EDITION 34 SPRING 2017 CONTENTS 3 the season of 4 welcome to mount 18 formation update 1 from the chair creation alvernia college 20 reflection 2 editorial 6 ministry updates

From the Chair Greetings to all

THE LAST COUPLE of months have been very busy for the Council of Mercy Partners, as I am sure it has been for those working in the ministries. As we approach the Plenary Council of the Church in to be held in 2020, the lay people of the Church will be called on to participate and offer their insights into a range of issues. dr raymond campbell dr raymond council chairperson, mercy partners This edition of the newsletter has the theme of ‘embracing lay leadership’ and I have reflected on the intentions of the Congregations who set up Mercy Partners and those who have since joined us. These Sisters were explicit in their desire to see lay people leading ministries and the sponsorship of those ministries into the future. They were careful to ensure a pathway for lay leadership in the apostolic works of the Church.

I am reminded of the Church’s document, Christifideles Laici (1988) that focussed on Jesus’ command “You go into my vineyard too” (Mt 20:3-4). ‘You go too. The call is a concern not only for Pastors, clergy, and men and women religious. The call is addressed to everyone: lay people as well are personally called by the Lord, from whom they receive a mission on behalf of the Church and the world. In preaching to the people Saint Gregory the Great recalls this fact and comments on the parable of the labourers in the vineyard: “Keep watch over your manner of life, dear people, and make sure that you are indeed the Lord’s labourers. Each person should take into account what he does and consider if he is labouring in the vineyard of the Lord”. The Vatican Council made “an earnest plea in the Lord’s name that all lay people give a glad, generous, and prompt response to the impulse of the Holy Spirit and to the voice of Christ, who is giving them an especially urgent invitation at this moment.” (CL n.2)

Being part of Mercy Partners, whether as a Councillor, a Board Director, or an employee working at the coal face, is one way in which we respond to this invitation. We are called to labour in the vineyard of our workplaces and recreation spaces, in our families and communities.

See From the Chair, page 2 MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON; MERCY PARTNERS HALLOWS’ SCHOOL HALLOWS’ PARTNERS MERCY KEDRON; COLLEGE, © MOUNT ALVERNIA PHOTOS: www.mercypartners.org.au1 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34 mercymercy partners partners ministry update updates From the Executive Officer

OUR THEME FOR THE THIRD NEWSLETTER OF 2017 IS ‘EMBRACING LAY LEADERSHIP’ – A THEME THAT EMERGES FROM MERCY PARTNERS THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK.

judith gardiner officer,executive mercy partners

WHAT DO WE mean by ‘embracing lay leadership’? When Mercy ago, narrated in the Gospels, and illustrated in paradigmatic Partners was envisioned by the Sisters of Mercy parables such as the Good Samaritan. Such a founding story has Congregations, there was an explicit hope that Mercy Partners the potential, with theologically literate leadership, to shape would provide a pathway for lay leadership. Of course, the hospital mission and culture into the future.’ (Maher, 2017, BBI idea of lay leadership is not new in ministries – our schools, Christianity at the Cross-roads of Post Modernity). He suggests that hospitals, aged care and community facilities have had lay ‘seeing God in all peoples is a concept deeply embedded in the leaders at the helm for many years as Board Directors and spirituality of Pope Francis, and is the essential modus operandi facility leaders. When we talk about ‘lay leadership’ however, of Catholic health care’. we must not think of this as the default given that there are now few religious available for leadership. Though it might seem We might also suggest that the same concept applies in our that way, we must remember that lay people are called by their Catholic education and aged care ministries. Again, it can Baptism to be active in leadership in the Church. It is easy to be the parable of the Good Samaritan that draws us towards think of the Church as the ‘bishops, priests, nuns and brothers’, leadership. The Samaritan himself was an ‘outsider’, reaching but the Church – the People of God – are those who are baptised out in compassion to the suffering ‘outsider’, the outcast, or in into the life of Jesus, and called by the Holy Spirit to be active today’s Australian context, the refugee we lock up on Manus and undertake God’s mission in and for the world. Island or Nauru. The Good Samaritan as an ‘outsider’ reaching out to another ‘outside’ contains a further message for us. In this edition we have some great examples of ‘embracing lay Conceivably we need to be ever mindful that we don’t become leadership’. Leadership can be undertaken by everyone – taking too comfortable in the ebb and flow of secular culture, too at the lead to celebrate God’s grace, being with people and helping home on our side of the river that we can no longer feel empathy those in need; taking the initiative to contribute to the well- for the homeless, those on the ‘other’ side of the river, on the being of the planet. margins of society. As Confoy says, ‘Pope Francis challenges all Christians to exercise a ‘Samaritan praxis of justice and love’, Lay leadership is taking up the challenge that Jesus gives us – to showing the importance of ‘compassionate action on behalf of be a servant to the poor, the needy, the marginalised; the sad justice, particularly for those who have no voice or who have and distressed. To challenge the forces in our civil society and in become invisible.’ (Confoy, in Maher, p7) our Church that makes people poor and marginalised. We can all be leaders. We should all be leaders – that is our In a recent paper about leadership in Catholic health care, calling. To show others the way, as Jesus was for us, the Way. Set scholar Anthony Maher stressed that ‘leaders…never lose sight out on the path of leadership – embrace the challenge. of our founding story taught by Jesus of Nazareth 2000 years

