-based organizations and The ILT, as Company Members, still retain ultimate community groups and they also participate in some responsibility for ministries. We have endeavoured to Institute forums. They are involved in advocacy in a establish and maintain strong and effective working range of ways in collaboration with other ISMAPNG relationships with our Board Chairs, Directors and personnel and groups such as CRA, MIA and MGA. ministry leaders through personal interactions, the initiation of the annual Ministry Governance forum in Mercy Ethos 2013, ministry visits, attendance at Board meetings The role of the Mercy Ethos team, under the and at significant ministry events. However it is the leadership of Carmel Crawford, and a snapshot EOMG who undertakes a significant amount of the of the services it provides in mission formation day to day involvement with our ministries, providing have been outlined earlier in this Report. Building advice as appropriate, regular updates on governance on the office already operating within the former matters and follow up on decisions made at ILT or ELT Melbourne Congregation, the Institute Mercy meetings. The EOMG also collaborated with the Mercy Ethos office gradually expanded geographically Ethos team on the development and implementation from 2012 onwards, with members working out of of a modular formation programme for Board Chairs Melbourne, Ballarat, Tighes Hill and Perth. Prior to the and Directors in 2015. establishment of the Mission and Ministry Unit the Mercy Ethos co-ordinator reported directly to the ILT. Communications The current arrangements enable closer relationships The Communications Team, under the leadership to be developed with all those working in the area of of John Rochester, seeks to facilitate effective two- ‘formation for mission’ within ISMAPNG. way communication within our Institute, with its ministries, within the broader Catholic community Archives and Heritage and with the general public. The Communications Our Institute Archives and Heritage team, under Manager, supported by a part time Communications the leadership of Jane McGee, is responsible for Officer and an Administrative assistant, provides establishing and maintaining our Institute’s cultural strategic advice and assists us in our communication collections and archival records relating to ISMAPNG with Sisters and Institute staff. The team edits and and its six Communities. They are ‘keepers of the produces the fortnightly Institute News. They also story’ and play a significant role in documenting our edit and oversee the monthly ‘just Mercy’ enews, evolving Institute and our continuing mission today. Mercy Matters, Institute Website, Digital storytelling, Annual Calendar and various special purpose They also handle requests for information relating communications. to former Congregations or to ISMA and assist researchers with enquiries. A huge amount of work
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As a member of the Mission and Ministry Team, the The Administration and Community Support team Communication Manager assists with the Institute’s also has an important role in supporting our ministry of advocacy. The team provides regular Institute generally through providing for the effective advice and assistance to Sisters, staff and ministries. operation of our offices and providing services for the (e.g. advising on the development of strategies whole Institute in the areas of: for communication around key Institute initiatives such as the Sustainable Living Policy and the 2017 • Risk Management and Insurance; and Chapter). The team is also the first point of contact • Data and records management. for media enquiries and assists the Institute Leader in the preparation of a response. Across the Institute there are Sisters and other staff also involved The team at Stanmore provides particular assistance in communication including the production of to the ILT including administration, preparation of newsletters, digital and artistic content. resources and support materials, flight bookings and travel arrangements, preparation and catering for Teams within the Operations Unit meetings and other functions on site, hosting guests There are six teams within this unit, each one and assistance with visas. providing a range of support services as outlined in the brief descriptions which follow. The Executive Human Resources Leader Operations, Ian Hobbs, has overall Our Human Resources team, under the leadership of responsibility for each team. Many of you have Natalie Anderson and based at Tighes Hill, provides interacted with members of our Operations team as support across ISMAPNG in the areas of: they attended to your requests and in doing so have • Workforce planning, recruitment and selection; assisted them to understand our life and mission and the ways in which they contribute to ISMAPNG. • Induction and engagement; • Employee relations; Administration and Community Support Our Administration and Community Support team, • Performance management and development; under the leadership of Catherine Smith and • Workplace health and safety; and operating from Alphington, Rockhampton, Stanmore • Payroll services. and Tighes Hill, provides assistance to Community Leaders and Sisters generally in a broad range of areas such as: As needed, they also assist some smaller Institute • Housing – relocations, utility services and ministries by providing advice in areas such as minor repairs; employment and industrial relations matters and payroll. Community Leaders are also ably assisted • Vehicles – purchases and sales, major repairs, by the professional advice coming to them from accidents and emergencies and general the HR team. fleet management; • Communications – mobile and fixed line Property telephone services, internet connections and Our Property Team, under the leadership of Frank nbn installations; Tierney, sees to the day to day management of ISMAPNG’s residential and commercial property • Finances – liaison with Centrelink, portfolio and contributes to the strategic allowance payments, reimbursements, management of the portfolio. The team is responsible and GST processing. for providing support to the ILT, ELT, Community Leaders, Sisters and ministries in relation to such matters as:
• Lease and licence negotiations and administration; • Property purchases, valuations and disposals; • Property compliance programs;
72 • Dealing with planning requirements in the As you would appreciate, the ‘checks and balances’ various national, state/territory and local built into our financial procedures (for example, government jurisdictions, including requiring an invoice to be approved by a delegated obtaining permits; authority prior to processing for payment; requiring the relevant Minute from an ILT meeting before • Property improvements and capital works; processing a donation on behalf of ISMAPNG) are • Major repairs and maintenance; vital in ensuring that the effective stewardship of • Heritage issues; our resources can be maintained to the highest level possible. • Recording of burial places.
The examples given above illustrate the collaboration required between many people in order for our The professional and practical advice received from finance-related policies and procedures to operate our Property team assists greatly as we attend effectively so that transactions can occur in a timely to the short, medium and long term housing and manner. Complementary information about our accommodation needs for our Sisters in Papua New stewardship of finances is found in the ‘Stewardship Guinea and Australia and the potential expansion of of our resources’ thread elsewhere in this Report. our ministries. Delegates to the Chapter will be provided with a detailed Finance and Stewardship Report to equip Finance them to consider questions and issues which arise Our Institute Finance team, under the leadership at the Chapter in relation to these areas. Sisters who of Darren Schutz, has responsibility for the overall are not delegates, and who would like to be able financial operation of ISMAPNG. Their main areas of to access and read a hard copy of the Finance and responsibility include: Stewardship Report, will be able to do so after the • Preparation of the monthly reports to the meeting of delegates in June 2017. Further details ILT/ELT; about the process for this access will be forthcoming.
• Accounts payable including payments for Legal expenses such as electricity, gas, water, The Legal Services team, under the leadership of phone and internet, insurance, repairs, Stephen Bott, provides legal advice to ISMAPNG and, travel and accommodation, motor vehicles, where necessary, instructs and liaises with external credit cards, rental on properties, aged care lawyers. The team also liaises with ISMAPNG’s and independent living units, and expenses incorporated ministries in matters of governance and incurred by some ministries within major property or ministry acquisitions. Since January McAuley Ministries; 2016 the ISMAPNG Professional Standards Unit has • Accounts receivable processing including operated as part of the Legal team. invoices for Sisters’ ministries and collection of rental and licence fees; The work of the team includes routine matters which • Preparation of the annual Budget and ongoing arise because of our size as a religious organization financial forecasting; and our need for some ‘in house’ expertise as previously mentioned, with more specific matters • Cashflow management; requiring particular external legal expertise, such • Preparation of annual financial statements and as in matters of heritage law. The responsibilities co-ordination of the annual financial audit; undertaken by the team include:
• Australian Tax Office compliance, including the • Negotiating, drafting and providing advice Goods and Services Tax (GST), Fringe Benefits on contracts entered into by ISMAPNG (for Tax (FBT) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE); example, stipend agreements) • Accounting for fixed assets, patrimony, • Preparing powers of attorney, providing advice investments, Sisters’ stipends and pensions, on patrimony arrangements and wills for various Ministry balances. Sisters; advising Sisters when independent legal advice is prudent and desirable;
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• Providing advice in relation to a range of Technology legal issues, including intellectual property, As it has evolved, our Institute Technology team, copyright, registration of trademarks, privacy; under the leadership of Travis Wheelan, has responsibility for the provision of technology support • Advising regarding corporate governance services to Sisters and staff and some ministries and structures and compliance matters; the effective operation of our internal technology • Preparing leases and licences for IPAL and systems within Institute and Community offices. MPL properties; Team members are located at Alphington, Ballarat, • Providing legal support to ISMAPNG’s Stanmore and Rockhampton but provide services Professional Standards Unit; remotely to other areas or when they travel to other sites. • Providing legal advice for matters that may affect Sisters or ISMAPNG as they arise The main responsibilities undertaken by the team in from time to time (e.g. changes in providing advice and support to Sisters include: legislation regarding Centrelink payments or child protection). • Purchase and setup of computers (desktops and laptops), printers and personal devices such as iPhones and iPads; We are particularly grateful to Eileen Ann Daffy • Facilitating internet connectivity via mobile RSM who led the legal team until recently and phones, mobile data dongles and household to Virginia Bourke who assisted her as General access points; Counsel, especially during the period following the establishment of the Royal Commission. Their work • Providing a helpdesk and trouble shooting was meticulous and time-consuming, requiring a service for Sisters experiencing difficulties huge amount of research in order to provide the with their technology devices. information requested by the Royal Commission. We also acknowledge the contribution of Maggie Samaan If required, the team can also assist with such things during her time as General Counsel. as GPS, eBook readers and audio visual equipment.
The collaboration between our legal, property, archives and heritage and professional standards teams in particular ensures that we are able to manage our civil and canonical responsibilities in an increasing complex and litigious environment.
74 The main responsibilities relating to managing the We express our sincere thanks to our Executive hardware and infrastructure for the Institute Leaders, our Team Leaders and all who work with offices include: them for their contribution to the growth and development of ISMAPNG. We envisage that our • Provision of hardware (desktops, laptops, Institute culture will continue to develop in a way printers and phones) for everyone working which enables all of us, Sisters, Institute staff, within our offices; ministry colleagues, Associates and volunteers, to • Managing the network connectivity between feel we belong and that we each have something our offices; to contribute to ISMAPNG’s mission. We believe that our organizational framework is sufficiently • Managing local cabling for phones and robust to enable all the various roles outlined in this computers within our offices; thread to be coordinated and exercised effectively • Managing and protecting ISMAPNG’s to further our mission. We recognize also that our computer system (OBT) and electronic way of organizing ourselves needs to be flexible data including installing software updates, enough to respond to changing needs and requests monitoring security systems and ensuring for support as they emerge across ISMAPNG. We proper backups are available; continue working to develop adequate and culturally • Managing and developing ISMAPNG’s core appropriate support services in Papua New Guinea. Sisters’ and Property databases; • Video conferencing.
Significant developments have occurred in building our information technology infrastructure, most recently in expanding our video conferencing capabilities, and we continue to work at overcoming difficulties with such things as internet connectivity and system outages when they arise.
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WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• Culture runs deep and it is a very real influence now, as it was at the start of ISMAPNG. • Culture-building takes time. It requires a dying and a rising. • At the micro-level, where many of us operate, we wonder if sufficient attention has been given to managing change and its effects. • It has taken four years for our current organizational framework to emerge and we have had one year of ‘living in to it’. Further change will be required as we continue to critique our experience. • There is much to be done to equip ourselves to engage with an emerging totally different worldview and theology which challenge many aspects of the broader culture in which we live. • In the face of a growing individualism how do we reflect the reality that we are all connected?
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• It is a challenge for us to accept and appreciate the diversity within our Institute so that diversity is seen as life-giving.
• We are still trying to understand the ‘we’ of ISMAPNG and who is included as ‘we’. This is an ongoing challenge, requiring hospitality of mind and heart and a commitment to deep discernment on the part of each of us. • When we are faced with change and chaos we need to keep our thinking open and flexible and not revert to the ‘known’. Sometimes it can be a challenge to embark on a new course in a way which enables people to come with us even though they might prefer to do things another way. • We are called to be attuned to where the Spirit is leading us. It is a challenge to discern our prophetic call into the future and to articulate the ‘edge’ and essence of Religious life. The Institute we are called to become may not be the one we want to become. • It is a challenge to identify the most effective way of meeting the current and future needs of Sisters, Institute staff and those ministries who receive support from our existing teams within the Ministry and Mission and Operations Units. Do we need all our current teams? Would a better option be to ‘outsource’ some services and have them provided by groups external to ISMAPNG? Are there ways of organizing ourselves differently into the future? Answers to these questions will emerge but it is a challenge to ensure we involve all those likely to be affected by any change without losing sight of the ‘bigger picture’.
WE INVITE YOU TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WE HAVE POSED.
Which aspects of our emerging culture do you find life-giving for yourself, for your Q1. Community and for our Institute as a whole?
Which of the challenges posed in relation to our organizational culture and framework do Q2. you think is the most important one to address?
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Sustaining Institute Ministries Catherine McAuley imitated Jesus “in serving the afflicted, through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy; and she engaged in the particular ministries of teaching, care of the sick and offering refuge for women and children at risk of exploitation and homelessness.” (Constitutions 4.02). Our Constitutions (4.03) go on to say that “we continue these works as needed, but, knowing that God’s promise of mercy is to poor people of every age, we exercise our mission of mercy through a variety of ministries.”
ISMAPNG can tell a long and proud story of of continuous improvement consistent with deep involvement in ministry since 1846 when the Sisters values of human purpose.” This is a helpful definition first arrived in Australia and since 1956 when they as it clearly points out that the capacity of ISMAPNG’s first arrived in Papua New Guinea. Engagement with incorporated ministries to remain sustainable is the spiritual and corporal works of mercy is core to not just a question of finances. At the core of the our mission and it has taken many forms over the journey towards sustainability for our ministries years. You have made your particular contribution in lies the strategic intention to maintain and enhance the areas where you ministered. Today, as we have their ‘mission integrity’ (Grace, 2002) and be true done for many years, we share that engagement in to publicly espoused core values while reflecting mission with the women and men who work alongside high quality professional practice and continuous us in our institutional or incorporated ministries. improvement in the services they provide in the While some might refer to these as our ‘traditional name of ISMAPNG. ministries’ the services they currently provide to people in need are multi-faceted. The sustainability A SNAPSHOT OF OUR of these ministries is the focus of this thread. The INCORPORATED MINISTRIES material which follows draws on information provided Bringing to life their individual mission and vision by each ministry, with further information available statements, collectively, our incorporated ministries on the relevant websites. Our exploration here links engage in a range of spiritual and corporal works to material contained elsewhere in this Report, of mercy. Hopefully, the word picture captures in particularly in our discussion of mission and ministry some way the richness of purpose espoused in each and leadership and governance. ministry’s Vision/ Mission statement.
OUR UNDERSTANDING OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THIS CONTEXT We have a growing understanding of the issues shaping ministry sustainability now and into the future. Some of these issues are within our capacity to influence as a religious congregation (e.g. our governance structures or provision of financial support), others less so (e.g. legislative changes or changes in levels of government funding). Fullan (2004, p. ix) refers to sustainability as “the capacity of a system (e.g. our Institute or a particular ministry – Report writer’s italics) to engage in the complexities
78 The mini-site for the Chapter Report, accessible As our ministries continue to nurture their identity through the Sisters’ section of our Institute website, within ISMAPNG it is heartening to see that Mercy contains a copy of the information provided by each ‘values in action’ have a high priority. However, it is ministry in response to our invitation to provide not enough to have the written vision and mission selected statistical data and reflections on specific statements as we know. We have to help each other questions. The following material provides a summary grasp what it means to engage with Mercy values in of the key points made. our workplaces.
Engagement with our 2011 Chapter Statement Orientation of new staff to ministry mission, While our Institute Chapter Statement is not values and culture intended to be a binding statement as such for The orientation of new staff to the values, mission our ministries, given they have their own vision and culture of the ministry and of our Institute is vital and mission statement, each ministry clearly has a and it happens in a variety of ways including through: sense of engagement with our Chapter statement. Many include the values of hospitality, justice and • Ministry-based staff induction programs; compassion as core Mercy values in their own • Programs conducted by the Mercy Ethos team, statements which is very affirming. Engagement is either cross-ministry or ministry-specific; manifested through such things as: • Ongoing monthly or biannual • Clear links with the focus of our Chapter orientation programs; Statement in the ways ministries express their • Celebration of significant Mercy and core purpose and address people’s needs ministry events; and concerns in practical ways, including • Inclusion of ‘upholding values and mission’ as through advocacy; part of annual performance reviews for staff; • Board and Executive meetings commencing • Involving staff in mapping values and with prayer and reflection; acknowledging the embedding them in staff orientation and First Peoples, Catherine McAuley and ongoing professional development; the Sisters of Mercy; • Reflections at staff meetings, exploring values • Outreach activities focus on awareness raising and culture; providing retreat opportunities; and engagement with those in need in the local area; • Incorporation of values into Strategic Planning; • Hospitality and compassion underpin the • Emphasis placed on each ministry as part of ways ministries engage with people and with the wider Mercy ministry of ISMAPNG. the natural world; • Values are reflected in engagement with It is pleasing to know that ministries participate in clients with challenging behaviours; our Mercy Ethos Orientation programs and see the • Hospitality, compassion and justice underpin value of the cross-ministry collaboration which such engagement with disadvantaged and involvement enables. displaced families, the refugee and asylum seeker families in our schools; Responding to the cry of the earth – the newly proclaimed work of mercy • Ministry communities engage in social Our ministries are responding to the cry of the awareness programs, outreach activities, staff earth in a range of ways, especially through the workplace giving programs; implementation of sustainability policies and • A range of activities ensured involvement in practices. Many have been doing so for a number the Jubilee Year of Mercy and MIRP groups in of years and we can learn a great deal from them. 2016, with a range of activities on site and in Others have referred to our Institute Sustainable cross-ministry settings; Living Policy as a helpful resource in their endeavours • Ministry values and culture committees to instigate more sustainable practices across their ensure values are a point of reference; regular facilities. Actions being taken include: reflection on ‘values in action’.
