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EDITION 40 autumn 2019 Formation –3May, Retreats:Rockhampton Townsville –13June, Cairns –20May, –28May Brisbane Regional Function –9April; Tenth –7May, Anniversarycelebrations: Rockhampton Townsville –11June PHOTOS: © ST URSULA’S COLLEGE, MCSNQ, ALL HALLOWS’ COLLEGE PHOTO © MCSNQ, ST RITA’S COLLEGE, ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL THIS ISSUE:“Journeying onward incompassion” CONTENTS 3 2 assion fatigue

from thece comp called in our age to respond … called inouragetorespond compassion andmercy, arewe sotoo of theirtimeswithlove,respect, totheneeds congregations responded Just asthefounders – Mercy Partners TheologicalFramework, p15 o 4 5 tion update arewell and forma f welcome 7 8

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reflection mercy partners council

Technology is affecting the lives of all people. For some, technology Compassion makes their lives easier and it helps bring people closer to their friends Clothe yourselves and family. Sadly, like all things it can also be used in the worst possible way. In recent weeks a gunman who with compassion, opened fire inside a New Zealand mosque live-streamed his attack in a 17-minute video. Our exposure to a kindness, humility, 24/7/365 news cycle and social media stream contains the good, the bad, the gentleness and beautiful and the ugly. The unkind forces, the unjust patience treatment and the unimaginable suffering make us want to switch off – Colossians 3:12 and disconnect. But we must not cower in a corner, we must not cut ourselves off from the world and we must not stop loving one another. And we must never surrender to ‘compassion fatigue’.

Journalist and scholar Susan Moeller, in her 1999 book Compassion Fatigue: How the Media Sell Disease, Famine, War and Death, wrote, “It seems as if the media careen from one trauma to another, in a breathless tour of poverty, disease and death … The troubles blur. Crises become one crisis.” And the public “collapse into a compassion fatigue stupor”.

We may not have the power to change what the media chooses to cover, but we have power over what our mind takes in. We too can take the sound advice given to the Philippians by Paul, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things ... And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

We, too, can spend our time thinking about the best things and choosing the lovely and admirable. If we view life with more reflection and less reaction our wisdom grows, and our hearts deepen in compassion.

Source: http://bit.ly/2CbdXp7 PHOTO © PEXELS/ JUAN SALAMANCA © PEXELS/ JUAN PHOTO

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FROM THE CEO Poverty myths, the Compassion meddlesome Priest

paul jensen paul mercy partners ceo, and compassion A NUMBER OF CREDIBLE REPORTS FROM THE Generally, the Churches have been silent about growing AUSTRALIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE,1 THE OECD2 inequality and poverty. Why? Perhaps we feel immobilised by AND THE AUSTRALIAN TREASURY3 EVIDENCE THAT shame – an understandable reaction to the Royal Commission ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND POVERTY into Institutional Child Abuse. A 2013 report4 by British ARE GROWING IN AUSTRALIA. Churches into churchgoers and the public’s perceptions of poverty and inequality posits another reason. The report A RANGE OF social and economic factors such as digital identified five shared public myths about poverty and disruption and neoliberal reforms drive inequality and inequality. I contend Australian Churchgoers and the public poverty however, Government (should) plays a crucial role in also share these myths. They sound eerily familiar. Read any moderating these factors. Australian tabloid newspaper, listen to the shock jocks or commercial TV commentators and you will experience these Inequality and poverty are an injury to individuals and harmful myths regurgitated and reinforced for general consumption. to society – they create social vulnerability and undermine Below are outlined the myths that I have countered with social cohesion. A slew of political commentators, maintain evidence drawn from an Australian context. At best they that social vulnerability was a key driver of Brexit and the reinforce inaction, and at worst hostility, towards addressing election of Donald Trump. However, neither outcome, in and of inequality and poverty. themselves, will successfully address inequality and poverty and both have created social division. See Myths, page 4 Poverty myths

MYTH 1: ‘They’ are lazy and don’t want to work. Fact: The majority of families in poverty are from low income, underemployed working households.

MYTH 2: ‘They’ are addicted to drink and drugs. Truth: While addiction is devastating for the families and communities touched by it, the percentage of welfare beneficiaries who are alcohol and drug dependent is roughly equivalent to the general community. Addiction is no respecter of social and economic boundaries.

MYTH 3: ‘They’ are not poor – they just don’t manage their money properly. Truth: Living on a low income is one of constant struggle to manage limited resources, with small events having serious consequences. Statistics show that the poorest spend their money carefully, limiting themselves to the essentials.

MYTH 4 - ‘They’ are frauding the system. Truth: In reality around 0.5 per cent of the welfare budget is lost to fraud .5

MYTH 5 - ‘They’ have an easy life; it’s a lifestyle choice Truth: Benefits do not meet minimum income standards. They have halved in value relative to average incomes over the last 30 years. The ill and the unemployed are the people least satisfied and happy with life.