from the chair Continued from page 1 Recently too our Director of Formation, Dr Caroline Over the past year the Council has been active in the Thompson, and myself participated in the annual Catholic establishment of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Health Australia Conference, along with many people Persons (AMPJP), an association created to bring together from Mercy Partners ministries. This organisation also the eleven or so PJPs sponsoring apostolic ministries that demonstrates the dedication of many lay people who were established originally by religious men and women. contribute by ‘going into the vineyard’ to make God’s Word Some of these people continue in that apostolate, and known in our own time and place. in sponsorship roles, but there are now many lay people willing to take up this leadership, and work towards the It is the mission of the laity “to transform the world”. All sustainability of the ministries as works of the Church, those working in Mercy Partners at all levels contribute to this into the future. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and Jesus our mission. companion on this journey. Wishing you all the Lord’s blessings, Mercy Partners Councillor, Mr Kieran McCarthy is on the newly established Council of the AMPJP and we wish him and the Board well as it takes up its role as a peak body in the Church.

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The Season of Creation

From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world are praying and caring for creation. It’s the “Season of Creation” celebrated by Christian churches around the globe.

Pope Francis issued a joint message with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the World day of Prayer for Creation. Here are some extracts.

The story of creation presents us with a panoramic view of the world. Scripture reveals that, “in the beginning”, God intended humanity to cooperate in the preservation and protection of the natural environment … The earth was entrusted to us as a sublime gift and legacy, for which all of us share responsibility until, “in the end”, all things in heaven and on earth will be restored in Christ (cf. Eph. 1:10). Our human dignity and welfare are deeply connected to our care for the whole of creation.

However, … our propensity to interrupt the world’s For Reflection delicate and balanced ecosystems, our insatiable desire to Be still and feel the presence of God, manipulate and control the planet’s limited resources, and the presence pulsing, pulsing through Earth, our greed for limitless profit in markets – all these have be still and feel the pulse of God. alienated us from the original purpose of creation. We no longer respect nature as a shared gift; instead, we regard it Be still and hear the Spirit of God, as a private possession. We no longer associate with nature the Spirit breathing, breathing through Earth, in order to sustain it; instead, we lord over it to support our be still and hear the breath of God. own constructs. Be still, discern the Wisdom of God, … We urgently appeal to those in positions of social and the wisdom guiding, guiding this Earth. economic, as well as political and cultural, responsibility be still, discern the Wisdom of God. to hear the cry of the earth and to attend to the needs of the marginalised, but above all to respond to the plea Source: Norman C Habel of millions and support the consensus of the world for the healing of our wounded creation. We are convinced that there can be no sincere and enduring resolution to the challenge of the ecological crisis and climate change unless the response is concerted and collective, unless the Download a Prayer Resource responsibility is shared and accountable, unless we give for the Season of Creation priority to solidarity and service. from Mercy International Association Source: The Vatican and the Phanar, 1 September 2017 PHOTOS: 123RF/CHARLIE BLACKER; TREE IMAGE FROM SEASONSOFCREATION.ORG FROM TREE IMAGE BLACKER; 123RF/CHARLIE PHOTOS:

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NT ALVERN MOU IA

D E IA US N MEUS ET OM

Continuing in Elizabeth’s Footsteps ON WEDNESDAY EVENING 12 July, the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception took the historic step of transferring canonical sponsorship of their ministry, Mount Alvernia College Limited, to Mercy Partners.