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• Reflection and discussion of ‘Laudato Si’ and • Sisters invited to ministry events and special the United Nations Sustainable Development celebrations, such as feast days, Mercy Day, Goals; living and teaching sustainable Annual Public meetings, school productions; practices is core to mission; celebrating with Sisters having Jubilees; • A requirement to demonstrate, as part of • Sisters on staff or volunteering regularly or a funding application, how a community for particular programs, as guest speakers or development project will address facilitators of spirituality days or community sustainability issues; education activities; • Ministry leadership positions and Working • Sisters involved as Company Members, Board Groups with responsibility for environmental members or Directors and Advisory awareness and initiatives; such roles also Council members; exist within student communities; • Ministry facilities being used for Community • Embedding and linking Mercy values across and Institute gatherings and for gatherings the curriculum with valuing relationships involving Sisters and staff; between human life and our environment; • Convent chapels available for staff and • Ministry/school –based projects for recycling, student liturgies in which Sisters reduction of food waste, composting, also participate; reduction of paper usage, not selling water • Ministry staff and Sisters involved in in plastic bottles at canteens; MIRP groups; • Design and construction of new buildings • Meeting with Community Leader when new now reflecting environmental awareness and ministry developments are being proposed in sustainability principles; the local Community area; • Installation of energy-saving strategies within • Copies of ministry magazines, newsletters existing facilities and grounds, including LED and Annual reports sent to Sisters or made lighting, retro fitting taps, use of solar panels available electronically. where possible; • Using electronic distribution of documentation where possible; While some ministries do not have much day to day contact with Sisters it is clear that it is welcomed • Reporting on achievement of sustainability when it occurs. We may have to be more creative goals in Annual Reports over many years; in finding additional ways through which Sisters • Identification of actions which can be can maintain or enhance their engagement with undertaken locally has come from staff and our ministries and read or hear about ministry student participation in MIRP groups. developments, other than what we include in our Institute newsletters.
We have much to learn from each other as we strive Selected statistical information relating to live and work more sustainably in response to the to our ministries cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We asked our ministries to provide us with some data which we thought you would find informative Connections between ministries and Sisters in the context of mission and outreach. This data is in local areas available on the Chapter Report mini-site alongside Ministries consistently stated the value of maintaining the additional resources for this thread. More their historical and current links with the Sisters who comprehensive information is obtainable from Annual live in the areas where ministries are located. The Reports. Appendix 8 summarizes in a Table the data links are many and varied, including: from each ministry company relating to the number
80 of staff/volunteers; number of clients/students/ of volunteers. As shown in the more detailed patients; percentage of women in middle and senior information contained on the mini-site, the outreach management leadership positions; percentage of services are responding to a wide range of needs: funding coming from governments and aspects of ministry which are not government funded. Appendix • School fee support through fee concessions, 9 shows the same data for the 12 schools which are family discounts, fee remission for families part of Mercy Education Ltd. We have included their unable to pay, fee assistance for refugee data separately so that the Tables did not become families, scholarships, and writing off bad too large. debts for family support; provision of educational resources and school uniforms This is the first time we have attempted to collect for families unable to provide them; such information. The figures are the best estimates • Advocacy though community engagement, we can make for the 2015/16 year, given that the education and training of employers around data from each ministry was not directly comparable, family violence; court support for children mainly because of differences in reporting periods and whose mothers are seeking apprehended who is counted within the category of ‘volunteers’. violence orders; outreach to vulnerable women and families; Collectively, the ministries for which ISMAPNG has • Traineeships for young indigenous people; sole or shared responsibility have approximately mentoring for students at risk; driver 11,000 staff (including full time, part time and casual training for older children in care; support staff) and an estimated 3,000 volunteers. These for students with learning difficulties or 14,000 staff and volunteers within our ministries disabilities whose needs are beyond the respond to the needs of approximately 210,600 funding frameworks; supporting young people annually. That number would be much people through work experience placements; greater if we added the families and friends of the providing learning support for refugee individuals being served by a particular ministry. families; holiday programs for primary school children; Within these same ministries, the percentage of women in leadership roles (middle management • Heritage and information services for care and above) varies from 11% for St Joseph’s College, leavers and others; Mildura to 100% for Rahamim. More than half of our • Transport for refugees to church services; ministries have women in 50% or more of their senior refurbishing accommodation for use by leadership roles. people coming out of rehabilitation programs; • Ministry facilities being made available to The amount of government funding received by Community groups ‘after hours’; ministries varies. Four ministries (Fraynework, Community kitchen; McAuley Ministries , Mercy Works and Rahamim) receive no government funding at all. The funding • Inpatient and outpatient care for people received by other ministries ranges from a high of not eligible for Medicare, including asylum 93.1% for MacKillop Family Services to a low of 42% seekers and refugees; Mercy Health Breast for Santa Maria College, Attadale. Milk Bank; joint partnerships with other agencies such as legal services to support Unfunded outreach services the most vulnerable; psychology clinics; In addition to their core services, our ministries • Resource support for schools in Papua New provide a range of additional ministry outreach Guinea; support for Emergency Obstetrics services which are funded from their own reserves, refresher courses in Timor Leste through from donations, trusts and bequests, contributions regular visits and ongoing training. from staff through regular salary deductions or post-tax contributions, and the contributed services
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The material in the previous pages provides some • Second, a work carried out in the name indication of ways in which our ministries see of the Church must answer a need for the themselves connected with our Institute mission, present time. We know that works which with the Sisters in their local areas (some of whom were established many years ago may not have had a long previous involvement with the local necessarily meet an acute need today or may ministry) and with the call coming from the most be better undertaken at some time by recently proclaimed work of mercy. The statistics also other groups. provide a snapshot of some significant aspects of our • Third, a work or undertaking must have collective outreach where ministries are providing sufficient means to achieve its purposes. unfunded outreach services to meet specific needs The necessary means are not only limited to they have identified. In doing this, they are a face of financial assets but also require a spirit of faith mercy, a face of ISMAPNG for those they serve. and a willingness to work diligently.
We turn our attention now to the broader issue of • Fourth, works carried out in the name of how we ensure our sponsored ministries remain the Church are expected to have a certain sustainable now and into the immediate future. perpetuity or stability. We need to put time and effort into the establishment of respectful SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR MINISTRIES IN interpersonal and governance relationships so that a work is able to be sustained over time. THE CONTEXT OF MISSION Our Constitutions remind us that “… we often need • Fifth, we are required to exercise good to judge our life and our mission and the reality stewardship for the mission that has been of our world according to the mind of Christ.” entrusted to us. Good stewardship involves (Constitutions 5.03) We recognize the importance provision of appropriate formation of people of having a robust frame of reference for making and proper care of the assets at the disposal of decisions in relation to the current and future the ministry. sustainability of our ministries. Many religious • Sixth, and most important, a ministry congregations have found Fr Francis Morrisey’s undertaken in our name must be one of insights particularly helpful over many years. Along quality. We endeavour to achieve the highest with some of our Institute staff and ministry leaders standards we can in all aspects of our ministry. holding governance responsibilities we spent a • Seventh, providing a work of high quality calls day with him in August 2015. A number of key for special preparation especially in relation to considerations were presented and explored and training and formation of personnel. then shared with you in a newsletter reflection later that month. Attention to these seven areas provides a sound basis In highlighting the qualities to be found in a on which we can consider requests, make decisions sponsored work undertaken in the name of the and set directions for the future, not only in relation Church Fr Morrisey noted seven key areas for to our existing incorporated ministries but to new consideration. He reminded us that “this mission is ministry initiatives as well, such as those outlined not just a personal activity; rather, it is part of a much earlier in our Report. larger plan, one that will eventually lead those sharing in it to the fullness of life in faith and in joy.” (notes MINISTRY REVIEWS from seminar, Sydney, August 17, 2015) The seven Most of our incorporated ministries operate within areas for consideration are outlined below: sectors which have established systemic processes • First, a canonically sponsored work must have for cyclical reviews, usually as part of registration, a spiritual purpose in that it leads people to accreditation or re-accreditation processes, with Christ. The beatitudes and the corporal works the results of such reviews coming to the Board of of mercy in the Gospels are foundational to all Directors for their consideration and action. Regular mercy mission. external reviews provide one means of identifying issues relating to a ministry’s performance against industry standards and its current and future viability.
82 Two of our ministries which did not have the benefit short-term needs should they arise. We have not of belonging to a group of ‘like ministries’ and initiated any specific joint ministry ventures but have which operated consequently as more or less ‘stand encouraged ‘Board to Board’ discussion of potential alone’ ministries in the early days of ISMAPNG were joint projects when such possibilities have been Fraynework and Rahamim. In 2012/13 we engaged raised with us. Virtual Shout to review Fraynework and Carmel Ross Consulting to review Rahamim. The recommendations The first ever gathering of our five ISMAPNG Social arising from both reviews have proved to be Services ministries with members of the ELT in extremely helpful in assisting the respective Boards September 2016 was well-received. Amongst the and the ILT to set ministry directions and implement outcomes was the proposed establishment of an them by ensuring the provision of personnel and Institute Social Services Ethics Reference Group to financial resources to enable their sustainability in assist these ministries in addressing ethical issues. the shorter term. Further exploration is also underway on what it means to be a Mercy Social Services ministry into the In some locations across our Institute the future. These ministries are identifying challenges sustainability of smaller ministries is closely related and opportunities for taking leadership in the to the sustainability of the sites on which they are social services professional space and options for located. During 2014 - 2016 options for the future of sustainable governance going forward, including the Singleton Convent site were explored on behalf risk analysis for smaller ministries. It is timely that of the ILT by the Singleton Convent of Mercy Future these conversations are happening now and we are Planning Group. Our commitment to consultation encouraged by the desire amongst these ministry with local stakeholders as part of our decision leaders for collaborative strategic thinking and making was reflected in the composition of the planning to continue. group and the work they subsequently undertook. Consideration of the group’s recommendations has ISMAPNG provides finance to some of our ministries resulted in the site remaining with ISMAPNG in the to sustain their current operations. These include foreseeable future as a shared ministry site, under Fraynework, Rahamim, Mercy Works and McAuley the management of Mercy Services who, as lead Ministries. It is clear that a ministry Company has tenant, are exploring ways of expanding their ministry to remain viable and cannot operate if it becomes through programmes offered in the upstairs section insolvent. We do not have any institutional ministries of the building. in such a situation.
COLLABORATION AMONG MINISTRIES In the context of current government policy, Building on existing relationships and those especially in the health sector, many smaller agencies which have developed through participation in have discerned that in order for their ministry to such gatherings as the annual Institute Ministry remain viable they needed to become part of a larger Governance Forum and the Mercy Leadership group. For this reason, Mercy Health agreed to bring programme and Dublin pilgrimage, ministry leaders our three aged care facilities in Western Australia have expressed a wish to collaborate and explore new under their governance. Mercy Health also responded possibilities for sharing their resources. Resources to approaches from the Holy Spirit Sisters and the already being shared across ministries include Good Shepherd Sisters and, after consultation with knowledge and expertise in a range of fields such as the ILT as Company Members and undertaking the strategic planning, professional practice, advocacy, required due diligence, subsequently has assumed work experience placements and risk management. responsibility for aged care facilities in Cairns Larger ministries have also been willing to assist and Melbourne. smaller ones by seconding staff to meet specific
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WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• Institute ministries are engaged in a wide range of services which are responding to the needs of a wide range of people. They each provide additional outreach services which rely on funding other than that provided by governments. • Staff and volunteers within our ministries are a wonderful resource for enhancing our mercy mission, especially when the ministries see themselves engaging with our Chapter statement in so many practical ways and value highly their links with Sisters in the local area. • Some of our ministries can teach us a great deal about ways of responding to the cry of the earth and embedding ecological sustainability awareness and practice in their daily operations. • It is taking time for our institutional ministries to develop a comprehensive Institute identity. Significant progress has been made in some areas where it is well-developed but in some aspects, such as publicly identifying the ministry as ‘a ministry of ISMAPNG’, there is further work to be done. • Fr Frank Morrisey’s framework for sustaining sponsored works has been most useful to us as we consider the future sustainability of some of our ministries or consider requests for new ministries to be established. • Ministries are very keen to collaborate with each other in addressing common issues of concern (e.g. the operation and funding of NDIS) and to engage with us to find practical ways of expanding collaboration across ISMAPNG.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• Many Sisters want to remain engaged with our institutional ministries, especially when ministry facilities are located in their Community. Ministries value this engagement as well, so the challenge is to find the most effective ways of ensuring connections between Sisters and our ministries are maintained and enhanced. • The sustainability of each ministry relies on appropriate formation of key leaders and all staff to ensure their mission focus is clear and embedded across the organization. Ministries have a range of practice in this area, with some having well established ‘internal’ programs and others relying on our cross-ministry or bespoke Mercy Ethos programs. Finding the most effective way to enable ‘formation for mission’ to be regularly accessible and appropriately resourced across all ministries remains a challenge. • It remains a challenge for a small number of our incorporated ministries to become financially independent, especially when their sustainability relies on substantial financial support from ISMAPNG. The challenge for us in determining the level of financial support we can provide relates to the ‘opportunity cost’ of funds being allocated to one ministry then not being available for other mission and ministry purposes. • We need to engage more strategically with our Ministry Boards and senior leaders in the development of their Strategic Plans so that common areas of concern, common priorities and potential new developments for the ministry can be articulated and ongoing conversations can be had in relation to them. Our challenge is to avoid situations whereby a ministry moves away from its core purpose as a ministry undertaken in the name of ISMAPNG and in the name of the Church.
WE INVITE YOU TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WE HAVE POSED.
What aspects relating to the sustainability of our institutional ministries did you Q1. find most informative?
In what ways do you think we can keep Sisters and our ministries more in touch Q2. with each other? Why do you think this is important?
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Stewardship of Our Resources Each Sister and every person working alongside us within ISMAPNG has a responsibility to be a good steward of the resources at the disposal of our Institute. As ILT members, we have been diligent in ensuring that the ‘bigger picture’ considerations can be addressed systematically and that policies and procedures enable our resources to be managed sustainably now and into the future. Our stewardship thread is nuanced by these two quotes from our Constitutions: “We use the goods, knowledge and influence at our disposal as stewards, not owners, and willingly share these with other groups,” (Constitutions 3.24) and “we are mindful that care for our vulnerable earth community must be implicit in everything we do.“ (Constitutions 4.03).
We know that you take seriously the responsibility to permanent preservation because of their ongoing use wisely the resources available for our common value. They were created or collected by our founding life and mission, evidenced in so many ways, including congregations, by ISMA or by ISMAPNG since the enthusiastic response to the launch of our December 2011 and are now managed in our various Institute ‘Sustainable Living Policy - An Integrated archives located throughout our Institute. We also Approach to Sustainable Living’ in November 2016. hold significant collections of photographs and audio In this thread, the stewardship of our archival and visual material including oral history recordings. heritage collections, our good name as Sisters of Mercy, assets held by ISMAPNG, our finances and Our movable heritage collections contain objects, property holdings and our commitment to sustainable artworks, textiles and some small items of furniture. living are given particular attention. Brief mention Moveable heritage is a term used to define any is also made of ways in which we have been able to natural or manufactured object of heritage assist other Congregations in the stewardship of significance. Like other types of heritage, moveable their resources. heritage provides historical information about people’s experiences, ways of life and relationships ARCHIVAL AND HERITAGE COLLECTIONS with their environment. Moveable heritage can Our Institute archives and heritage collections prompt memories and reflect community histories contain a wealth of material, holding primary and and may be closely related to the significance of secondary sources relating to the stories of our heritage places. founding congregations and the unfolding story Key stewardship issues for us relate to: of ISMAPNG. Currently, our Institute archivists are managing collections on site in Adelaide, • preserving and cataloguing the archival and the Alphington, Ballarat, Bathurst, Mount Hagen, Perth, heritage collections; Rockhampton, Singleton and Stanmore. The archival • ensuring safe and secure storage of significant collections formerly held in Cairns, Goulburn, records and heritage items, and Grafton, Gunnedah, Lewisham (ISMA), Townsville and Wilcannia-Forbes have been relocated to • facilitating timely access to records, especially Stanmore and Leichardt in Sydney. Eventually we those relating to past, current and potential will consolidate our archival records to one central future professional standards claims. site given the increasing number of requests for information contained in our archival records. The 2014/15 ILT Strategic Plan identified our desire Archives are those records which are no longer to work with our archivists and determine the most required for current use but have been selected for appropriate way to engage with Sisters in making decisions around our heritage collections. In June
86 2013 Jane McGee, Manager, Archives and Heritage, The ‘virtual’ Museum is a way of showcasing our briefed the ILT and Community Leaders on an diverse collections to a wider audience. Our archivists international ‘best practice’ approach to determining have also focused on building better documentation heritage significance so these principles could guide on all the collections so that they become more any consultation we undertook, however progress accessible and can be used more widely as an integral in this area has been slow. The main reason for part of the life and mission of ISMAPNG. the delay is the huge amount of time our archivists were required to devote to finding and collating Our good name as Sisters of Mercy information requested by the Victorian Parliamentary You may be surprised to find discussion of Inquiry, the Royal Commission into Institutional Child stewardship of ‘our good name’ in this thread of Sexual Abuse (information was requested in relation our Report. However, considerable time and effort to each of the 14 founding congregations in Australia has gone into ensuring that ministry activities and as well as for Hearing No. 26 in Rockhampton) and other matters undertaken in the name of the Sisters the Truth Justice and Healing Council. Much more of Mercy generally, and ISMAPNG in particular, work needs to be done to determine the best way are consistent with the values we espouse and to ensure our heritage items are preserved in a reflect good stewardship of our canonical and civil way which enables our mission to continue and our responsibilities as a religious congregation. Examples message to be accessible to those seeking to know include actions facilitating: more about our Institute. • protection of our Mercy Cross symbol and Discussions with MercyCare (a diocesan PJP set the use of the names ‘Catherine McAuley’ and up by the former Perth Congregation in 2002 to ‘Sisters of Mercy’; take responsibility for their Health and Community • development and implementation of policies Service ministries) in Perth are ongoing in relation and procedures in relation to archives and to responsibility for and access to records of the heritage, professional standards, privacy, childcare ministries conducted by the former Perth resolution of grievances, work, health and congregation, held by MercyCare since 2002. Most of safety, and conflicts of interest; the arrangements for the transfer of these records to • provision of competent canonical advice the care of ISMAPNG Archives are completed. When as needed; completed, this transfer of records will enable timely access to information requested of us by care leavers • provision of competent legal advice, including or parties to professional standards claims. specialist advice as appropriate for matters in the public arena; Prior to December 2011 some of our founding • prudent engagement with the media on congregations had transferred records relating to matters concerning ISMAPNG; their childcare ministries to other church agencies, • transparency and accountability for fundraising including CatholicCare, Mackillop Family Services and activities undertaken in the name of ISMAPNG the Professional Standards Office of South Australia, (Constitutions J6.49); and Archdiocese of Adelaide. We continue to have very positive relationships with these agencies and do all • authorization of Sisters wishing to publish we can to facilitate requests for information now held or speak publicly on subjects of doctrine and outside ISMAPNG. morals (Constitutions J5.62 and J5.63).