The Sisters formally transferred the College at a simple ritual and social function at Mount Alvernia College. The function was attended by Sisters who had been Principals and teachers at Mount Alvernia over its 60 year history, leaders and representatives of the Sisters of Mercy and the Presentation Sisters, Franciscan Friars from Little Flower Parish, the School Board and staff, student leaders and Councillors of Mercy Partners.

In her introductory remarks Catherine White mfic, Congregation Leader, said, “This step was necessary to ensure that the College would go forward into the future when there were no Sisters remaining to provide governance and leadership to the College”.

During the Ritual, the formal Transfer Document was signed on behalf of the members of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation by Sr Catherine White and, on behalf of Mercy Partners, by Dr Ray Campbell, Chair of Mercy Partners Council.

Chair of the Board of Mount Alvernia College, Mr Michael O’Brien, provided a short history of the College and paid tribute to the many sisters and lay staff who have contributed to the college and the lives of many thousands of young women. He particularly expressed gratitude to Sr Catherine White mfic who guided the process of transfer to the new canonical sponsor.

In welcoming guests, College Principal, Dr Kerrie Tuite, also acknowledged the efforts of the Sisters. Speaking about the transfer of governance by the Sisters, she noted, “In a practical sense this means that the Sisters will no longer have a role in the governance of the college, but the charism of the order – founded by Elizabeth Hayes, will live on through their vision and mission to the education of young women in the Franciscan tradition”. KEDRON COLLEGE, © MOUNT ALVERNIA PHOTOS: PHOTOS:

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NT ALVERN MOU IA

D E IA US N MEUS ET OM

Mercy Partners Council Chair, Dr Ray Campbell, Left-right: representatives from Mount Alvernia School – Sr Catherine White mfic(Congregation Leader, Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception), Mr Michael O’Brien, Sr Elaine acknowledged the many Morzone mfic, Dr Kerrie Tuite (College Principal), Sr Patricia Treacy mfic. emotions that surrounded the event and thanked the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Congregation. During the ritual at Mount Alvernia College to mark the transfer He said, of canonical sponsorship, Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Sr Catherine White mfic said, “Historical occasions are seen and experienced differently by “While this decision was a difficult one for the Sisters in many ways, the decision those experiencing them, and to transfer the College to the sponsorship of Mercy Partners will mean that the letting go of the thing you have College becomes part of a new community of ministries”. nurtured and been committed to for many years brings with it a tinge of sadness. This is to be expected. But it will also give hope and a sense of confidence in the future. The transfer to Mercy Partners will ensure the future of the ministry. The Sisters can be confident that this ministry that they have established and nurtured will remain a ministry of the Church where the spirituality of St Francis and St Clare will flourish into the future”.

Dr Campbell outlined Mercy Partners Council’s special role in creating a ‘communion of charisms’ within Mercy Partners. He said, “It is important that the spirit of the ... Religious Institutes can continue to inspire and animate the Church through © MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON COLLEGE, © MOUNT ALVERNIA Dr Ray Campbell and Sr Catherine White mfic with the signed ceremonial transfer certificate these ministries”. PHOTOS: PHOTOS:

Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS | 5 Dr Lewandowski and James mater group The Gift of a New Smile for James by Adelle Yates him grief over time. These are all things we repair surgically Playful five year-old James Narte Estrera from regularly in Australia but they may not get repaired the has undergone surgery at Mater regularly in the Philippines,” Dr Lewandowski said. Children’s Private Brisbane for a complex craniofacial During the surgery Dr Lewandowski repaired James’ eyes cleft thanks to Mater Children’s Private Brisbane and using local tissue, ensuring the ducts connected up and Operation Smile Australia. repaired bone deficiency with bone from his hip. He also worked to minimise the scarring. THE NATURE OF his condition increases infection rates in his eyes, creates problems for his teeth as the bone structure “The bone is basically the cement between the bricks,” isn’t formed correctly, as well as affecting his facial features. Dr Lewandowski said.

Mater Director of Surgical Services Dr Richard Mater offers compassionate Lewandowski and Anaesthetist Jason Schoutrop donated their time while Mater is waiving costs associated with service to the sick and needy James’ care.

Dr Lewandowski is a plastic surgeon and co-founder of The life changing surgery will mean James will be free from Operation Smile Australia and explains that he became infection in both his eyes and teeth and will be in much involved with the not-for-profit organisation 25 years better health. ago while studying Medicine in the United States and volunteered all over the world. “If this takes the stigma from the cleft and gives him the opportunity to be just ‘another face in the crowd’ then we “I brought Operation Smile to Australia around 1995, see surgery as a success,” he said. and we’ve treated 40–50 major cases here in Brisbane,” Dr Lewandowski said. Dr Lewandowski is driven by the ethos of medicine, and a strong component of the work done at the Mater every day. “James’s condition is a bit unusual. It’s a complex facial cleft which instead of just affecting the lip goes right up to his “We’ve also started up training units in the Philippines eyes making it more difficult to treat in his home country. and Vietnam so that doctors can treat their own patients,” Dr Lewandowski said. SCHOOL ALL HALLOWS’ “Essentially, he has little structure underneath his skin and he still has issues with his eyes which will ultimately give See New Smile, page 7 © PHOTO

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Benson receives much needed surgery a long way from home

Mater surgeons are giving Ugandan boy Benson hope “This example of outreach to Benson Wasswa from Uganda through reconstructive surgery. is one component of Mater’s broader community benefit response to provide healthcare to people from a refugee BENSON UNDERWENT SURGERY at Mater Children’s Private background, people experiencing homelessness, those in Hospital Brisbane on Friday 23 June, with Urologist Dr Winkle, poverty, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Scott Ingram and Anaesthetist Dr Amanda Harvey all donating their time. Dr Winkle said the surgery was made possible by a group of individuals and companies who are delighted and in some Mater Health Chief Operating OfficerSean Hubbard believes ways privileged, to be able to help Benson. that integral to Mater’s Catholic identity and Mission is our preparedness to respond compassionately to those who are “It’s not a common thing. Obviously it almost never happens in most vulnerable within our community. this environment, but in other environments it does happen.”

“Mater is proud to support our doctors who work to provide a The complex three-hour procedure was a success and Benson better outcome for patients such as Benson.” is resting and recovering comfortably.

new smile Gary Arnold, both Mater employees. Continued from page 6 Jackie and Gary have been involved with three other “Everyone involved in this case has the same vision long Operation Smile cases and value the opportunity to help term, about providing care to those people who have been others in need and give back to the community. afflicted with either birth deformity or trauma,” he said. In the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mater offers James’ mum Wendy hopes the surgery will give her son compassionate service to the sick and needy, promotes an a new found confidence when he returns home and is holistic approach to healthcare in response to changing extremely grateful for all the doctors are doing for her son. community needs and fosters high standards of health- MATER GROUP; 123RF/ DIKOBRAZIK 123RF/ GROUP; MATER related education and research. Wendy and James travelled from the Camotes Islands in PHOTO © PHOTO the Philippines and are staying with host family Jackie and Adelle Yates is Mater Group Public Affairs Officer

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all hallows’ school Embracing Lay Leadership – A Team Effort

by Angela O’Malley The role of Director of Mission The values of compassion, forgiveness, inclusion, is one that ultimately takes welcome, faith and mercy … are so central to the Mercy responsibility for ensuring the charism that defines lay leadership. mission and ethos of the Mercy charism is a lived reality.

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

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Kathy Strelow and Portia Baldwin

st ursula’s college, yeppoon Guiding a Younger Generation as They Encounter Christ by Karyn Redmond “It was beneficial to me to be able to meet each week, because I As Head of the Religious Education department needed someone to explain the things I was reading about, like at St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, Kathy Strelow the fruits, and the gifts, of the Holy Spirit.” is accustomed to teaching students about the Kathy believes it is relevant, and essential, to share knowledge Catholic faith. and learnings with younger generations.