Significant Developments Two significant developments have been the By paying attention to these areas we are honouring establishment of a ‘virtual’ Museum on the new the efforts and achievements of those who have gone website and the implementation of a comprehensive before us, ministering in the name of the Sisters of database which contains information on both the Mercy and laying the foundations for our reputation archival and heritage collections throughout ISMAPNG.
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as people of mercy, justice, compassion and integrity. Some of these applications have been made because Alongside this recognition is the awareness and a local Sister connected with the ministry was able to acknowledgement that, even though we have done say what the process was and assisted the ministry our best, we do not always live up to what we concerned to contact the Trademark Committee, the espouse. We are part of a global church which has members of which are Jane McGee, Colleen Rhodes been rocked to the core by allegations of sexual RSM, Caroline Ryan RSM and Annette Schneider RSM. abuse and hope that our efforts, particularly in the The committee has been grateful for this support area of professional standards and facilitating right however we recognize the need for ongoing relationships, are contributing to the changes which education about the appropriate use in the public are required. arena of our Mercy Cross and the phrases ‘Sisters of Mercy’ and ‘Catherine McAuley’. Mercy Trademarks Along with the Sisters of Mercy Congregations of Provision of canonical and legal advice Brisbane, North Sydney and Parramatta, ISMAPNG Provision of appropriate advice is fundamental is a co-owner of the three registered ‘Mercy Marks’, in matters to which ISMAPNG and/or one of its namely the approved Mercy Cross and the names members is a party as each of us is called to ‘respect ‘Catherine McAuley’ and ‘Sisters of Mercy’. Each the good name and privacy of others’ (Directory congregation has a Trademark Committee which has D5.80). We desire of course that Sisters are provided delegated responsibility to handle requests made for with appropriate forms of assistance to deal with use of any of the three Mercy Marks. Our protocols the issues at hand. As needed, we advise Sisters and record keeping are consistent across all four for instance to obtain canonical and/or legal advice congregations, flowing from the collaboration of from canonists and/or civil lawyers other than those the respective Trademark committees in developing usually engaged by ISMAPNG in order to avoid common documents for approval by each Leadership perceived or actual conflicts of interest. ISMAPNG team. These documents reflect our obligations under pays for such advice. the legislation pertaining to the registration of trademarks. The protracted legal case relating to the future use of the former convent property on The Strand in The number of Trademark-related requests Townsville has involved the engagement of specialist processed by ISMAPNG from 2012-2016 is as heritage lawyers to act on our behalf. At the time of follows: 2012 (3); 2013 (8); 2014 (11); 2015 (14) and writing this Report the matter remains unresolved. 2016 (8). Most requests have come from Institute sponsored ministries and ministries with historical Engagement with the media links to the Sisters of Mercy. Mercy Partners is not Guided by Institute policy, when engaging with a registered co-owner of the three Mercy Marks so, the media on matters pertaining to ISMAPNG we with the agreement of the co-owners, applications try to ensure that our content and presentation is from ministries associated with Mercy Partners professional, well-informed, respectful and prudent are currently handled jointly by the Brisbane in the circumstances. The assistance of Congregation and ISMAPNG. our Communications Manager, John Rochester,
88 has been invaluable in this regard. John also assists the assets into the name of ISMAPNG, or one of its some of our ministries with the preparation of media entities, took almost four years to complete due to releases as required. legal complexities and the involvement of multiple government authorities. Transparency and accountability for funds raised by Sisters for ministry projects Our Institute has significant assets that are held in Our requirement in order to ensure transparency four entities, namely McAuley Property Limited (MPL), and accountability for funds raised locally by Sisters, Institute Property Association Limited (IPAL), Sisters usually for ministry projects sponsored by agencies in of Mercy Papua New Guinea Incorporated (SOMPNG) places other than Papua New Guinea and Australia, and Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and is that such funds do not go into a Sister’s Institute Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG). account but into the general Institute account within a cost centre generated for that project. This enables Graph 5 shows the composition of assets controlled us, should we be asked to do so, to demonstrate that directly by our Institute as at 31 December 2016. the funds have been held for their intended purposes There are other assets held within our institutional and have reached the intended recipients. ministries which are not directly controlled by ISMAPNG and are not included in ISMAPNG’s assets. Authorizations for Sisters regarding the subjects A A of doctrine and faith and morals GRAPH 5: COMPOSITION OF ISMAPNG’S In accord with our Constitutions (J5.62 and J5.63) we D 6 ASSETS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2016. provide the appropriate authorizations for Sisters wishing to publish their works on subjects of doctrine and morals or those wishing to address public forums on subjects of doctrine and morals. As required by church protocol, ISMAPNG informs the Bishop of any diocese in which an Institute member is ministering in her professional capacity that she is in good standing. The areas mentioned above provide a snapshot of the ways by which we try to ensure the ongoing good name of our Institute, its members and others involved in our life and mission. Our policies and protocols provide us with a means of addressing any issues of concern should they arise. i istr a d ui di s
ASSETS HELD BY ISMAPNG ther a d ui di s
On December 12, 2011, all of the assets of the I est e t ortfo io 14 former congregations in Australia and the ther ssets autonomous region of Papua New Guinea became assets belonging to ISMAPNG under the terms of the Decree and the Implementation Agreement. These assets, which include property, investments, cars The largest category of assets (69%) represents land and the funds in the ISMAPNG operating account, and building used in ministry activities. Land and belong to all of us. buildings permanently allocated to ministry such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities, are held in While a great deal of preparation had been MPL while some properties that are temporarily used undertaken by the Leadership teams of the former for ministry purposes, such as retreat centres, are congregations, former Institute, and the TNI Leaders held in IPAL. and others prior to December 12, 2011, until ISMAPNG came into existence on that date actual The number and value of ministry properties has operations in the name of our new Institute could not increased significantly since reconfiguring as our be undertaken. The process of actually transferring ministries continue to acquire new sites and
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improve existing sites. In most cases, acquisitions • A restriction on the use of a property e.g. only or improvements related to ministry properties are for aged care or associated services; funded by the relevant ministry. • The obligation to repay unexpired government grants if a property is sold within 20 years. Other land and buildings, representing 18% of our assets, are properties used to support our Institute and provide accommodation for Sisters. These PROPERTY properties are held in IPAL, except for properties The Property Portfolio represents a significant asset located in Papua New Guinea, which are held which underpins the financial and operational viability in SOMPNG. of ISMAPNG and its ministries. Accordingly, ISMAPNG has established a suite of Property Policies which ISMAPNG maintains a significant investment portfolio provide for the efficient and effective management of representing 11% of total assets. The investment the Property Portfolio. portfolio, held in IPAL, is used to generate income to support our Institute’s operations. The value of the Our effective stewardship of Institute property investment portfolio also represents our ‘savings’ is enhanced by the active involvement of the which will be drawn down over time to supplement ISMAPNG Property team, working in conjunction with our income. Community Leaders and ministry Boards, to bring well-considered property-related decision requests to Other assets used by our Institute including cars, the ILT/ELT. equipment and operating bank accounts are held in IPAL and ISMAPNG. These assets comprise 2% of Our Institute property holdings are divided into five total assets. Sister’s bank accounts, while technically categories which align with our Property Portfolio owned by our Institute, are not included within Policy. The categorisation of properties is based on ISMAPNG’s assets. the reason we hold the property and it allows us to manage each category separately. Table 10 shows the As part of our risk management process, particularly composition of our property portfolio by ownership for insurance purposes, we maintain comprehensive type and property category. asset registers and data files describing our assets and any restrictions or caveats attached to those assets. The restrictions and caveats (not necessarily formal caveats lodged on a title but they are in some cases) include such things as:
TABLE 10: PROPERTY PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2016
LICENCE OWNED LEASED OTHER LICENCE LEASE RETIREMENT TOTAL PROPERTIES RESIDENTIAL AGREEMENT AGED CARE COMMERCIAL VILLAGE Ministry 94 0 3 0 0 2 99 Properties Sisters’ 325 135 55 106 114 0 735 Housing ISMAPNG 16 1 1 0 0 4 22 Offices Investment 21 0 1 0 0 0 22 Properties Surplus 11 0 1 0 0 0 12 Properties 467 136 61 106 114 6 890
90 ‘Other agreements’ for Sisters’ residences mainly refer Ministry properties do not represent a large to an arrangement with a parish, diocese or ministry proportion of the portfolio by number of properties for Sisters’ to reside in the property. but their financial value is significant and very important to the ministries which use those Graph 6 shows the proportion of each category based properties. ISMAPNG does not directly benefit from on the number of properties while Graph 7 shows the the value of the properties but receives a rental proportion based on the value of properties. payment each year to cover the costs of ownership and compensate ISMAPNG for its investment in the GRAPH 6: PROPERTY PORTFOLIO properties where applicable. COMPOSITION BY NUMBER OF The objective when managing ministry properties is to PROPERTIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2016 D 6 maximise the utility of the properties to the ministries
while ensuring compliance with property legislation. This is achieved through four streams of activity:
• Allocating each ministry property to a specific ministry and clearly documenting the roles and responsibilities related to the property in a formal document (i.e. lease or licence). • Efficiently managing or supervising property works undertaken by ministries to improve the properties. • Ensuring all relevant compliance obligations have been met in a cost effective manner. i istr roperties I est e t roperties • Participating in the development of master Sisters ousi Surp us roperties plans reflecting the future needs of the 3% - ISMAPNG Offices allocated ministry and ISMAPNG’s ministries as a whole.
GRAPH 7: PROPERTY PORTFOLIO When providing Sisters’ Housing, we are seeking COMPOSITION BY VALUE OF to provide suitable residential accommodation PROPERTIES AT 31 DECEMBER 2016 for Sisters so that they can go about their life D 6 and ministry at the minimum long term cost to ISMAPNG. Accommodation is provided as the main residence, as temporary accommodation for Sisters
regularly moving between locations and as holiday accommodation. Table 11 shows the total number of Sisters’ Housing properties by usage category.
TABLE 11: SISTERS BY HOUSING USAGE AT 31 DECEMBER 2016
Sisters’ Residence 676
Temporary Accommodation 15
Holiday Houses 26 i istr roperties I est e t roperties Vacant Residences 18 Sisters ousi Surp us roperties 4% - ISMAPNG Offices 735
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In 2014, a Sisters’ Housing Policy was approved ISMAPNG deliberately does not hold many investment along with Standard Criteria for use when selecting properties due to the already large exposure to the a property for Sisters’ Housing. This policy and property market through owning residential and associated criteria have operated to streamline the ministry properties. Investment properties include process of selecting properties and have brought property commercially leased to external groups or greater transparency to the decision process. individual tenants and vacant land held for future ministry expansion or housing. Over time, the number of properties used for Sisters’ Housing has decreased but not to the same level as Under our Property Portfolio Policy, any property the number of Sisters has decreased. This is because which is no longer required for its intended purpose Sisters have been moving out of larger convents is designated as ‘Surplus’. This triggers a review of and houses and into smaller units so that there are the property to determine what might be its most fewer Sisters per property than there were in 2011. appropriate use and a recommendation comes to the At December 2016, the ratio of Sisters to permanent ILT if an alternative use is proposed. If approved, the residences was 1.2 to 1. property is reclassified and is no longer ‘Surplus’. If no other use is approved the property is placed on the Temporary accommodation includes places where market for sale. Sisters live from time to time in the course of their ministry or while they are visiting others (e.g. Investments Community Leaders in geographically widespread Our investment portfolio is maintained in order to communities have a place to stay and undertake their generate income for current and future operations, ministry when they are visiting the Sisters in to provide for the future care and wellbeing of Sisters different areas). and to accumulate funds for the establishment and support of ministries. Residences are classified as ‘vacant’ at any one time for a range of reasons (e.g. a rental property still has ISMAPNG maintains a well diversified portfolio which some lease time to elapse after a Sister relocates; has a range of investment types and includes a mix of an Independent Living Unit remains vacant for a domestic and international securities. The portfolio short time after the death of a Sister; a retirement is managed to a Strategic Asset Allocation which is village licence is still active even though a Sister has considered to represent a conservative portfolio. moved into care; a unit is to be occupied by another Table 12 shows the Strategic Asset Allocation current Sister in the future so is being held for her in the at December 2016. interim period; a house or unit has been approved for sale but the sale has not yet been finalized). At December 2016, the vacancy rate for residential properties was 2.4%.
TABLE 12: ISMAPNG STRATEGIC INVESTMENT ASSET ALLOCATION
STRATEGIC ASSET ALLOCATION ALLOWABLE RANGE
DEFENSIVE ASSETS 50% 5% TO 100%
Cash 5% 5% TO 50%
Fixed Interest 45% 30% TO 70%
Fixed Interest - Domestic 40% 30% TO 50% Fixed Interest - International 5% 0% TO 20%
GROWTH ASSETS 50% 20% TO 60%
Equities 50% 20% TO 60%
Equities - Domestic 30% 20% TO 40% Equities - International 20% 0% TO 30%
Alternatives 0% 0% TO 5%
92 The Finance Advisory Council (FAC) held its first which contribute to an economic order that respects meeting in July 2012. The members are John Ries the interdependence of human and earth systems, [Chair], Grant Alleyn, Angela Jordan RSM, Glenn including divestment from companies involved in McMahon (concluded in June, 2015), Michael Reutens, the extraction of fossil fuels. The report from this Sylvia Williams RSM (commenced in April, 2016) and meeting, circulated to all Sisters, was submitted to the Peter Wilson (commenced in October, 2015), with the FAC and included in the review of Investment Policies Institute Leader and Executive Leader Operations and Strategies in 2016. in attendance. From mid 2013 the FAC undertook considerable work to articulate the ethical principles We take seriously our responsibility to be ethical underpinning the management of our investments. investors. You will note from both the Approved and They submitted four documents, which together Excluded Investment Schedules that as yet we have represent the investment policy, to the ILT for not divested Institute funds from fossil fuels. This is a approval in December 2014. very complex issue which is not being ignored and a different decision could be made in the future. There These policies addressed ISMAPNG’s: are many implications arising from such a decision and further conversations need to be had in light of • Investment Portfolio; our Sustainable Living policy. • Investment Strategy – General Investments (including ethical considerations); FINANCES It has taken time to develop the financial systems • Approved Investments Schedule and currently in operation and to determine the most • Excluded Investments Schedule. effective means of reporting on our financial situation. We continue to be assisted in the effective stewardship of our financial resources by the They were published in February 2015 in the FAC, by Mr Ian Hobbs, our financial administrator, Members’ section of our website. supported by Mr Darren Schutz and the Finance team. A summary of information relating to income and Guided by these policies, and the ethical, moral and expenditure and comment on emerging trends and social beliefs underpinning them, our portfolio is influencing factors is provided in the following pages. managed by external professionals and monitored by the FAC. Monthly reports on investment performance Income come to the ELT as part of the Finance Report. Some of ISMAPNG’s income sources are quite stable Quarterly investment reports detailing performance (e.g. pensions and rent assistance) while others, such and compliance with our ethical framework are as investment earnings, can vary considerably from reviewed by the FAC and ILT. year to year.