THIS YEAR, AFTER receiving interest, Kathy commenced “I feel it is important, as a Catholic, to pass on the traditions and small lessons after school to assist students prepare for their teachings of the Church to the next generation.” Sacraments of Initiation. “It is wonderful to spend time with young women as they “I love working with students and teaching them the groundwork encounter the love of Christ in their lives.” for the Sacraments, as the preparation time was such an important part of my own faith journey.” Karyn Redmond is Public Relations Officer (Communications), St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon “For me, it provides an opportunity to reflect on my own beliefs and values, and often, there are some tricky questions which really keep me on my toes.” “A Christian who doesn’t

“I have spent many years working alongside the Pastoral safeguard creation, who Associates and Catechists in my previous parishes in Rockhampton, and Melbourne.” doesn’t make it flourish,

“I was lucky enough to be raised in a family that was very is a Christian who isn’t supportive of any religious involvement.” concerned with God’s Year 10 Boarding Student, Portia Baldwin, was grateful for the guidance provided when she prepared to receive the sacraments work, that work born of of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation earlier this year. God’s love for us.” – Pope Francis “Every Monday afternoon I met with Mrs Strelow after school, ST URSULA’S COLLEGE, YEPPOON COLLEGE, URSULA’S © ST PHOTO and we talked through my preparation books,” said Portia.

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mercy community services north queensland Celebration: Julie Bullen Service at Loreto MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES North Queensland (MCSNQ) recently celebrated Mrs Julie Bullen’s wonderful contribution to Loreto Nursing Home. Julie has for many years ably and generously been Director of Care and under her leadership, Loreto has developed a reputation second to none, as an excellent and caring home for the Sisters of Mercy and the frail aged in the Townsville community. MCSNQ is blessed to have Mrs Michelle Yanner, who has now taken on the role of Director of Care. Julie is remaining on the staff at Loreto in the role of Clinical Nurse Consultant. Members of the Board, staff, Sisters and residents joined to celebrate and thank Julie for her years of dedicated and loving service to Loreto.

From left-right: Sr Bev Hickson (Board Member), Sr Carmel King (Chair), Julie Bullen, Michelle Yanner and Sharon McCallum (Board Member)

Blessing of Loreto Extension ON FRIDAY AUGUST 25 Townsville Bishop, Tim Harris blessed this area will be completed by early 2018. The final stage of the the building site of the extensions to Loreto Nursing Home build will involve improvements to the existing dining room and in Townsville. The first stage of the extensions will provide a nursing clinical area which should be completed mid year. beautiful new living space for a further nine residents. For the first time Loreto will have six dementia specific rooms as well Pictured are Bishop Tim Harris, builder Michael Dickson and Sr Carmel King, as three Government-funded respite rooms. It is hoped that Chair Mercy Community Services North Queensland. MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTH QHEENSLAND NORTH SERVICES COMMUNITY © MERCY PHOTOS

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Annual Variety Concert at Villa McAuley In early August, Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville held their Annual Variety Concert. The theme was The Sixties and a few of the residents got into the spirit of the occasion. ‘The Rusty Ukes’ and the very talented Ex Stage Door Theatre Group entertained residents. A number of these talented people are residents of the Village. A great night was had by all.

Annual Variety Concert at Villa McAuley IN EARLY AUGUST Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville held their Annual Variety Concert. The theme was the Sixties and a few of the residents got into the spirit of the occasion. ‘The Rusty Ukes’ and the very talented Ex Stage Door Theatre Group entertained residents. A number of these talented people are residents of the Village. A great night was had by all.

Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES North Queensland was one of the many exhibitors at the 2017 tropical-themed “Seniors’ Lifestyle Expo” held at the RSL Stadium in Townsville. The Expo attracted 107 exhibitors and is always a wonderful opportunity to bring seniors and members of the public together to meet face-to-face with service providers, community groups and not-for-profit organisations who work on their behalf to provide so many essential services and information.