In May 2015, an invitation was issued to any Sisters Graph 8 shows the variability in Operating Income who wished to be part of a consultation about between years and also shows the trend line which is these ethical principles and the way they were for an average annual decrease in Operating Income being managed. We invited Angela Jordan RSM, a of 8% since the peak in 2012/2013. The variation member of the FAC, to coordinate the consultation around the trend line reflects the variability of our which took place in September 2015. Fourteen investment income. Sisters responded, of whom nine were able to be at a meeting attended also by Grant Alleyn, a member of the FAC. While recognising the need for a balanced approach to investing, the meeting strongly supported the importance of investment strategies
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GRAPH 8: TOTAL ISMAPNG OPERATING INCOME DEC 2011 - DEC 2016
art ear actua resu t e trapo ated for a fu ear
Declining income is to be expected where the largest The level of Investment Drawdowns (18%) indicates source of income is from Member Contributions and clearly that our recurrent income is insufficient to the number of Members is declining and where the cover our operating expenses, a reality which had second largest source of income is generated from an also been faced by many of the former congregations Investment Portfolio which is reducing each year as prior to ISMAPNG’s establishment. capital funds are drawn down to support operations. Emerging Trends: Where there is a shortfall in operating income The rate of pensions and rent assistance has been compared to operating expenses, the shortfall is increasing in line with inflation but the total amount drawn down from investment capital. Graph 9 shows, received by ISMAPNG has remained static because the in percentage terms, the sources of funds used rate increase has been offset by the reduced number to support ISMAPNG’s operations over the period of Sisters overall and the loss of rent assistance when December 2011 to December 2016. Sisters move into aged care.
GRAPH 9: SOURCES OF FUNDS FOR • The income from stipends and salaries is OPERATIONSD DEC 2011 D – 6 DEC 2016 declining as the number of Sisters undertaking ministries which pay a stipend is reducing. (Note: ISMAPNG does not pay stipends for Sisters working within ISMAPNG.) • Two factors have been affecting property income: • Property income has been increasing as we have sought to standardise the arrangements for ministries accessing properties owned by IPAL or MPL. Standardising the arrangements has meant all ministries have been charged rent. We have also been actively working to ensure that, wherever possible, properties not used by ISMAPNG are either generating a e sio s Re t ssista ce return or are sold. I est e t I co e • The increases noted above have been offset Sa aries Stipe ds by a loss of rental income when investment ropert I co e properties have been sold. ther e er o tri utio s ther I co e I est e t rawdow s
94 • Investment income has been variable over smaller investment pool. The investment pool the period, and while we have maintained our is reduced when capital is withdrawn to fund average earning rate at 5.92% compared to operations or to fund property purchases. A our target of 6.11% (based on inflation [CPI] total of $48 million has been withdrawn from + 4.5%), the overall income is falling due to investments to support operations over the lower inflation rates, lower interest rates and a period December 2011 to December 2016.
GRAPH 10: TOTAL ISMAPNG OPERATING COSTS DEC 2011 – DEC 2016
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
art ear actua resu t e trapo ated for a fu ear
Operating Costs GRAPH A 11: ISMAPNG OPERATING COSTS Our Institute’s operating costs have been increasing BY CATEGORYD DEC 2011D 6 – DEC 2016 by an average of 4.9% per annum over the period December 2011 to December 2016 as a result of the establishment of ISMAPNG’s operating infrastructure and increasing focus on supporting mission and ministry activities. Graph 10 shows the growth in ISMAPNG’s operating costs over the period 2011 to 2016, along with the trend line representing the average 4.9% increase each year.
The reasons for the growth in Operating Costs are specific to each category of cost and the significance of the increase is impacted by the relative size of the cost category. irect Sister i i o u it d i Support Graph 11 shows ISMAPNG’s operating cost by irect i istr Support category and Table 13 shows the average cost I direct issio i istr Support increase by category and its impact on the overall I stitute eadership growth in operating costs. d i istrati e osts
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TABLE 13: ISMAPNG OPERATING COSTS AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASES DEC 2011 – DEC 2016
% INCREASE BY CATEGORY % OF OPERATING COSTS AVERAGE COST INCREASE %
Direct Sister Living Costs 59% 3.9%
Community Administration & Support 12% 5.6%
Direct Ministry Support 5% 19.6%
Indirect Mission & Ministry Support 1% 8.7%
Institute Leadership 1% 37.2%
Administrative Costs 22% 5.0%
100% 4.9%
The following sections provide more detailed On average, total Direct Sisters’ Living Costs have information about the major operating cost increased by 3.9% per annum over the period categories mentioned above. December 2011 to December 2016. This average increase is made up of an average 6.8% per annum Direct Sisters’ Living Costs (59% of ISMAPNG increase in the cost per Sister offset by an average Operating Costs) decrease in the number of Sisters of 2.7% per annum. Graph 12 shows the types of costs directly related to Sisters’ living and the proportion those costs make up Underpinning the increase in direct living costs of the total Direct Sisters’ Living Costs. for Sisters on a per Sister basis is the general inflation experienced over the period which adds GRAPH 12: DIRECT SISTERS’ LIVING 2% per annum to almost every cost. In addition to D the general inflation, some areas, such as Health COSTS DECD 2011 – DECD 62016 Insurance, saw greater increases. The other trends increasing Direct Sisters’ living costs relate to the increasing care requirements as Sisters age and require more assistance. These requirements are reflected in the Health and Aged Care Costs.
There has also been an increase in Property Costs due to the increased number of properties used as Sisters’ residences and an ongoing process of bringing residences up to an acceptable maintenance standard.
Community administration and support costs (12% i i Support owa ces of ISMAPNG Operating Costs) ropert osts Community Administration and Support costs are the costs associated with administering each ed are osts community and supporting Sisters generally within otor ehic e osts the Community. Graph 13 shows the types of costs ea th osts associated with Community administration and o u icatio s ech o o osts support and the proportion each type contributes ther osts to the total.
ra e osts
96 GRAPH 13: COMMUNITY ministry support of 11.7% per annum as our focus ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT COSTS has shifted away from the establishment of ISMAPNG A DEC 2011 – DEC 2016 and back towards our core purpose of mission D D 6 and ministry.
Over the period December 2011 to December 2016, ISMAPNG has contributed funding to ministries to support those struggling financially (e.g. Fraynework and Rahamim), to support ministry projects (e.g. the submission from McAuley Community Services for Women to the Royal Commission into Family Violence) and to support the development and expansion of ministries (e.g. Mercy Health and Mercy Education).
ISMAPNG also underpins the annual administrative costs of Mercy Works by making an annual donation (along with the other Australian Mercy Congregations) specifically to fund administration costs. The p o e t osts contribution to the administrative costs means more ropert osts of the funds raised by Mercy Works from external donations can be directed to community projects, ther osts which is a key factor in the success of Mercy Works in Re ewa attracting donors for development projects. ISMAPNG u era e eter also contributes directly to development projects. o ida ouses ra e In July 2014, an Endowment Fund was established across the Mercy world to support the ongoing works eeti s ateri of the Mercy International Association and reduce its otor ehic e future reliance on levies charged to congregations. o u icatio s ech o o ISMAPNG, along with the Brisbane, North Sydney and Parramatta Mercy congregations in Australia, contributed capital to this fund in proportion to the Community Administration and Support costs have number of Sisters in each congregation as at increased by an average of 5.6% per annum over the 1 July 2014. period December 2011 to December 2016. By far the greatest contributor to this increase is the additional In addition to direct funding, ISMAPNG provides employment costs associated with engaging lay significant indirect support to mission and ministry people to care for Sisters. Full Time Equivalent (FTE) activities. Some of this support, where the costs can staffing within the Communities is up 19 FTE which is be clearly identified, is captured under the heading a 38% increase in staff. of ‘indirect mission & ministry support’. This type of support includes the operation of the Mercy Ethos ‘All Other Costs’ within Community Administration team, the annual Dublin pilgrimage and the more and Support include items such as printing and recently established Mission Animation team. stationery, flowers, cards and gifts, conferences and programs and minor furniture and equipment. Other mission and ministry support activities occur These items are not significant on their own, with through the contributions of Administrative teams each component being less than 1% of the total supporting ISMAPNG. Examples include the Finance Community Administration and Support Costs. team undertaking all of the accounting work for McAuley Ministries, the Property team assisting Mission and Ministry Support (6% of ISMAPNG ministries with the acquisition and development of Operating Costs) ministry properties, the Legal and Human Resources There has been a combined increase in the costs teams providing advice to ministries who do not have associated with direct and indirect mission and
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their own teams to provide these types of advice. Leadership costs, relate primarily to the cost of using ISMAPNG does not charge ministries for work done by external facilitators for meetings and gatherings. ISMAPNG people but does pass on all out of pocket expenses. Administrative costs (22% of ISMAPNG Operating Costs) Institute Leadership Administrative costs include all of the operating (1% of ISMAPNG Operating Costs) costs associated with the existence and operation of Graph 14 shows the types of costs included within ISMAPNG except those specifically identified under Institute Leadership and the proportion those costs the other categories. Administrative costs have make up of the total Institute Leadership Costs. increased by an average of 5.0% per annum over the period December 2011 to December 2016. Graph GRAPH 14: INSTITUTE LEADERSHIP COSTS 15 shows the types of Administrative costs and the proportion each type contributes to the total. DEC 2011 –D DEC 2016 D 6
GRAPH A 15: ISMAPNG A ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS DECD 2011 – DEC D 2016 6
ra e osts rofessio a e e op e t I itia or atio ssociates ro ra
o su ta ts ri ti Statio er or atio ther IS hapter p o e t osts eeti s ateri ther costs o su ta ts
o u icatio s ech o o Institute Leadership costs have increased by an average of 37.2% per annum over the period ropert December 2011 to December 2016, using the same o pe satio a e ts methodology to calculate the average as used for the ra e other categories of costs. However, the nature of the I sura ce Institute Leadership costs is somewhat different in that a significant portion is driven by events rather otor ehic es than ongoing activities. Examples of such events are e ership Su scriptio s the formal Visitation program undertaken in 2015 and ri ti Statio er the ISMAPNG Chapter. The Associates program also eeti s ateri gathered momentum towards the latter part of the period as outlined elsewhere in this report. ther costs
Employment related costs are not included within Slightly under half of our administrative costs relate Institute Leadership because the Sisters on the ILT are to Employment costs which include the cost of not paid a stipend and the staff are included within employees and contractors undertaking permanent Administrative Costs. Consultants, in the context of roles. There are currently 79 (ISMAPNG Headcount
98 for December 2016) people involved in administrative for each former congregation. Table 14 shows the roles within the Operations and Mission and Ministry headcount number of current employees according to teams, representing approximately 66 full time the team to which they belong and the office to which equivalent positions which is an average of 4.4 FTE they are attached.
TABLE 14: ISMAPNG HEADCOUNT BY DEPARTMENT AND LOCATION – DECEMBER 2016
Stanmore Lewisham Tighes Hill Alphington Rockhampton Northbridge OTHER TOTAL NSW NSW NSW VIC QLD WA
Institute Leadership 12 12
Community Support 1 1 2 1 1 112 128
Operations Leadership 2 2
Administration & Community 5 6 4 2 17 Support
Finance 7 7
Human Resources 4 4
Legal 2 2
Professional Standards 1 1
Property 8 2 10
Technology 3 8 1 1 13
Total Operations 4 0 9 33 5 0 5 56
Mission & Ministry Leadership 2 2
Communications 1 1
Heritage & Archives 3 2 3 5 13
Mercy Ethos - Administration 1 3 1 5
Mission Animation 2 2
Ministry Governance 1 1
Total Mission & Ministry 5 4 0 7 0 3 5 24
Ministry Support 4 4
Total 26 4 11 40 6 5 132 224
99 THREAD 6 I Stewardship of our Resources
The high number of ‘other’ in Community Support significant savings (in the order of $1.36 million) have reflects the staff engaged to assist Sisters in a variety already been ‘captured’ as at December 2016 with of ways. Most of their work is not done within an further savings actively being pursued. office but in another location as it includes provision of support such as direct care, cooking meals, One of the key areas now being worked on relates to cleaning and gardening. under-utilised property. We receive for ELT meetings monthly property-related information and more Consultancy costs mainly relate to legal costs detailed quarterly Property Reports, enabling us to associated with professional standards and the Royal monitor such things as vacancy rates and reasons for Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse but short-term vacancies and to determine appropriate also include legal and consultancy fees for property future use of property currently classified as ‘Surplus’. projects and heritage cases. We have instigated processes whereby we can work Compensation payments include payments made more closely with our ministries in their strategic to survivors of sexual abuse and alleged forced planning for expansion on property owned by MPL adoptions and also include ‘one off’ pastoral gifts and currently leased to them and on land which is made to survivors through Towards Healing. being held for them in MPL (i.e. through land banking) for future expansion of the ministry. A review is being Strategies for managing our income conducted to determine ways of either accelerating and expenditure the disposal of under-utilized properties or to In 2013, based on advice from the FAC, a long term generate a better return from such properties. financial model was developed to provide a context for decision making. The model brought together OUR COMMITMENT TO information gathered about our Institute’s resources SUSTAINABLE LIVING (financial and property), the reality of our diminishing ISMAPNG is one of the religious congregations which numbers and the financial implications of our sponsor EarthSong and two nominees from our structures and operations. Institute currently serve on the EarthSong Council. We strive to match our practice and the values we Since the first model was developed in 2013, there espouse in caring for our common home. Sisters have been regular updates to reflect changing have integrated sustainable daily practices into their circumstances. The latest revision of the model living for many years and we know from approaches indicates that ISMAPNG has sufficient resources to made to us that there is a keenness among you for meet its known future obligations. However, each ISMAPNG to address more comprehensively the revision of the model has resulted in a lower ‘margin issue of sustainable living. The encyclical ‘Laudato of safety’ at the model’s critical point in June 2026. Si’ published in July 2015, the proclamation by Pope Francis of ‘care for our common home’ as In July 2016, our Institute Leader wrote to all Sisters the eighth spiritual and corporal work of mercy in and Institute staff, providing a general overview September 2016 and issues emerging from our MIRP of our financial situation and inviting everyone to conversations during 2016 provided a fertile context consider ways of collectively achieving savings of for the launch, in November 2016, of our Sustainable $3 million by increasing income and/or reducing Living Policy – an integrated approach to sustainable expenditure in the 2016/17 financial year. This living. Its purposeful implementation will happen at amount had been identified by the FAC as necessary many levels, from small changes in the way we use to decrease the amount of annual drawdown from the resources available in our homes and places of our investments, thus making our finances more ministry to more integrated Institute-wide strategies sustainable into the future. and behaviour. A number of our ministries include in their Annual Reports discussion of the sustainability Considerable effort has been made by all those targets they have met and initiatives they have taken responsible for cost centres to examine their budgets to reduce waste or energy consumption, so we and operations in order to identify achievable savings’ commend them for the lead they take in many respects. strategies and implement them. It is pleasing that
100 A significant initiative for ISMAPNG has been ministry of governance. The Family Care Sisters the decision made in October 2016 to pursue a are included in Community South B and South C Sustainable Electricity Solution across our Institute gatherings and other Institute events. properties. Theological imperatives now sit alongside the economic, social, ethical and other imperatives The Sisters of St Joseph of Orange, an American shaping the background research required for the congregation with only three members now preparation of decision requests which come to the remaining in Sydney, approached us to assist with ILT and ELT. the care of the three Sisters, two of whom are in residential care. We provide pastoral support and SHARING OUR GOODS, KNOWLEDGE attend to their financial affairs and they are included AND INFLUENCE in Central B Community social gatherings and Our Constitutions remind us that the wisdom, Jubilee celebrations. knowledge, goods and influence we have acquired, individually and collectively, are not only for our own Institute members and our staff have willingly and use but that we, as good stewards, can also be of generously provided professional assistance to other assistance to others when we share with them. Our congregations and church agencies as appropriate. Institute has been privileged to assist other religious congregations and church groups in a variety of ways A high level of trust and expertise is needed on the during these first five years, building of course on the part of many people within ISMAPNG to ensure our positive collaborative relationships which came with resources are managed carefully and that they remain us when ISMAPNG commenced. at our disposal when we need them. This enables us to access what we require for our living and to Building on the close links they developed with the support our mission and ministry involvements. We former Melbourne Congregation, we have worked are fortunate to be in the position whereby we have closely alongside the Family Care Sisters (Grey Sisters) resources which, through careful management, will as they discerned their future. They transferred enable us to meet our needs into the medium term property to ISMAPNG for the use of our Sisters and future. Hopefully the information provided in this ministries and also sought our assistance with the thread has provided you with a picture of our current stewardship of their own affairs, given there are situation and some insights into the range of our now only three Sisters in their congregation. Three stewardship responsibilities. members of ISMAPNG are currently Board members of Family Care Sisters (Grey Sisters) Incorporated, supporting the Family Care Sisters through their
101 THREAD 6 I Stewardship of our Resources
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• We have been learning to exercise good stewardship across a range of areas, all of which are important and need careful management. • It has taken time to reach the current situation where we have an accurate and comprehensive overview of the resources at our disposal for the life and mission of ISMAPNG. The time has been well spent. We are as credible and authentic as the daily acts of mercy carried out by all who seek to live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. We are as credible and authentic as the integrity of the systems we have put in place to ensure we meet our canonical and civil requirements as a religious institute with resources at our disposal and held on trust. • Provision of safe and easily accessible storage facilities for our archival records across ISMAPNG is becoming more urgent as requests for information increase and our capacity to manage records in some current storage locations is declining. • There is a tension experienced by some Sisters who feel we are becoming or have become ‘too corporate’. The phrase may be used in response to a loss of close personal contact with staff in former congregational offices, to requests for providing information to update databases, to actions being taken on our behalf by others when we might formerly have done them ourselves, to the need for policies and procedures. • As ILT we need to have the ‘view from the hills’. While there are many lenses we can use to view our Institute, we cannot ignore our responsibility to be wise, prudent and generous stewards of the resources which belong to all of us. This responsibility is wide-ranging, as the examples included in this thread have shown. Our ministry partners play a vital role in assisting us to exercise our responsibilities prudently and with a mission-focus.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• It can be a challenge to enable members to appreciate their role as stewards of our resources and empower them to exercise this role. To be a good steward is not only the responsibility of the ILT and those in designated leadership roles. • The development, implementation, monitoring and review of internal systems and procedures to ensure appropriate accountability and transparency is an ongoing challenge. • Strategic management of our financial and property resources is a high priority if we are to maintain appropriate housing arrangements and sustain our mission focus into the future, given our declining income. • It is a challenge in an Institute of our size for a Leadership team to be accountable in ways which respect the right of Sisters to know details about matters concerning our life and mission but which also ensure the necessary prudence and discretion needed in relation to the release of information which could end up in the public arena. Sometimes it is hard to know how much detail ought to be shared widely among the members and to develop an appropriate Institute protocol for doing so.
WE INVITE YOU TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WE HAVE POSED.
In what ways do you see yourself becoming a wiser and more prudent steward of our Q1. Institute’s resources?
What level of information about the stewardship of our Institute’s resources do you think Q2. should be provided to Sisters on a regular basis?
102 communication and networking
103
RH side section page 7 v2.indd 1 06-Mar-17 11:0 : 7 AM THREAD 7 I Communication and Networking
Communication and Networking Our Constitutions (4.08) remind us that “calling one another to conversion of heart, to fidelity in mercy, to justice and to peace, we continue to proclaim the loving kindness of God, working together to create the new earth which God’s love demands.” Our proclamation, our communication “has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and to enrich society.” (Pope Francis, 2016. 50th World Communications Day - Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter). In this thread we explore the emergence of our communication strategies and the establishment of the networks which enable us to further our life and mission within ISMAPNG.
SETTING A DIRECTION FOR of the group members which enabled us to enhance COMMUNICATION our communication. As noted by Pope Francis, effective communication has the power to build a sense of encounter and A Communications Conference was held in Ballarat inclusion. As a large and diverse Institute, our forms in November 2013, bringing together ‘Just Mercy’ of communicating have to take into account that correspondents and others with communication- we live and minister in a number of countries, with related responsibilities across our Institute to discuss differing access to available communication channels effective ways of communicating as ‘one Institute’. such as reliable internet, phone and mail services. In May 2014, we approved a recommendation We are also part of a wider Institute, including our from the Communications Planning Group for the Institute staff and the thousands of women and men appointment of a Communications Manager, with working in our incorporated ministries. We are also John Rochester commencing in this position in part of a wider Church and Earth community. Since January 2015. ISMAPNG commenced there has been a lot of work undertaken in the area of communication aimed at METHODS OF COMMUNICATION engaging and informing these audiences. Like most aspects of our Institute, our methods of communication have changed over the years. In In March 2013, a communications consultancy, Virtual January 2012, as an initial step, we began producing a Shout, was commissioned to research and prepare weekly ILT newsletter for Sisters. It was emailed to all a Communications Needs Analysis, which identified Sisters, as well as being available in hardcopy through potential communication channels, challenges the offices of each Community Leader. In time, the and resources required to create connection and newsletter moved to a fortnightly format called the community both inside and outside our Institute. ‘ILT news’. In November 2015, while retaining much of the content of the former ‘ILT news’, a new fortnightly In June 2013, a Communications Planning Group publication – ‘Institute News’ was born. Along the way (Anne McMillan RSM, Co-ordinator, Liz Callen RSM and other features have been included e.g. a monthly Adele Howard RSM) was appointed for two years. In Prayer focus. In keeping with this broader focus, time the group’s membership grew to also include the front cover has been used to acknowledge and Barbara Bolster RSM, Ian Hobbs, Berenice Kerr RSM showcase some of the many artistic and photographic and Nerida Tinkler RSM. The Communications Planning talents of Sisters. Other regular features were also Group was responsible for setting the direction added, including an Archives Feature (focusing on an for communication and the establishment of the item of archival and heritage significance) and a Team communication infrastructure that is in place today. Focus (introducing the staff teams working in We are very grateful for the dedication and expertise our Institute).
104 The desire to maintain communication more broadly Communications Assistant) to oversee the complex with our staff, incorporated ministries and external project and to ensure an outcome which gave us audiences, saw the establishment of an e-news a professional and interesting electronic public appropriately called, ‘just Mercy’, which was launched face. Stage Two (a new Sisters, Staff and Board/ on Mercy Day, September 24, 2013. It is produced Associates section and App) will follow soon. This will eleven times a year on a free subscription basis and enable our staff teams to communicate in a more can be accessed via our Institute website. integrated communications environment and those associated with us to access and contribute to the Our six communities regularly produce their own communication flow as appropriate. newsletters. In 2016, we adopted, at the suggestion of Community Leaders, a common masthead for As mentioned elsewhere in this Report, one of the these publications so that there was a sense of communication highlights over the past five years was being part of one Institute while, at the same time, the production of a video capturing the establishment maintaining the glorious diversity reflected in each of of our Institute, ‘The Story of ISMAPNG’. We thank these publications. Adele Howard RSM and all who contributed to this fine production. From time to time other communication has been undertaken with Sisters, including broadcast emails At the end of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 we produced for specific announcements and specialist newsletters a ‘Report to Sisters’ highlighting some of the initiatives for the Chapter and from the IMT. Sisters and staff taken and issues addressed during the year, in effect working in and from our offices are served by a a ‘progress report’. Given that this Chapter Report monthly newsletter ‘Mercy Matters’. was to be made available in April 2017, we did not prepare a summary Report at the end of 2016. We Since December 2011 there have been two significant have also sent a video message from time to time, phases in the development of our Institute website. e.g. at Christmas time, again providing an opportunity From 2011 till 2016, the former ISMA website to put a spotlight on some of the key themes for the was built upon and served the Institute well. On year which had passed and the year to come. Foundation Day, December 12, 2016, Stage One of a new Institute website was launched. The website The hard copy calendar which is distributed to Sisters, was developed by ISMAPNG’s digital ministry, staff and ministries in early December each year has Fraynework. We asked a group (Berenice Kerr been a popular publication. We thank Anne McMillan RSM, Anne McMillan RSM, Kerry Willison RSM, John RSM, Kerry Willison RSM, Barbara Bolster RSM and Rochester, Communications Manager, Denise John Rochester for their work in preparing these Fletcher, Administration Officer, and Meegan Jenkins, attractive calendars.
105 THREAD 7 I Communication and Networking
NETWORKING greater broadband capacity in some locations. Papua In 2016, our capacity to have virtual meetings was New Guinea needs particular attention and creative enhanced with the installation of videoconference solutions developed to make communication as facilities at Stanmore, Lewisham, Tighes Hill, effective as possible, given the country’s varying Rockhampton, Canberra, Alphington, Carlton North, internet speeds. The reliability of electricity remains Adelaide and Perth. We have also investigated the use a key challenge for electronic communication to be of shared facilities in other centres. Initial trials have accessible across parts of our Institute. shown great potential and benefits for our Institute in utilising this technology from cost, time and MEDIA environmental perspectives. Other forays into virtual From an Institute wide perspective, the building of communication have included livestream launches a media profile has not been a major priority, with and dedications (such as the Sustainable Living the key focus being on our internal communication Policy and the unveiling of the statue of Ursula channels. With much of the period since reconfiguring Frayne in Perth). coinciding with the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, we felt it has also not We have used Skype and video links for meetings been the right climate, nor appropriate, to be seeking and consultations with Sisters and with others within out media attention. ISMAPNG has however joined and beyond ISMAPNG. We have at times had a visitor with organisations such as Catholic Religious Australia attend an ILT or ELT meeting via video link to save as part of advocacy campaigns, mainly around the lengthy travel times and associated costs. environment and refugee issues. In 2015, the Institute was heavily involved in the planning of a bipartisan TECHNOLOGY refugee forum and post-forum media conference at Sisters have been encouraged to use technology Parliament House in Canberra. Sharon Price RSM, from such as smart phones, iPADs, laptops and CLRINSW, and John Rochester played key roles in desktop computers to enhance the quality of our ensuring this event was a success. communication. The Technology Team provides practical support and enables Sisters and staff to Many of our Institutional ministries feature in the work and communicate electronically. media, which often assists them in building their profile and with their fundraising and grant seeking To enable the continual development and use of efforts. From time to time, we are contacted by media virtual communication channels into the future, outlets seeking comments on potential stories. All issues of capacity within ISMAPNG’s information requests are responded to respectfully and in a timely technology system need to be continually reviewed. manner, even if we aren’t able to or do not wish to Currently we use the OBT Citrix Cloud system in our make a comment. Institute offices. In order for us to obtain as much benefit as we can from the system we need to source
106 Our moments and methods of communication are many and varied (and indeed extend beyond those mentioned in this section of the report), taking into account the diversity within our Institute and our ministries. Communication involves all of us. As a large Institute our communication has had to be intentional and strategic, at the same time as seeking to ensure everyone is able to be engaged and experience a real sense of belonging. While we embrace many modern technologies we should not forget the more traditional means of communication such as personal visits, sending a card or making a phone call. Relationships are precious and need to be nurtured and strengthened.
107 THREAD 7 I Communication and Networking
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
• Communication is a way of making connections and building an inclusive culture. • The use of a wide range of communication strategies enables people to have more access to information in a timely manner. • We can overload people with information if we are not careful. • It takes time to develop an effective communications strategy and build an appropriate communications infrastructure to support it.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FOR ISMAPNG NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE?
• It is a challenge to be able to use technology effectively in a wide range of places across our Institute, especially where services are inconsistent, e.g. in rural and remote areas, in villages and in the bush. • It is a challenge to find the balance between providing enough information by whatever means people can access it and overloading ourselves to the extent that we disengage with the process. • It is a challenge to keep up with emerging technology, given the rapid rate of change in the digital environment. Through the provision of ongoing education it is important to realize the capabilities of what we have already at our disposal and to explore ways in which emerging technologies can be used in the services of ministry and community-building. • It is a challenge to keep enhancing our capacity to engage with people and communicate with them in person, face to face and through verbal and written communication, when we use technology to communicate in so many different ways.
WE INVITE YOU TO REFLECT ON THE TWO QUESTIONS WE HAVE POSED.
How do we balance our need for good communication tools with our desire to have ‘the Q1. best and the latest’ technology?
From your experience of communication within our Institute, what would you add to the Q2. list of learnings and challenges?
108 Embracing a Future With Hope
RH side ina section.indd 1 06-Mar-17 11:11:40 AM THREAD 8 I Embracing a Future with Hope
Embracing a Future with Hope Yumi kamap wanem kain lain long grasia bilong God - who are we becoming by the grace of God? ‘Becoming’ can be a painful journey but it is a hope-filled one too! Embracing a contemplative stance on life invites us to a deeper place, to sit with ourselves, with each other and with God, to see our world and all God’s creation with new eyes.
We are in a new time, as are all religious women EMBRACING UNITY IN DIVERSITY and men. Articulating the edge and the essence We have a great gift among us, that of unity in of religious life is not the task only of our Institute diversity. We are called to recognize the gifted but we do so through the lens of God’s mercy and moment when diversity reveals its name and the spirit of Catherine McAuley. It takes courage to face, to receive it graciously, to unwrap it gently grapple with the questions around who we need to and respectfully and to embrace the giver. Our be NOW so we can continue to become what we are emerging Institute culture is diverse in so many ways, called to be and to embrace a future with hope. We evident in where we live, how we live and how we are called to shift our thinking, to look at who we are, engage in ministry. We can learn so much from each what we are and how we are becoming. other when we give our mutual engagement the time and attention it needs. Our diverse individual ‘life As we reflect on these five years and three months, threads’ can be woven together to create a vibrant on the learnings and challenges articulated in our Institute bilum or tapestry which includes all of us, no Report, we believe four significant aspects of our life matter where our main focus of energy or sense of and mission are calling for intentional consideration if identity lies at present – at the local, the Community we are to become the Mercy women and the Institute or the Institute level. We commend embracing unity we are called to become. in diversity to your prayerful attention.
BUILDING A CULTURE OF RESPECT GOVERNANCE OF OUR AT ALL LEVELS INSTITUTIONAL MINISTRIES In light of our growing understanding of our In order to sustain our ministries into the future, interconnectedness with all of creation, we are the governance of our institutional ministries called to genuine self care, self respect, respect needs focused attention during the life of our next for others and care for our common home. We can Institute Leadership Team. We are called to build abuse ourselves, others and our common home in a on ministry governance developments in recent range of ways if we are inattentive to the possibilities times and a willingness on the part of our Board and the realities arising from the way we live and Directors and senior ministry leaders to be our areas of ministry involvement. The insights involved in these conversations. We also recognize emerging from the Royal Commission also remind us the importance of continuing to engage with those of our responsibility to engage with the abused and who have canonical and civil governance expertise to the abuser and of finding ways to do so which are assist us in making prudent decisions. We commend consistent with our values as religious women. We governance of our institutional ministries to your commend building a culture of respect at all levels prayerful attention. to your prayerful attention.
110 LEADERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE and we are embracing a mixture of ‘consolidation’ The future which is unfolding will require a different and ‘purposeful growth’ in light of our mission. We approach to leadership. We are called to explore commend leadership for the future to your together what this means for us in the immediate prayerful attention. future as well as for the years ahead. We know that leadership is multi-dimensional, that different We now invite you to bring your insights to this situations and contexts require a balance between final thread of our Report, to our ongoing story of the visionary and prophetic, the administrative becoming “free women under the influence of and organizational, the professional, personal and God’s grace.” (Constitutions 8.03). As you ponder the communal dimensions. We also recognize that images and bring your experiences, your mind and leadership is exercised currently by many Sisters your heart into dialogue with the questions, what and our Mercy colleagues in a range of ways. The does the Spirit seem to be saying or singing or writing ‘establishment’ phase of our Institute has passed or shaping or drawing forth within you?
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Evening came and morning came, the next day… Nait i kam na moning i kam... na nuipela de kamap…
115
Appendices
APPENDIX 1 Funds allocated by MASF Committees 2013/14 - 2016/17
APPENDIX 2 We remember our deceased Sisters...
APPENDIX 3 Designated Leadership within the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (narrative)
APPENDIX 4 Sisters currently serving as Directors or Board Members of ministry companies
APPENDIX 5 Directors and Board members of ISMAPNG’s sponsored and co-sponsored ministries
APPENDIX 6 Sample Monthly Report from Executive Officer Ministry Governance
APPENDIX 7 Key events initiated by the ILT or for which the ILT took responsibility from 11 December 2011 till 20 February 2017
APPENDIX 8 Summary of statistical data provided by Institute sponsored and co-sponsored ministries
APPENDIX 9 Summary of statistical data provided by schools belonging to Mercy Education Ltd.