Helen Perriman (Executive Officer, Mercy Community Services North Queensland),Laurell Miller (Manager, Villa McAuley Retirement Village) and Wendy Blezard (Co-ordinator, Safe at Home Program) offered seniors appropriate resources and opportunities to help inform their web & reversed out choices regarding Loreto Nursing Home, Villa McAuley Retirement Village and personal medi- alert alarms through the Safe At Home Program.

w The Expo was a huge success with over 530 brochures and marketing materials distributed to our most valued members of the Townsville community! We are looking forward to next year’s Expo where we hope to make it bigger and better!

fb & reversed out

MERCY COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTH QHEENSLAND NORTH SERVICES COMMUNITY MERCY Reach Mercy Partners on facebook at

PHOTOS © PHOTOS www.facebook.com/mercypartnersaustralia

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mercy health & aged care central queensland Deputy Chairperson Retires Friday 30 June established practice in North Rockhampton. He is a Life Member marked the end of of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and a an era when Dr Tony Senior Lecturer of the UQ Rural Clinical School. “Freddo” Keating As a Director of MH&ACCQL, Dr Keating served on the Board retired as a Director Risk Management Committee and on the Board Mission and on the Mercy Health Ethics Integration Committee where he made a significant and Aged Care contribution to the work of both Committees and the Board as a Central Queensland whole. (MH&ACCQL) Board As the foundation Deputy Chairperson, he reminded us all after serving on the recently of a little known fact: that he chaired the very first Board for sixteen Board meeting of MH&ACCQL on Thursday 7 June 2001 when years as Deputy inaugural Board Chairperson, Leesa Jeffcoat, was an apology. Chairperson. At the final Board meeting that Dr Keating attended on Thursday 1 June 2017, Board Chairperson, Leesa Jeffcoat, paid him the MH&ACCQL WAS INCORPORATED in May 2001 and Dr Keating following tribute. was the foundation Deputy Chairperson. He has continued to serve the Board in that capacity up until his recent decision to “Tony, your contribution to the work of the Board and to the retire. health and aged care ministries of the Sisters of Mercy over so many years has been extraordinary and everyone associated Prior to the incorporation of MH&ACCQL, Dr Keating served for with MH&ACCQL owes you their most sincere appreciation.” five years on the then Health Services Board which at that time exercised Governance responsibilities for the health and aged Dr Ray Campbell, Chair of Mercy Partners, said that Dr Keating’s care ministries of the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy. longevity and contribution to the ministry was outstanding. Mercy Partners Council is most appreciative of his efforts over Dr Keating is a respected local medical practitioner with a well- so many years. New Executive Officer for Rockhampton Mater Ms Sue Thurbon has been appointed as the new Rockhampton Mater Executive Officer after acting in the capacity for two months.

MH&ACCQ CHIEF EXECUTIVE Officer, Ms Lynne Sheehan, made the announcement recently saying, “From all I have seen and heard and having had the opportunity to work Bundaberg Mater Foundation Day closely with Sue, I have discerned she is very much a ‘Mater’ person who understands and lives out the Values of ON FRIDAY 28 JULY, the Bundaberg Mater community Human Dignity, Justice, Compassion, Service and a Special celebrated their Foundation Day. The Hospital was Concern For the Poor that are at the heart of our healthcare opened on 28 July 1946 meaning that this year the ministries. Bundaberg Mater celebrated 71 years of providing quality, compassionate healthcare services to the people of I am very pleased to advise that Sue has accepted the role of Bundaberg and surrounds. MH&ACCQL CEO, MS Lynne Executive Officer. I know with the loyal support of the to-be- Sheehan, was very pleased to have been able to attend recruited Director of Nursing and the other members of the the Foundation Day celebrations this year. Hospital Executive … Sue will do a wonderful job leading the Rockhampton Mater into a bright and exciting future”. :© MH&ACCQ PHOTOS

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When we talk about the environment, about creation, my thoughts turn to the first pages of the Bible, the Book of Genesis, which states that God placed man and woman on earth to cultivate and care for it. And the question comes to my mind: What does cultivating and caring for the earth mean? Are we truly cultivating and caring for creation? Or are we exploiting and neglecting it?