117 FUNDS ALLOCATED BY MASF COMMITTEES 2013/14 - 2016/17
Appendix 1: Overview of MASF allocations 2013/14 – 2016/17
MASF Committees 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 Grand Total Central A - MASF 113,662.95 55,797.20 60,468.00 45,500.00 275,428.15
Central B - MASF 95,000.00 100,420.00 83,800.00 42,850.00 322,070.00
ILT - MASF - 106,390.92 197,534.00 76,093.89 380,018.81
North - MASF 45,925.00 114,314.13 96,447.98 71,676.39 328,363.50
South A - MASF 19,035.00 38,167.92 36,478.67 12,588.71 106,270.30
South B - MASF 26,994.00 48,520.00 62,280.01 47,700.00 185,494.01
South C - MASF 107,900.00 92,302.36 79,927.50 45,970.00 326,099.86
Grand Total 408,516.95 555,912.53 616,936.16 342,378.99 1,923,744.63
Notes:
1. At the start of the 2014/15 financial year it was decided that funds for education scholarships would not come out of Community MASF allocations. Many of them were for substantial amounts, which skewed the allocations across Communities or meant that some Communities were spending a significant percentage of their annual allocation on scholarships. The ILT MASF code has been used for these scholarships since 2014/15, especially as many of them were honouring commitments made by previous Mercy Congregations. 2. The ILT coded started 1/1/15 i.e. $106,390.92 is for six months and the 2016/17 $76,093.89 is for 6 months to 31/12/16. WE REMEMBER OUR DECEASED SISTERS …
Appendix 2: We remember our deceased Sisters …
12 DECEMBER 2011 TO 31ST DECEMBER 2012
Month Name Community Month Name Community December 13 Therese Carroll Central A 12 Joan Lynch South A 24 M Rose Daly South B 14 Joan Harrington South C March 18 Jean Murray Central A 12 Cecilia Belt South B 20 Mary Agnes Ferrie South A April March 25 Beryl Hennessy Central A 8 Kath Shillito South B May 17 Kath Hawley North 10 Margaret McKenna South C 21 Paulinus Scotney North 22 Genevieve Meney South B 27 Stephen Thomson North June 25 Marie Fraunfelder Central A 23 Marjorie Hennessy Central A April July 6 Martina Caldwell North 14 Caterina Favaloro South C 12 Heather McClymont Central B August 12 Tarcisia Palamountain South B 4 Mary Gleeson South C 17 Cecilia Hollis Central B 14 Fran Gillis Central A 25 Louise Carmody South B 15 Mercedes Griffin South A May September 15 Joan Mary Carroll South A 18 M Austin Curthoys South B 17 Leonie Crotty Central B October 19 Dolores Sheehan Central A 1 Judith Davey South C 21 Xaveria Englefield South C 21 Grace Wensley South B 30 Mercedes Hogan South C 17 Regina Thompson Central A June November 2 Agnes Downing North 5 Philomene Carroll South C 11 Mary McAllen South C 13 Joan Phelan South A 13 Jacinta Healy South C 20 Marie Murray Central B 16 Madeleine Lawrence Central A 29 Rosaria Sinnott South C July December 3 Judith Weiley Central B 25 Barbara Jay North 16 Molly Corbett Central B 27 Mary O’Neil South C August 1 Margaret Mahoney South B 1 JANUARY 2013 TO 31 DECEMBER 2013 10 Clara Dal Santo Central B January 21 Mary Keely South A 12 Norbert Greally South A September 17 Marie Dagg Central B 10 Pam Thompson North 20 Iris O’Connor Central A 14 Catherine Nihill South C 25 Kathleen Dillon South B 21 Zita Doolan North February October 3 Monica Horan Central B 3 Virgilius Henchy South A 5 Gabrielle Pritchard Central A 12 Elizabeth Maria Hanlon South A 7 Mary Vincent Stanley South A 14 Maria Francesca Stapleton Central A WE REMEMBER OUR DECEASED SISTERS …
Month Name Community Month Name Community 23 Johanna Dwyer South B 17 Francesca McGuire North 27 Kathleen Hill South C 19 Marie Louise Rigney Central A November 20 Roseanne Egan South B 13 Beatrice Roche South A 28 Scholastica Hartnett South A 18 Eustelle Quinn South B 30 Mary Blanch Central B December October 10 Moira Coaldrake Central B 7 Cecilia Bridgman South C 14 Conleth Henry South A 8 Patricia O’Connor Central A 18 Mary Esler Central A 1 JANUARY 2014 – 31 DECEMBER 2014 November January 3 Melita Burke South B 10 Laurel Dolahenty Central B 27 Agnes Bell South A 25 Patrice Kennedy North December 29 Mary McCredden South B 6 Christina Madden South B February 10 Loretto Kavanagh Central A 22 Assumpta Kent South B 11 Mary Galvin Central A March 17 Juliana Commins North 9 Lucy McConachie South A 22 Pius Carroll North 17 Joan Dougherty Central A 25 Matthew Schocker South A 30 Dawne Power South C April 1 JANUARY 2015 – 31 DECEMBER 2015 02 Maureen Sykes Central A January 16 Anne Gargan South B 2 Romuald Clark South C 30 Anne Murray Central B 7 Bernardine McAree South A May 16 Christopher Ryan Central A 11 Rita Perversi South C 28 Joan Lourey South B 15 Margaret Rush North February 24 Rosarii McGinley South A 1 Dorothy Hogan Central B June 19 Mary Hunt South C 1 Clare Sheedy Central A 22 Winifred McMahon Central A 11 Lelia Taylor South B April 11 Kathleen Cussen South C 10 Gretta McCourt North 13 Mary Harrington South C May 18 Norma Scheikowsky South A 11 Denise Minnage North 20 Elizabeth Mitchell Central A June August 11 Louise King Central B 7 Ellen Horgan North 19 Colleen Kelly Central B 16 Beverley Noonan Central B 23 Philomena Bowe Central B 20 Marie Ryan South B July 20 Mary Farrell South C 14 Maree Haggerty Central B 21 Mildred O’Brien South 18 Margaret Bubb Central A September 23 Cabrini Mary Lowe North 8 Dorothy Pietzsch South C 25 Christina Matthews South 9 Justinian Gildea South B August 16 Christina McGrath Central A 4 Margaret Hocking Central A 16 Vera Harrison North 19 Fintan Connolly South A WE REMEMBER OUR DECEASED SISTERS …
Month Name Community Month Name Community September October 27 Leo Foley North 5 Kathryn Cox Central B October 22 Anna Maria O’Shea South A 9 Margaret Whelan North November 14 Gene Watson Central B 1 Rita Hayes South B 23 Marietta Ryan North 13 Therese Anne Esler Central A November 20 Pat Linnane Central A 22 Barbara Murray Central A 28 Carmel Flanagan South C 26 Margaret Nitchie South C December 26 Yvonne Wynn Central B 7 Joseph Mary Mulcahy North 22 Moira Young Central B 1 JANUARY 2016 – 31 DECEMBER 2016 24 Janette Gray South C February 24 Pat Hayes North 1 JANUARY 2017 – 7 MARCH 2017 26 Joan Gillen South A March March 5 Deirdre O’Connor South A 4 Damian Davis South A 5 Irena Kasprzyk South A 9 Mary Quinn Central B 9 Ambrose O’Connor South A 11 Patricia Jordan Central B 13 Gabriella McDonald South B 18 Rita Casey April 12 Clare Stainsby South C 21 Romuald Brosnan South A May 6 Bernardine Daly South A 17 Patsy Butterfield North 25 Mary Kelly Central B June 10 Maria Goretti McCormack Central B 23 Margaret O’Brien South B July 4 Kaye Evans South C 12 Anne Mercer South A 25 Lucia Carroll Central A August 25 Rita Hassett Central B September 10 Josephine McMahon North 16 Beryl Latham Central A 18 Monica Agnes McConachie North 27 Agnes Connellan South B 28 Stephanie Medwin Central A 30 Maureen McGuirk Central B
DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
Front page image: ‘Blue Fractal Triangle’ - by HighHeartLife ©
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 2 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
Introduction
This narrative outlines key elements in the life and mission of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG), a group of women who commit themselves to God as ministerial religious. As a Church entity, with its particular mission and ministry focus on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, ISMAPNG organizes itself in a way which enables its mission to be carried out. Women and men inspired by the charism of mercy work alongside the Sisters and in partnership with them in a variety of settings, enabling leadership to be shared across the Institute in various ways.
The material which follows situates Institute leadership within the context of the mission of ISMAPNG, a Church entity with an emerging culture and organizational framework. In doing so it presents a snapshot of the landscape of designated leadership at a particular time in the Institute’s development.
The Mission of ISMAPNG
Catherine McAuley reached out to the women and men in her day in response to the call of Jesus in the Gospels to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed. Establishing the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831, Catherine and her early companions engaged ‘in the particular ministries of teaching, care of the sick, and offering refuge for women and children at risk of exploitation’ (ISMAPNG Constitutions 4.03). Since 1846 in Australia and 1956 in Papua New Guinea Sisters have established and continued their mission of mercy in a variety of ways. Today, the wider mission of our Institute is undertaken in partnership with others who are inspired by Catherine’s vision, including our many colleagues, employees, volunteers and associates.
ISMAPNG as a Church Entity
The aim of ISMAPNG is clearly stated in the ISMAPNG Constitutions J2.10 as follows:
‘The members of the Institute follow Catherine McAuley in seeking to advance the reign of God by engaging in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.’
The Institute is
• a canonical entity of vowed women within the Catholic Church. • a group of celibate women who vow to hold everything in common and commit to hearing God’s will as they serve in God’s Mission of Mercy.
The source of leadership in the Institute is the General Chapter, meeting at six-yearly intervals. The Chapter, when in session, is the highest governing authority in the Institute and the Chapter delegates, elected by the Sisters, hold equal rights and responsibility. The Chapter has legislative, executive and policy-making power under and subject to the Constitutions. The purpose of the Chapter is to safeguard and nurture the many aspects of the patrimony of the Institute and to elect the Institute Leader and Council (ISMAPNG Constitutions J6.11, J6.12). The Chapter elects an
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 3 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
Institute Leadership Team (ILT) according to its constitutions and canon law.
Between Chapters it is the responsibility of the Institute Leader, assisted by the other members of the ILT, to hold and foster the vision as expressed in the Constitutions and statements of the Chapter. The ILT also has the responsibility of representing the Institute in broader Church circles and the wider community. The Institute is a member of Mercy International Association (MIA). Based at Baggot Street in Dublin, MIA is an organisation of the leaders of Mercy Congregations, Institutes and Federations throughout the world. MIA’s purpose is to inspire Sisters of Mercy, colleagues and associates to incarnate the spirit of Catherine McAuley in ways which are creative and appropriate to the needs of our time and to foster unity of mind and heart among Sisters of Mercy worldwide. The Institute Leader represents ISMAPNG in that forum, attending annual meetings in Dublin at Mercy International Centre.
The Institute Leader assisted by the other members of the ILT holds canonical responsibility for the whole Institute. There are particular governance and stewardship responsibilities:
o Within the group of Sisters where it appoints other Sisters as Community Leaders to share responsibility for the life and mission of the Sisters and stewardship of the spiritual and material patrimony of the Institute; o For the functioning of the Institute where it appoints Executive Leaders to attend to many aspects of the administration and ministerial activities of the Institute; o For the Ministries established under its stewardship where it acts as the Company Members to discharge its canonical responsibilities.
At the end of a six-year term of appointment, members of the Institute leadership team return into the group without any preferential status.
The Institute, its culture and structures
A distinctive ISMAPNG culture will continue to emerge as we build on the rich heritage and tradition of all who now shape our Institute and as we critique the experience of its development. Since its inception in December 2011, ISMAPNG has been developing a framework for organizing itself so that its life and mission can function effectively. Our ISMAPNG Constitutions (5.13) challenge us ‘to devise structures that strengthen the bonds which link us together, yet free and support us for our ministry.’ The establishment and enhancement of respectful relationships underpins our culture and the emerging organizational framework.
The Institute in its most fundamental form does not fit comfortably within the types of corporate structures often used to depict organisations. It is impossible to capture the many dimensions and the dynamism of ISMAPNG in one diagram so what follows is an outline of the ways in which leadership is currently exercised in ISMAPNG. The diagrams included reflect something of the scope of designated leadership in the teams or the forums with which they are connected. They do not attempt to represent the multidimensional nature of relationships within ISMAPNG.
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 4 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
Leadership within our Institute
There are many spheres of influence through which leadership is exercised within our Institute. Designated leaders come together regularly with their teams to ensure the life and mission of ISMAPNG can continue effectively now and into the future. Institute-wide forums enable leaders of specific teams or groups to come together regularly.
The Institute Leadership Team (ILT)
The ILT consists of the Institute Leader and four Councillors. The ILT meets monthly to attend to the matters for which it is responsible. It is assisted in its leadership by the six Community Leaders, the Executive Leader Mission and Ministry and the Executive Leader Operations. As appropriate, Executive Leaders, other leaders and groups within the Institute attend sections of the ILT meeting.
Institute Leader &
four Councillors
The Institute Leader has responsibility for the formation of Sisters within the Institute. She has delegated this responsibility for the formation of women in the early stages of membership to the Director of Initial Formation who is assisted by others in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The Community Leaders
Our ISMAPNG Constitutions (6.09) state that the main role of a Community Leader ‘is to create bonds of unity among the members’ and to help them ‘grow in fidelity to the community’s life and mission and also to contribute to the larger life and mission of the Institute.’ Each of the six Community Leaders is responsible to the Institute Leader and is supported by a member of the ILT as a contact person. Community Leaders have ‘the right and the duty to take whatever decisions this role demands.’ (ISMAPNG Constitutions 6.09). They are supported in their leadership by Sisters, Institute staff and others who provide assistance in a variety of ways.
ISMAPNG Mission and Ministry
The Executive Leader Mission and Ministry (ELMM) leads a team of people working in Mission Animation, Ministry Governance, Mercy Ethos, Archives and Heritage and Communications.
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 5 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
Executive Leader Mission and Ministry
Mission Ministry Archives and Mercy Ethos Communications Animation Governance Heritage
The ELMM is responsible to the Institute Leader. The ELMM develops ways of fostering communication and collaboration within the unit and with others across the Institute. The ELMM and the team leaders participate in the ILT’s annual Institute Leadership Forum.
ISMAPNG Operations
The Executive Leader Operations (ELO) leads a team of people working in the areas of Administration and Community Support, Human Resources, Property, Technology, Legal and Finance.
Executive Leader Operations
Administration Human and Community Resources Legal Finance Property Technology Support
The ELO is responsible to the Institute Leader. The ELO develops ways of fostering communication and collaboration within the unit and with others across the Institute. The ELO and the team leaders participate in the ILT’s annual Institute Leadership Forum.
The ELO has been appointed by the Institute Leader as the Financial Administrator for the Institute, appointed ‘to assist in the stewardship of temporal resources’ (ISMAPNG Constitutions J6.47).
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 6 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
The Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
The ELT, which consists of the members of the ILT, the Executive Leader Mission and Ministry and the Executive Leader Operations, meets monthly to address strategic and practical matters relating to the ongoing life and mission of ISMAPNG. As appropriate, other team leaders or groups within the Institute attend sections of the ELT meeting.
-Institute Leadership Team -Executive Leader Operations -Executive Leader Mission & Ministry
The Institute Sisters Leadership Forum (ISLF)
The ISLF, which consists of the members of the ILT and the six Community Leaders, meets four times a year. Its main focus is the life and mission of the Sisters. As appropriate, Executive Leaders, team leaders or groups within the Institute attend sections of the ISLF meeting.
-Institute Leadership Team -Six Community Leaders
Institute Leadership Forum (ILF)
The ILT hosts an annual forum for Community Leaders, Executive Leaders and team leaders, to engage in reflection, discussion and planning on matters affecting the Institute’s life and mission.
The Finance Advisory Council
The Finance Advisory Council (FAC) meets four times a year. According to the ISMAPNG Constitutions (J6.48) the FAC is appointed by the Institute Leader ‘to advise her and the Council on relevant matters and to support the Financial Administrator.’ The Institute Leader is in attendance and the Executive Leader Operations is the Executive Officer of the FAC. As appropriate, key leaders within the Institute attend sections of the FAC meeting.
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 7 DESIGNATED LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF AUSTRALIA AND PAPUA NEW GUINEA (NARRATIVE)
The Ministry Governance Forum
The Ministry Governance Forum is held annually. It enables the Board Chairs and CEOs of the Institute’s sponsored and co-sponsored ministries to meet with the ILT, Community Leaders, Executive Leaders and key Institute personnel to discuss matters relating to the effective canonical and civil governance of our incorporated ministries.
Professional Standards Consultative Panel
The introduction to the Professional Standards Policy for ISMAPNG expresses our commitment to live and work in accordance with Gospel ideals, values and principles. These are articulated in the Constitutions of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, together with the documents, Integrity in Ministry, Towards Healing and Protocol for Right Relationships in Ministry (a document of the Church in PNG).
The ISMAPNG Professional Standards Consultative Panel deals with professional standards complaints in relation to members, former members, employees and volunteers of ISMAPNG and the 14 former Congregations of Sisters of Mercy which, with the Autonomous Region of Papua New Guinea, formed ISMAPNG. The Panel is advisory to the Institute Leader and therefore has the capacity to make recommendations.
The ISMAPNG Professional Standards Officer relates closely to the Consultative Panel as does the ISMAPNG General Counsel on matters relating to professional standards.
Conclusion
It is hoped that this brief description of designated leadership within ISMAPNG at this stage of its development will assist those with key roles and responsibilities to make their contribution to the life and mission of the Institute in a ‘spirit of collegiality and subsidiarity’ (ISMAPNG Constitutions 6.10). Hopefully, it will also provide a focus for ongoing reflection and conversation within and between the various teams and leadership forums identified here. Further development of our organizational framework and leadership structures will occur as we continue to reflect on our experience and discern the way forward. As we reflect on our leadership for mission, the words of the ISMAPNG Constitutions (6.10) seem appropriate - ‘we are challenged to interpret mercy more authentically, and are urged beyond our limited vision to respond more courageously to the needs of our world.’
Approved by the Institute Leadership Team – February 2016 Page 8 SISTERS CURRENTLY SERVING AS DIRECTORS OR BOARD MEMBERS OF MINISTRY COMPANIES
Appendix 4: Sisters currently serving as Directors or Board Members of Ministry companies
Mercy Health and Aged Care Inc Joan Wilson RSM - Director St Joseph’s Cowper Ltd Berice Livermore RSM - Chair; Director Caroline Ryan RSM - Director Mercy Education Ltd Sylvia Williams RSM - Director Mercy Services Ltd Judith Murphy RSM - Director Damascus College Ballarat Ltd Kay Sheridan RSM - Director Berenice Kerr RSM – Governor Elizabeth Dowling RSM – Director Mercy Works Ltd Berice Livermore RSM – Chair; Director St Francis Xavier Primary School Sharon Price RSM – Director Ballarat Inc Maureen Sexton RSM - Director Berenice Kerr RSM – Governor Geraldine Mugavin RSM – Board Member MacKillop Family Services Ltd Kathleen Tierney RSM - Member, Chair of Emmanuel College Inc Members Eileen Ann Daffy RSM – Governor Annette Schneider RSM - Member Marie Davey RSM – Governor Patrice Orchard RSM - Director Geraldine Mugavin RSM – Board Member
Public Juridic Persons Fraynework Ltd Sharon Price RSM – Director Mercy Partners Berneice Loch RSM - Steward Faye Kelly - RSM Steward McAuley Community Services for Nerida Tinkler RSM - Steward Women Ltd Moira Truelson RSM - Councillor Kathleen Tierney RSM – Director Catholic Healthcare NSW Maureen Gleeson RSM - Director McAuley Ministries Ltd Angela Jordan RSM – Chair; Director As of Right Board Memberships Gabriella Gresz RSM - Director Sharon Price RSM - Director Mercy College Coburg Kathleen Tierney RSM – Director Eileen Ann Daffy RSM - Board Member Faith Jones - RSM Director Marist Regional College Burnie Tasmania – Governing Council Mercy Connect Ltd Frances Fitzpatrick RSM - Council Member Maureen Gleeson RSM - Director Helen Monkivitch RSM - Director Mater Aged Care Forbes Margaret Hart RSM - Board Member
Rahamim Ltd Other Board Gabriella Gresz RSM - Director Margaret Endicott RSM – Director Family Care Sisters (Grey Sisters) Inc Christine Belling RSM - Director Julie O’Brien RSM – Board member Elisabeth Teggelove RSM – Board Member Joan Wilson RSM – Board
EarthSong Council Margie Abbott RSM (Chair) Polly Caldow (Institute nominee) DIRECTORS AND BOARD MEMBERS OF ISMAPNG’S SPONSORED AND CO-SPONSORED MINISTRIES
Appendix 5: Directors and Board members of ISMAPNG’s sponsored and co-sponsored ministries Appendix 5: Directors and Board members of ISMAPNG’s sponsored and co(as at February 24, 2017) -sponsored ministries (as at February 24, 2017)
Mercy Health andMercy Health and Aged Care Aged Care Incorporated Incorporated Fraynework LtdFraynework Ltd Mr Julien O’Connell Mr Julien O’Connell (Chair)(Chair) Mr Rob Bergin (Chair)Mr Rob Bergin (Chair) Mrs Joanne Barker Ms Sheena Barber Mrs JoanneMs Margaret Bounader Barker Sr Sharon Price Ms Sheena BarberRSM Ms Margaret BounaderMs Virginia Bourke Mr Dean MillingtonSr Sharon Price RSM Ms Virginia BourkeMr John Corcoran Mr Dean Millington Mr Martin Day Mr John Corcoran Dr Ian Haines St Francis Xavier Primary School Mr Martin DayMr John Moore Incorporated Dr Ian HainesMr Tim O’Leary Ms Agnes Sheehan Mrs AcusSt Francis Xavier Primary Schoolhla Thompson (Chair) Mr John Moore Ms Linda Kinnersly Sr Joan Wilson RSM Incorporated Mr Tim O’Leary Mr John Meneely Sr Geraldine Mugavin Mrs Acushla Thompson (Chair)RSM Ms Agnes Sheehan Mr Patrick Ryan Mercy Services Limited Ms Linda Kinnersly RSM Mr Adrian Warmington Sr Joan WilsonMs Mary Grace (Chair) Mr John Meneely Mr Peter Chapman
Sr Judith Murphy RSM Sr Geraldine Mugavin RSM Emmanuel College Incorporated Mrs Susan Oakey Mr Patrick Ryan Mercy ServicesMr Mark O’Connor Limited Ms Karen Jongebloed (Chair) Mr Mark BourkeMr Adrian Warmington Ms Mary Grace (Chair)Sr Kay Sheridan RSM Ms Valerie Woodman Br Terry Burke CFC Mr Peter Chapman Mrs Helene Clarke
Mr Jim Dwyer Sr Judith Murphy RSM Ms Elizabeth GreenEmmanuel College Incorporated Mrs Susan OakeyMercy Education Limited Dr Veronica HughsonMs Karen Jongebloed (Chair) Mr Mark O’ConnorMrs Lucy Molony (Chair) Mrs Maree Lane Mr Mark Bourke Sr Kay Sheridan EmeritusRSM Prof essor Anne Hunt Sr Geraldine Mugavin RSM Mrs Liz Monahan Mr Richard ZerbeBr Terry Burke CFC Ms Valerie WoodmanMrs Mary Retel Mrs Helene Clarke Ms Georgina Smith Mr Tony Wheeler Mr Jim Dwyer Mercy Works Limited Sr Sylvia Williams RSM Sr Berice Livermore Ms Elizabeth GreenRSM (Chair)
Mercy Education Limited Ms Sheena BarberDr Veronica Hughson
Mrs Lucy Molony (Chair) Ms Kathleen DonnellonMrs Maree Lane Damascus College Limited Sr Mary Densley RSM Emeritus ProfMr Joseph Cahir (Chair)essor Anne Hunt Ms Sr Jacqueline MagurrenGeraldine Mugavin RSM Mrs Liz MonahanMrs Pauline Barton Sr Sharon Price Mr Richard ZerbeRSM Mr Brett Bryant Mrs Mary Retel Sr Maureen Sexton RSM Dr Stephen Carey Mr Greg Smith Ms Georgina SmithMrs Jane Collins Mr Chris Townend Mr Tony Wheeler Ms Marnie Cooper Mercy Works Limited Sr Sylvia Williams Dr Sr Elizabeth Dowling RSM RSM Mr Brendan Maher Sr Berice Livermore RSM (Chair)
Fr Kevin Maloney Ms Sheena Barber Dr Peter Morris Mr Bill Slatter Ms Kathleen Donnellon Damascus College Limited Sr Mary Densley RSM Mr Joseph Cahir (Chair) 1 Ms Jacqueline Magurren Mrs Pauline Barton Sr Sharon Price RSM Mr Brett Bryant Sr Maureen Sexton RSM Dr Stephen Carey Mr Greg Smith Mrs Jane Collins Mr Chris Townend Ms Marnie Cooper Dr Sr Elizabeth Dowling RSM Mr Brendan Maher Fr Kevin Maloney Dr Peter Morris Mr Bill Slatter
1
DIRECTORS AND BOARD MEMBERS OF ISMAPNG’S SPONSORED AND CO-SPONSORED MINISTRIES
McAuley Community Services for Women St Joseph’s Cowper Limited LimitedMcAuley Community Services for Women Sr St Joseph’Berice Livermore s Cowper RSMLimited (Chair) Limited Sr Berice Livermore RSM (Chair) Limited Sr Ms Gai AitkenBerice Livermore RSM (Chair) Mr Denis Moriarty (Chair) Ms Gai Aitken Mr Grahame BrothersonMs Gai Aitken Mr Mark BirrellMr Denis Moriarty (Chair) Mr Grahame Brotherson Mr Patrick DoughertyMr Grahame Brotherson Ms Michelle CotterMr Mark Birrell Mr Patrick Dougherty Mr Joe FeeneyMr Patrick Dougherty Ms Sonja HoodMs Michelle Cotter Mr Joe Feeney Mr Dennis KellyMr Joe Feeney Ms Netty HortonMs Sonja Hood Mr Dennis Kelly Mrs Judy PageMr Dennis Kelly Ms Louise McNamaraMs Netty Horton Mrs Judy Page Sr Mrs Judy PageCaroline Ryan RSM Ms Anita MorrisMs Louise McNamara Sr Caroline Ryan RSM Sr Ms Anita MorrisKathleen Tierney RSM Ms Amanda SteinerSr Caroline Ryan RSM Sr Kathleen Tierney RSM Ms Amanda Steiner Ms Amanda Steiner Mr Matt TilleySr Kathleen Tierney RSM
Ms Kim WindsorMr Matt Tilley
Ms Kim Windsor Rahamim Limited RahamimMs Hedy Bryant (Chair) Limited MacKillop Family Services Limited Ms Hedy Bryant (Chair) MacKillop Family Services Limited Ms Jennifer AllenMs Hedy Bryant (Chair) Mr Des Powell (Chair)MacKillop Family Services Limited Ms Jennifer AllenSr Christine Belling RSM Mr Des Powell (Chair) Sr Christine Belling RSM Ms Kerry BrMr Des Powell (Chair)ettell Ms Kerry Brettell Ms Hedy BryantSr Christine Belling RSM Br Ms Kerry BrTerry Burke ettellCFC Sr Ms Hedy BryantMargaret Endicott RSM Br Terry Burke CFC Sr Margaret Endicott RSM Br Mr Alan CurtainTerry Burke CFC Sr Gabriella Gresz Margaret Endicott RSMRSM Mr Alan Curtain Sr Gabriella Gresz RSM Mr Matt den ElzenMr Alan Curtain Mr Matt den Elzen Mr Eugene MaraisSr Gabriella Gresz RSM Ms RobynMr Matt den Elzen-Marie Fry Ms Robyn-Marie Fry Mr Hugh O’ReillyMr Eugene Marais Ms RobynMr Brian Keane-Marie Fry Mr Hugh O’Reilly Mr Brian Keane Mr Brian KeaneSr Colleen O’Dwyer RSJ Sr Colleen O’Dwyer RSJ Sr Patrice Orchard Colleen O’Dwyer RSMRSJ Sr Patrice Orchard RSM McAuley Ministries Limited Ms Patricia McNamaraSr Patrice Orchard RSM McAuley Ministries Limited Ms Patricia McNamara Sr McAuley MinistriesAngela Jordan RSM Limited (Chair) Mr Garry NolanMs Patricia McNamara Sr Angela Jordan RSM (Chair) Mr Garry Nolan Sr Ms Sheena BarberAngela Jordan RSM (Chair) Mr Garry NolanProf Peter Steane MSC Ms Sheena Barber Prof Peter Steane MSC Ms Sheena BarberSr Gabriella Gresz RSM Prof Peter Steane MSC Sr Gabriella Gresz RSM Sr Gabriella Gresz Faith Jones RSM RSM Sr Faith Jones RSM Sr Sharon Price Faith Jones RSMRSM Mercy Connect Limited Sr Sharon Price RSM Mercy Connect Limited Sr Sharon Price Kathleen Tierney RSM RSM Mercy Mr Ian Thompson (Chair)Connect Limited Sr Kathleen Tierney RSM Mr Ian Thompson (Chair) Sr Kathleen Tierney RSM Mr Ian Thompson (Chair) Ms Judith Doughty Ms Judith Sr Maureen Gleeson Doughty RSM Sr Maureen Gleeson RSM Catherine McAuley Services Limited Sr Helen Monkivitch Maureen Gleeson RSMRSM Catherine McAuley Services Limited Sr Helen Monkivitch RSM Sr Catherine Berice Livermore McAuley RSMServices Limited (Chair) Sr Mr Michael O’CallaghanHelen Monkivitch RSM Sr Berice Livermore RSM (Chair) Mr Michael O’Callaghan Sr Karon Donnellon Berice Livermore RSM (Chair) Mr Michael O’Callaghan Sr Karon Donnellon RSM Sr Schola Fakiwi Karon Donnellon RSMRSM Sr Schola Fakiwi RSM Sr Fr Clement PapaSchola Fakiwi RSM Fr Clement Papa Sr Fr Clement PapaTheresia Tina RSM Sr Theresia Tina RSM Sr Theresia Tina RSM
2 2
SAMPLE MONTHLY REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE OFFICER MINISTRY GOVERNANCE
Ministries Report
Appendix 6: Sample Monthly Report from Executive Officer Ministry Governance
Reference: 2017/8 Audience: ELT Meeting – Tuesday 22 August 2017, 11am Date: 15 August 2017
Prepared By: Jonathan Campton Community / Ministries Approved By: Jonathan Campton Team:
Ministries Report
Decision Requests: 1. Mercy Education – Appointment of Principal, Mercedes College, Perth Decision Request, CV
2. Mercy Education – Loan guarantee request for Funding new building, St Aloysius College, North Melbourne Decision Request, Letter, Master Plan
3. Mercy Health– New Director Decision Request, CV
4. Fraynework – Appointment of new Chair Decision Request
5. Mercy Services – Approval of Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Decision Request, Letter, Strategic Plan
General Report: Visit Rahamim with Institute Leadership Team Attend CRA Canon Law Course Interview panel for CEO at small Ministry Gathering of Social Service Ministries
Minutes Received Board meeting Minutes being received from all ministries.
Ministries Education Mercy Education No Report; see Decision Requests.
Damascus Opening of the new STEM building is on 30 Nov. Details to follow. Emmanuel For information: Governors have agreed to appoint a new director. St Francis Xavier Primary School Update on letter from Board Chair seeking clarification of property lease terms and conditions.
Appendix 6 Sample Report Executive Officer Ministry Governance.Docx Page 1 of 3
SAMPLE MONTHLY REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE OFFICER MINISTRY GOVERNANCE
Ministries Report
Health Mercy Health Mercy Health will send a decision request before next ILT meeting seeking approval for the acquisition of an aged care facility to meet the expanding needs of the Werribee area in the city of Wyndham. This is part of the Strategic Plan. It will be followed by a redevelopment of the site to fit the new care model used by Mercy Aged Care. Mercy Services Newcastle No Report, other than decision request.
Social Service Mercy Connect (formerly Mercy Negotiating new lease for existing Centre Lavington) ministry property. Working with McAuley Property Limited (MPL) and Chair of Mercy Connect. Expect new lease will be signed in November 2017. McAuley Community Services for Update on Level 1 Critical Incident Women which occurred on August 20. St Joseph’s Cowper Discussion of possible dates for visit to the ministry in November. MacKillop Family Services Confirmation that a Members’ meeting will be hosted by ISMAPNG at Stanmore in 2018.
Community Development Mercy Works Update on amendments to existing Constitution and forming new company. CEO has now circulated new resolution.
Ecology Rahamim Verbal report on ILT visit, 16 August 2017. Rahamim is working with Mercy Educators to develop an online course for teachers on ‘Care for our Common Home’
Multimedia Fraynework See decision Request. The new Chair will visit the Institute Office as part of her orientation.
Appendix 6 Sample Report Executive Officer Ministry Governance.Docx Page 2 of 3
SAMPLE MONTHLY REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE OFFICER MINISTRY GOVERNANCE
Ministries Report
Other Ministries McAuley Ministries Draft program confirmed for annual gathering in October 2017. ELT invited to dinner on first evening. Catherine McAuley Services Update from Board Chair re status of applications for external funding to support the Theology program in Papua New Guinea.
Additional Items Social Service Ministries Gathering held on 30 July. The Chairs are exploring a model for greater cooperation between social service ministries including joint application for funding. Fundraising and Naming Policy Ongoing Decisions Request Form I have circulated the updated template with the ILT meeting dates for 2018. AGMs Memorandum regarding agreed combined AGMs in 2017. Papers will be distributed to ILT members around 23 October for AGM’s in November. Ministry Governance Leaders Forum The Conference Centre has now been booked for March 2018. Board Appointments as of right Clarification re length of term of appointment made by ISMAPNG to the Board of Catholic Healthcare NSW. Professional Standards as applied to Discussion of expectations regarding Ministries education in Professional Standards matters within ministries. Mercy Partners Attended a governance event in Brisbane run by Mercy Partners. Exploring further opportunities for collaboration. Newsletter Sent on 10 August 2017. Board Director Formation Program No Report Other ‘one off’ items as required
Appendix 6 Sample Report Executive Officer Ministry Governance.Docx Page 3 of 3
KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
Appendix 7: Key events initiated by the ILT or for which the ILT took responsibility from
January 2012 till Appendix 7: Key eApril vents initiated by the ILT2017. or for which the ILT took responsibility from January 2012 till April 2017.