– Pope Francis

Spirit of Assisi Awards EACH YEAR DURING Catholic Education Week, Spirit of Assisi This year’s award winners were students Maxine Edwards, Abi Awards are bestowed on a number of Mount Alvernia College staff Pulu and Tasma Read and staff Music Teacher Amanda Holley and and students, in recognition of their efforts to lift up those in our Careers and Vocational Education Administration Assistant Shelley community through actions and grace. Recipients are selected on the Halverson. The Awards were presented on Assembly on Thursday 3 basis that they: August. >> lift the spirits of those in our community >> follow in the footprints of Jesus, Francis and Clare The Franciscan values are at the core of life at Mount Alvernia, and this >> have the openness of heart to include others is a wonderful opportunity each year to celebrate the way in which >> spread joy by manner, behaviour, and character these are displayed day to day at the College.

MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE; KEDRON 123RF/NIKKIPHOTO KEDRON COLLEGE; MOUNT ALVERNIA >> care for the ‘little ones’ in our community

>> are individuals who go above and beyond in an extraordinary and Pictured above, left-right: Abi Pulu, Amanda Holley, Tasma Read, Shelley significant way. Halverson and Maxine Edwards. PHOTOS: © PHOTOS:

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Clockwise from above: CEW Mass with the Little Flower Parish Sunday 23 July 2017, Clare School Samaritan Outreach, Francis School Prep Outreach, Year 8 Reflection Day Universe Walk.

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

We have also shared the journey of faith with Year 11 students So you can see it has been a busy Catholic Education Week for during July at their Spirituality and Leadership Camp and with Mount Alvernia College as we share the journey of life together. Year 8 and Year 9 students at their reflection Days. MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON COLLEGE, MOUNT ALVERNIA Blessings and joy! The Year 8 Reflection Day was a unique learning day where the girls gathered to reflect upon our call to care for all of creation. Alison Stone is Deputy Principal – Mission and Community :© PHOTOS

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Clockwise from above: CEW Mass with the Little Flower Parish Sunday 23 July 2017, Clare School Samaritan Outreach, Francis School Prep Outreach, Year 8 Reflection Day Universe Walk.

‘Solomon Islands Get Involved Globally’ Trip

by Maddi Tilbury During the Semester 1 holidays, eleven Mount Alvernia students from Years 11 and 12 went on an immersion trip to the Solomon Islands and brought back more than tangible gifts. in Visale. While in residence with the Sisters, the students taught English to the postulants, made rosary beads with the retired sisters, THIS TRIP WAS held in the Semester 1 holidays and consisted of visited the local parish, and even helped out with some painting. At eleven students, three teachers, and a parent who was a child health times, the language barrier was a struggle; however, the students nurse. While the timing of the trip meant they were missing the found that they could always connect with those they met through a winter school holidays in Brisbane, the lovely warm weather in the smile. By the end of the stay in Visale, the students had been inspired Solomons was a nice trade-off. by the DMI Sisters’ strong faith and compassion and found it difficult to say goodbye. As soon as they stepped off the plane the group was shocked at the condition of some facilities. They were soon to learn that the Solomon Travelling around Honiara throughout the second part of the trip, Islands is a country that has been torn apart by ethnic conflict and students visited numerous centres and connected with a variety war. Many of the important buildings built in World War II are still of people. Through these connections they were privileged to hear used today, like the main hospital and airport. The Solomon Islands various stories – some joyful and some that were heartbreaking. It has has 12.7 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Only been these stories that have stayed with the travellers and made the 35.1 percent have access to working electricity. trip even more worthwhile.

It was the vast difference in wealth and lifestyle that inspired a past As the trip came to a close, the students began to realise that the student of Mount Alvernia, Iree Chow, to create the immersion churches and the parish were the centre of the community. Every experience. Chow, who is from the Solomon Islands and currently Mass that the Mount Alvernia group attended was full of passion living in the island nation with her family, had the idea for the trip from the priest and the attendees. Many of the students commented two years after she finished at the College. She hoped that, through that they found it refreshing to see a community with such joyful, implementation of the experience, students would gain insight, strong faith. build relationships, and be able to offer their time to support the community. Since its inception, the trip has been held every two All the students admired the love, spirit, hope and faith that the local years, with the DMI Sisters visiting Mount Alvernia in Australia in the community had. It was an experience that all the students will never alternate years. forget nor the smiles of the locals or the lessons that were learnt from MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE, KEDRON COLLEGE, MOUNT ALVERNIA their stories and lifestyle. The trip was ten days long. During this time the group stayed in PHOTOS :© PHOTOS Honiara, as well as having the privilege to stay with the DMI Sisters Maddi Tilbury is a Year 12 student at Mount Alvernia College