EVENTEVENT 2012 2012 First meeting of the ILTFirst meeting of the ILT January;January ILT continued to meet for two days eac; ILT continued to meet for two days each h fortnight throughout the yearfortnight throughout the year First newsletter distributed to sisters January, fortnightly for the rest of the year First newsletterCommunity Leaders appointed distributed to sisters January January, fortnightly for the rest of the year Community Leaders appointed2 preparation days with ILT and Community FebruaryJanuary Leaders 2 preparation days with ILT and Community Institute Formation Council met Format continued from ISMA; February regular meetings Leaders throughout the year until review of Council in 2014 Institute Formation Council metTransfer process for joining the Institute FebruaryFormat continued from ISMA; regular meetings established throughout the year until review of Council in Handovers from former ISMA Leadership, January 2014– March Transition Coordinators (mainly former Transfer process for joining the Institute Congregation leaders) to ILT and appointed February establishedCommunity Le aders Community Leaders were commissioned March, April Handovers from former ISMA LeaderMercy Ethos Programme, Dublin. Programme ship, April, thereafter annuallyJanuary – March Transition Coordinators (mainly ftaken over to Institute level ormer Congregation leaders) tInstitute Finance Council established and o ILT and appointed May, members appointed; first meeting in July members appointed and thereafter at quarterly intervals. Community LeSisters transferring aders from North Sydney and May Community Leaders were Parramatta congregations commissionedwere welcomed March, April Mission Centres Implementation Committee May Mercy Ethos Programme, Dublinestablished . Programme April, thereafter annually taken over to Institute level2 day meetings between ILT and Community May and at quarterly intervals after that Leaders. At the Nov. meeting the ILF (Institute Institute Finance Council established and Leadership Forum) was established; to meet four May, members appointed; first meeting in July members appointedtimes a year. and thereafter at quarterly intervals. Sisters transferring First of ILT Planning Days heldfrom North Sydney and June, thereafter twice a yearMay Renovation of 33 Myrtle St. Stanmore July Parramattacommenced congregations were welcomed Mission Centres Implementation Committee Mission Centres Theological Reflection August May Review of Fraynework commissioned August establishedSisters transferring from Brisbane congregation September 2 day meetings bwere welcomedetween ILT and Community May and at quarterly intervals after that Leaders. At the Jubilees celebrated in each community of the Nov. meeting the ILF (Institute Throughout the year Institute according to previous practice Leadership Forum)Guidelines for the celebration of jubilees was established; to meet fin the our September times a year.Institute established Consultation with Spiritual Directors October First of ILT Planning Days heldReview of Rahamim commissioned October June, thereafter twice a year Renovation of 33 Myrtle St. Stanmore Integrity in Ministry Facilitator appointed NovemberJuly commencedMeetings and celebrations in Papua New Guinea November – first visit of ILT Mission Centres Theological ReflectionIndividual sisters transferring into ISMAPNG December 2012 August– August 2014 Review of Fraynework commissionedfrom Mercy congregations were welcomed August
Sisters transferring from Brisbane congregation 1 September were welcomed Jubilees celebrated in each community of the Throughout the year Institute according to previous practice Guidelines for the celebration of jubilees in the September Institute established Consultation with Spiritual Directors October Review of Rahamim commissioned October Integrity in Ministry Facilitator appointed November Meetings and celebrations in Papua New Guinea November – first visit of ILT Individual sisters transferring into ISMAPNG December 2012 – August 2014 from Mercy congregations were welcomed
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KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
EVENT 2013 ILT met for 2 days every fortnight Throughout the year ILT met with Ministry Board Chairs and CEOs – February the first Governance Forum for our Institute Mercy Associates Working Party established February Institute days held across the Institute, at least 2 Throughout the year ILT members attended in Ballarat, Grafton, Bathurst, Melbourne, Geelong, Parkes, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville, Cairns, Newcastle, Young, Albury, Sydney, Wewak, Mt. Hagen, Goroka Review of Communications commissioned and March Think Tank held as a result Mercy Spirituality Planning and Coordinating March Committee established Take a Break programme began March Mission Centres Implementation Committee March presented report Renovations at Institute Centre, 33 Myrtle St. April Stanmore, completed. ILT and staff moved from Lewisham to Stanmore Meeting of Mercy Leaders, ISMAPNG, Brisbane, April, thereafter meetings held annually Parramatta, North Sydney, Aotearoa New Zealand Visits of Mary Sullivan RSM and Mary Wascowiak April, May RSM across the Institute Mercy Alive (MAP) conference on ‘Spirituality of May Ageing’ held Meeting with sisters in Ministries where the May reporting line had been directly to the Institute Leader Institute Mission Team (IMT) established May Establishment of Institute Communications June Planning Group Our Institute Constitutions and Chapter August, September, October Documents were received by all sisters Establishment of Mercy Action Support Fund September (MASF) Renovations began at 2 Thomas St. Lewisham June Visit to Papua New Guinea, consultation with September sisters Consultation on the role of Community Leader, September across the Institute Executive Officer Ministries (now Ministry October Governance) employed Forum held – Mercy Spirituality and Spiritual October Direction Forum to begin imagining video on the history of October ISMAPNG
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KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
Bishop Terry Brady blessed and opened the November Institute Centre, 33 Myrtle St., Stanmore Institute Communications Conference, Ballarat November Implementation of Common Constitutions for November Ministry Companies commenced
EVENT 2014 Meeting between ILT and Former TNI (Towards January New Institute) leaders ILT met for 2 days every fortnight Throughout the year Vocation Promotion Think Tank February Review of Mercy Associates commissioned February Institute Visioning Forum March Consultation in Papua New Guinea March Visit of Mary Reynolds RSM March Institute Mission Team, theological reflection March days Mercy Alive Conference – ‘How Mission is May Transforming Me’ Review of Young Mercy Links commissioned May Community Leaders establish a day of meetings June, ongoing prior to ILF meetings Establishment of McAuley Ministries Ltd. June finalized Project Officer McAuley Ministries Ltd. June appointed Review of Institute Formation Council June commissioned Institute took responsibility for the care of three June Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange remaining in Australia. McAuley Ministries Ltd. Board established July Ritual to recognise the transfer of property from July the Family Care Sisters to ISMAPNG was held and an agreement to continue journeying together was signed Mission Gatherings in Cairns, Melbourne, August/ September Canberra, Fremantle, Wewak Celebrating 20 years of MIA, Dublin September Leadership for the Future Think Tank October Bronze of Catherine installed in the garden at November the Institute Centre, Stanmore Report of Review of Formation Council received. November Formation Council thanked for their work Consultation across the Institute on the method November 2014 – April 2015 of election of delegates ILT meetings changed to three days each month December
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KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
EVENT 2015 Appointment of Institute Communications January Manager Annual lunch with Chairs of Ministry Boards January established Leadership for the Future Think Tank January ILT met monthly for 3 days January and then monthly throughout year Ministry Governance Forum March Visitation across the Institute – 2 members of Commenced April, concluded November the ILT to main centres and sisters’ places of living and ministry across the Institute Consultation Report and Recommendations April received from Mercy Associates Working Party Gathering of Sisters 65 and Under May in Goroka; July in Adelaide Recommendation from Task Group on method May for election of delegates received and accepted by ILT History of the Institute video finalised and May, June distributed Catherine McAuley symposium, Brenda Dolphin July, August RSM – around the Institute Forum on Visioning July McAuley Ministries ‘Faces of Mercy’ conference, September Melbourne Institute Mission Team presented report and October recommendations Visit of Aine O’Connor RSM and Denise Boyle October, November FMDM, across the Institute Appointment of Executive Officer Mission and November Ministry and Mission Animation team Establishment of Diploma in Pastoral Ministry, November Papua New Guinea Date of Institute Chapter determined and November facilitators appointed. Mercy International Reflection Process December commenced Appointment of Chapter Preparation Committee December Opening of Jubilee Year of Mercy December
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KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
EVENT 2016 Establishment of ELT (Executive Leadership Team January – ILT plus Executive Leader Mission and Ministry and Executive Leader Operations). Pattern of meetings established – ILT 2 days/month, ELT 2 days/ month Mission and Ministry Team and Operations Team January established Launch of new structure of ISMAPNG and the February paper ‘Designated Leadership in ISMAPNG’. ILF meetings become ISLF (Institute Sisters February Leadership Forum) ILF (ILT, Community Leaders, Executive Leaders February, November Mission and Ministry and Operations, Mission Animation Team and managers in Mission and Ministry Unit and Operations Unit) established and meeting held Appointment, re-appointment of Community March, April Leaders and commissioning rituals held Institute Ministry Governance Forum March Meeting of Mercy Leadership Teams – ISMAPNG, April Parramatta, North Sydney, Brisbane, Aotearoa New Zealand Appointment of Chapter Working Parties on May Finance and Stewardship, Community Structures and Constitutions Planning for ILT Report to Chapter commenced June Launch of Mercy Associates (new structure in June ISMAPNG) Institute Chapter convoked August Review of Mercy Ethos commissioned July McAuley Ministries Conference, Sydney September Gathering of Institute Social Services Ministries September Delegates to Chapter elected September, October, November Launch of Institute Sustainable Living Policy November Celebration of arrival of Ursula Frayne in Perth January, June, December 170 years ago Celebration of 150 years since sisters arrived in October Bathurst Full list of delegates, including substitutes, November notified to sisters Visit to Papua New Guinea, blessing of house in November Mt. Hagen, celebrating 60 years since the arrival of Sisters of Mercy in Highlands; first profession Launch of new Institute website December
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KEY EVENTS INITIATED BY THE ILT OR FOR WHICH THE ILT TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FROM 11 DECEMBER 2011 TILL 20 FEBRUARY 2017.
EVENT 2017 Meeting of ILT and ELT January and each month throughout the year Chapter Preparation Committee met with ILT February ‘Formation for Mission’ Forum February Celebration of 160 years since the arrival of March Ursula Frayne in Victoria ILT report to Chapter launched and distributed to April sisters
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SUMMARY OF STATISTICAL DATA PROVIDED BY INSTITUTE SPONSORED AND CO-SPONSORED MINISTRIES
Appendix 8: Summary of statistical data provided by Institute sponsored and co-sponsored ministries
Some ministries did not distinguish between full time and part time staff. Where ‘head count’ and FTE figures were given, the ‘head count’ figure is used in Appendices 8 and 9.
Name of Ministry Employment % of Women No. of % in leadership clients/students/ Government patients Funding for 2015 Damascus College 2015 2014 2013 64.7% 2015 2014 2013 69% Ballarat f/t 127 129 127 1019 1045 1014 p/t - - - Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 127 129 127 MacKillop Family 2015 2014 2013 61% 2015 2014 2013 93.1% Services f/t 302 292 406 3140 3390 2720 p/t 218 206 287 Volunteer 780 866 - Casual 272 261 311 Total 1572 1625 1004 McAuley 2015 2014 2013 86% 2015 2014 2013 67% Community Services f/t 20 - - 416 574 625 for Women p/t 14 - - Volunteer 20 - - Casual 6 - - Total 60 - - McAuley Ministries 2015 2014 2013 78% 2015 2014 2013 Nil f/t 54 n/a n/a n/a p/t 28 Volunteer 20 Casual Total 102 Mercy Connect 2016 2015 2014 60% - Exec 2016 2015 2014 83% (formerly Mercy f/t 34 35 28 100% -Mngt 121 130 135 Centre Lavington) p/t 148 155 158 Volunteer 7 8 8 Casual 78 79 69 Total 267 277 263 Mercy Health 2015 2014 2013 73% 2015 2014 2013 78% f/t 1235 1105 963 176k 169k 165k p/t 3885 3673 2937 Volunteer 615 601 590 Casual 1961 1848 1664 Total 7696 7227 6154
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Appendix 8: Summary of statistical data provided by Institute sponsored and co-sponsored ministries
Name of Ministry Employment % of Women No. of % In leadership clients/students/ Government patients Funding for 2015 Mercy Services 2015 2014 2013 79% 2015 2014 2013 91.4% f/t 40 36 38 4451 3000 3000 p/t 124 113 106 Volunteer 124 120 100 Casual 65 51 36 Total 353 320 280 Mercy Works 2015 2014 2013 80% 2015 1840 1780 Nil f/t 4 3 3 1840 p/t 11 12 12 Volunteer 330 330 300 Casual - - - Total 345 345 310 Rahamim Ecology 2015 2014 2013 100% 2015 2014 2013 Nil Centre f/t 3 2 2 8232 1827 n/a p/t 4 - 6 Volunteer 2+ - - Casual 2 - - Total 11 9 8 St Joseph’s Cowper 2015 2014 2013 87.5% 2015 2014 2013 95.85% f/t 12 7 6 64 75 43 p/t 20 21 24 Volunteer Casual 21 4 8 Total 53 32 38 St. Francis Xavier 2015 2014 2013 26% 2016 2015 2014 82% Primary School f/t 23 - - 363 350 348 Ballarat East p/t 19 - - Volunteer - - - Casual 0 - - Total 42 - - Emmanuel College 2015 2014 2013 51% 2015 2014 2013 67% Warrnambool f/t 88 - - 1200 1200 1200 p/t 79 - - Volunteer 69 - - Casual 15 - - Total 251 - - 2015 2014 2013 40% 2015 2014 2013 Nil Fraynework f/t 10 10 10 350 350 350 p/t - - - Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 10 10 10
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Appendix 8: Summary of statistical data provided by Institute sponsored and co-sponsored ministries
Name of Ministry Employment % of Women No. of % In leadership clients/students/ Government patients Funding for 2015 Mercy Education 2016 2015 2014 61.7% 2016 2015 2014 57.7% f/t 1084 1060 1082 13,379 13,530 13,507 p/t 709 702 554 Volunteer 300 300 300 Casual 360 360 360 Total 2,453 2,422 2,296
H: /Appendix 8: Summary of statistical data provided by Institute sponsored and co-sponsored ministries doc Page 3 SUMMARY OF STATISTICAL DATA PROVIDED BY SCHOOLS BELONGING TO MERCY EDUCATION LTD.
Appendix 9: Summary of statistical data provided by schools belonging to Mercy Education Ltd
Where full time equivalent and head count figures have been given, the headcount numbers have been used in this Appendix.
Name of Ministry Employment % of No. of clients/students/ % Women patients Government in l’ship Funding for 2015 Academy of Mary 2016 2015 2014 23% 2016 2015 2014 61% Immaculate, Fitzroy f/t 51 49 53 608 605 634 VIC p/t 28 31 34 Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 79 80 87 Catholic College 2016 2015 2014 58% 2016 2015 2014 89.59% Bendigo, VIC f/t 317 315 310 1706 1835 2030 p/t - - - Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 317 315 310 Mt. Lilydale Mercy 2016 2015 2014 47.17% 2016 2015 2014 65% College Lilydale, VIC f/t 111 105 109 1476 1467 1465 p/t 66 72 69 Volunteer 100 100 100 Casual 35 35 35 Total 312 312 313 Mercedes College, 2016 2015 2014 13% 2016 2015 2014 46% Perth, WA f/t 91 - - 966 998 978 p/t 55 - - Volunteer - - - Casual 3 - - Total 149 - - Our Lady of Mercy 2016 2015 2014 72% 2016 2015 2014 53% College, Heidelberg, f/t 91 93 93 1,170 1,148 1,139 VIC p/t 51 48 50 Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 142 141 284 Sacred Heart College 2016 2015 2014 77% 2016 2015 2014 63.96% Geelong, VIC f/t 89 82 90 1,414 1,378 1,369 p/t 85 78 71 Volunteer 119 129 133 Casual 18 18 15 Total 311 307 309
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Appendix 9: Summary of statistical data provided by schools belonging to Mercy Education Ltd
Name of Ministry Employment % of No. of clients/students/ % Women patients Government in l’ship Funding for 2015 Sacred Heart College 2016 2015 2014 62.8% 2016 2015 2014 63% Kyneton, VIC f/t 68 - - 829 - - p/t 42 - - Volunteer 260 - - Casual 46 - - Total 416 - - St. Aloysius College, 2016 2015 2014 84% 2016 2015 2014 54% Adelaide, SA f/t 74 76 78 1,273 1,246 1,207 p/t 64 58 53 Volunteer 358 - - Casual 2 2 - Total 498 136 131 St. Aloysius College, 2016 2015 2014 30% 2015 2014 2013 75.75% North Melbourne, f/t 43 41 39 521 504 470 VIC p/t 19 16 20 Volunteer 4 5 4 Casual 3 4 3 Total 69 66 66 St Brigid’s College, 2016 2015 2014 76.62% 2016 2015 2014 65.56% Lesmurdie, WA f/t 123 118 116 1,233 1,275 1,253 p/t 39 39 45 Volunteer 174 220 180 Casual 131 152 123 Total 467 529 464 St Joseph’s College, 2015 2014 2013 11% 2015 2014 2013 75% Mildura, VIC f/t 158 150 147 927 909.4 912.4 p/t - Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 158 150 147
Santa Maria College, 2015 2014 2013 76% 2015 2014 2013 42% Attadale, WA f/t 186 - - 1,260 - - p/t - - - Volunteer - - - Casual - - - Total 186 - -
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Acronyms
ACNC Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission AGM Annual General Meeting CEO Chief Executive Officer CICLSAL Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life CLRINSW Conference of Leaders of Religious Institutes in New South Wales CPC Chapter Preparation Committee CRA Catholic Religious Australia CSSA Catholic Social Services Australia CRAqld Catholic Religious Australia Queensland DWU Divine Word University, Papua New Guinea ELT Executive Leadership Team EOMG Executive Officer Ministry Governance FAC Finance Advisory Council FTE Full time equivalent IPAL Institute Property Association Limited MCSW McAuley Community Services for Women MGA Mercy Global Action MIA Mercy International Association MIRP Mercy International Reflection Process MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPL McAuley Property Limited MSS Mercy Support Services NDIS National Disability Insurance System ILF Institute Leadership Forum (prior to 2016 this referred to the gathering of the Institute Leadership Team and Community Leaders; since then it refers to the gathering of the Institute Leadership Team, Community Leaders and Team leaders within the Operations and Mission and Ministry Units) ILT Institute Leadership Team IMT Institute Mission Team ISLF Institute Sisters Leadership Forum ISMA Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia ISMAPNG Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea IT Information Technology MASF Mercy Action Support Fund MCIC Mission Centres Implementation Committee MML McAuley Ministries Limited PJP Public Juridic Person (sometimes referred to as a Ministerial PJP) SOMBPA Sisters of Mercy Ballarat Property Association SOMPA Sisters of Mercy Property Association SOMPNG Sisters of Mercy Papua New Guinea TNI Towards New Institute YML Young Mercy Links YMLSA Young Mercy Links South Australia
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Graphs
GRAPH 1 Total Sister Numbers Over Time
GRAPH 2 Current Community Profile
GRAPH 3 Sisters’ Current Age Profile
GRAPH 4 Projected Sister Numbers
GRAPH 5 Composition of ISMAPNG’s Assets as at 31 December 2016
GRAPH 6 Property Portfolio Composition by Number of Properties at 31 December 2016
GRAPH 7 Property Portfolio Composition by Value of Properties at 31 December 2016
GRAPH 8 Total ISMAPNG Operating Income Dec 2011 - Dec 2016
GRAPH 9 Sources of Funds for Operations Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 10 Total ISMAPNG Operating Costs Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 11 ISMAPNG Operating Costs by category Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 12 Direct Sisters’ Living Costs Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 13 Community Administration and Support Costs Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 14 Institute Leadership Costs Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
GRAPH 15 ISMAPNG Administrative Costs Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
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Tables
TABLE 1 Attendance at Mercy Ethos programs 2014 – 2016
TABLE 2 Number of Institute members – December 12, 2011 till December 31, 2016.
TABLE 3 ‘Take a Break’ - Locations and numbers of participants 2013 – 2016
TABLE 4 Sisters in Initial Formation, 1 January 2012 – 31 December 2016
TABLE 5 Community Projections 2015 – 2035
TABLE 6 Enrichment Leave 2011 – 2016
TABLE 7 Typical ILT Meeting Agenda
TABLE 8 Typical ELT Meeting Agenda
TABLE 9 Ministry governance changes since December 2011
TABLE 10 Property Portfolio Composition as at 31 December 2016
TABLE 11 Sisters by Housing Usage at 31 December 2016
TABLE 12 ISMAPNG Strategic Investment Asset Allocation
TABLE 13 ISMAPNG Operating Costs Average Annual Increases Dec 2011 – Dec 2016
TABLE 14 ISMAPNG Headcount by Department and Location – December 2016
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ISMAPNG (2012). Acts of Chapter and Foundation documents.
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ISMAPNG (2013). Directory.
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Millikan, R. (1987). ‘A conceptual framework for the development and maintenance of a co-ordinated school culture’ in Education Administration and Policy Papers No. 2, Melbourne: University of Melbourne.
Morrisey, F. (2015). Sisters of Mercy – looking towards the future. Seminar paper, August 15, Sydney.
Pope Francis (2015). Laudato Si: on care for our common home. Strathfield: St Paul’s Publications.
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Yumi kamap wanem kain lain long grasia bilong God?
Who are we becoming by the grace of God?
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