Edition 34 Mercy Partners NEWS | 15 mercy partners ministry updates ST RITA’S COLLEGE, , RITA’S ST PHOTOS: © PHOTOS:

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st rita’s college Country to City Experience by Simmone Irvine To celebrate the beginning of National Science Week, on Sunday St Rita’s College is Travelling Lightly through its the Murgon students donned their budding Scientist hats commitment this year to Simplicity, one of the values and fascination at a range of Science activities in the College laboratories. They explored gravity, magnetism and electrostatic of the Presentation charism. forces and conducted experiments including extracting DNA from strawberries, viewing pond life under the microscopes and IN LIVING OUT this theme, the students in Kildare House at St making slime. Rita’s have built on the common Presentation heritage shared with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Murgon. Before departing that afternoon with a St Rita’s ‘show bag’, full of souvenirs and snacks for their weary bus trip home, the With their House motto backing their inspiration: “Strength and girls and boys selected for themselves and their siblings some Growth - from Humble Beginnings,” the Kildare students have reading books to take home. Kildare students and their families been raising funds to offer the young students of St Joseph’s an kindly donated these books as a project of the College’s Read experience hard to forget. That goal came to fruition with St Like a Girl Campaign. The Read Like a Girl Campaign is a joint Rita’s hosting the St Joseph’s Year 5 and Year 6 students for the venture between Riverbend Books, St Rita’s College and Mount inaugural ‘Country to City Weekend’ over the Friday 11 to Sunday Alvernia College that aims to promote a love of reading and 13 August weekend. improve literacy. From the proceeds of a Book Drive in Term 2, Kildare House donated many new books to the St Joseph’s School The St Joseph’s students arrived with much buzz and excitement, Library. spending their first afternoon happily playing games and activities organised by the St Rita’s Kildare girls. That evening St Joseph’s Primary School, Murgon, was established in 1937 they were enthralled by the talent on show at the College talent under the administration of the Presentation Sisters. The quest, ‘Splendour on the Flat’. school provides education to children from Murgon and the surrounding region and it carries the largest Indigenous student Saturday morning came and with it the highlight of the weekend community in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. The Presentation – a day at the ‘Ekka’ with all the whistles and bells - visiting the Sisters were founded in Cork, Ireland in 1775 by Nano Nagle, a pavilions, experiencing the rides and purchasing show bags. For woman committed to the ministry of education for the poor. many, it was their first ‘Ekka’ experience and an awesome one T RITA’S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD COLLEGE, © S T RITA’S PHOTOS: they thoroughly enjoyed. Simmone Irvine is Head of House – Kildare, St Rita’s College

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

18 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 34 formation update formation update From the Formation Corner IT’S BEEN A BUSY FEW MONTHS FOR MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION WITH OUR RETREAT SEASON IN JULY AND OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY TOUR THROUGH BUNDABERG, GLADSTONE AND ROCKHAMPTON MINISTRIES IN AUGUST. dr caroline thompson mercy partners program of formation director

Bundaberg Mater staff at the Catholic Identity workshop in August

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

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“As a friend of the poor who was loved by God’s creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation – animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon – to give honour and praise to the Lord. The poor man of Assisi gives us striking witness that when we are at peace with God we are better able to devote ourselves to building up that peace with all creation which is inseparable from peace among all peoples.”

– St (Pope) John Paul II on St Francis of Assisi January 1990

Prayer God of life, we pray for those in different countries who long for God of providence, transform us, that we may place the green pastures and quiet streams. God who provides, provide welfare of the earth and your people before our fleeting desires. for those for whom daily bread is a challenge and for those who Grant us divine wisdom and embolden us to replace systems of are displaced and long for home. destruction and wasteful consumption with systems of justice and sustainability. God of Creation, we pray for strength and wisdom to be good stewards. Forgive us for the ways in which we contribute to the Source: www.seasonof creation.org TP IMAGES disfigurement and destruction of your Creation. PHOTO: © PHOTO:

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