MYTH 6 - ‘Welfare’ is causing our national financial problems Truth: The proportion of our tax spent on welfare has remained stable for the last 20 years. In all areas apart from the aged pension welfare dependency is actually falling .6 Why is the problem of Public debt being laid at the feet of the poorest?

1 www.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Inequality_in_Australia_FINAL.pdf 5 http://theconversation.com/factcheck-do-welfare-recipients-owe-the-australian- 2 https://www.oecd.org/.../OECD2015-In-It-Together-Chapter1-Overview-Inequality.pdf government-about-3-5-billion-61906 3 http://www.treasury.gov.au/PublicationsAndMedia/Publications/2013/Economic- 6 https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2015/feb/12/the-truth-about- Roundup-Issue-2/Economic-Roundup/Income-inequality-in-Australia bludgers-welfare-dependency-in-australia-is-falling 4

PHOTO © PIXABAY/ BRIGITTE WERNER © PIXABAY/ PHOTO http://www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/truthandliesaboutpoverty/

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myths grounded in Gospel Continued from page 3 virtues of truth, hope, Catholic Social teaching and … these myths reinforce inaction compassion. Part of our calling as and hostility towards addressing Christians is to seek after truth, and inequality and poverty that means facing up to our own Let me make this personal. My wife and I have a close blindness as well friend, Sally (not her real name), who is a very competent, as calling others to compassionate middle-aged woman who left an abusive account. relationship of 20 years with next to nothing. Sally raised Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO will address Mercy her two children under very trying circumstances and is now Once referred to Partners Brisbane Regional Gathering in April ACU COURTESY PHOTO: struggling to run a small business. Sally’s total net assets by former Prime amount to about $60,000. Sally received one of those Centrelink Minister Paul letters alleging an $8000 dollar debt that, after appeal, was Keating as ‘that meddlesome Priest’, Father Frank Brennan, revoked. Sally is not lazy – she works around the clock. Sally is Professor of Law and now CEO of Catholic Social Services, a spendthrift vegetarian who is living hand to mouth … not by will be addressing the Brisbane Regional Gathering of Mercy choice. Were it not for the generosity of her partner of the last Partners ministries on Tuesday 9 April. He will tackle such three years, Sally would be at risk of homelessness. vexed questions as ‘Inequality and Poverty in Australia’ and considering Mercy and Compassion. More information about We have come to believe things about poverty and inequality his itinerary will be forthcoming but I invite you to consider that are not grounded in fact. Consequently, we react participating and join with us in this challenge. with judgement and condemnation. We must develop an understanding of the depth and breadth of poverty that is compatible with the evidence available. Just as importantly we need to match the language of public debate – which often demonises the poor – with the reality of people’s lives.

It is time to create a new story about inequality and poverty; one A version of this article has also been published onLinkedIn.

Left-right: Brian Flannery, Terry Crawford, John Prins and Peter Steer Farewell and welcome to Mater personnel MR BRIAN FLANNERY, Chair of Mater Board of Directors, retired Mercy Partners Council congratulates and welcomes Dr Steer at the end of 2018 and Mr Terry Crawford was appointed in and Mr Crawford and would like to thank Mr Flannery and his place. Dr Shane Kelly retired from the position of Chief Prof Prins for their many years of service to this significant Executive Officer mid-year andProf John Prins, former Mater Mercy Partners ministry. We wish them well in their future Research CEO, acted as Mater CEO until Dr Peter Steer took up endeavours. the position from January this year. PHOTOS: COURTESY MATER COURTESY PHOTOS:

4 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 40 mercy partners ceo mercy partners formation Formation Update THE 2019 FORMATION YEAR HAS BEGUN AND WE ARE WORKING TO ENRICH AND EXTEND OUR SUPPORT FOR MINISTRIES IN THIS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT AREA. dr caroline thompson mercy partners of formation director

Pilgrimage There have been some changes in the office WE ARE VERY excited to be organising the and I welcome Libby first Mercy Partners Pilgrimage event in Blom in a wider role in Mercy Partners Formation October this year following the footsteps which includes event of our founders Nano Nagle, Catherine management, organisation McAuley and St Francis and St Clare of and program development. Assisi. Flyers have been sent to all ministries I wholeheartedly thank and details are available on our website. To Anna Gardiner, who has download a registration form visit moved from Formation to www.mercypartners.org.au/mercypartnerspilgrimage other responsibilities in office coordination and finance, for her dedication to formation and extensive work in coordinating formation events Coming up in Mercy Partners Formation for the last seven years.

2019 Prayer Resource

THE 2019 PRAYER RESOURCE, which focused on Catholic Social Teaching, has been distributed and we hope it is of great assistance to leaders in providing short formation reflections in meetings and other staff events. The 2019 THIS YEAR’S MERCY PARTNERS RETREAT will focus on Lenten Moments are being Leading with Kindness and will be held in May/June in Cairns, distributed weekly during Townsville, Rockhampton and Brisbane. The Retreat is a one- Lent and focus on the Well-lit day opportunity to take time for reflection, prayer and spiritual Path Jesus took on his journey refreshment. The retreats are available for all staff of Mercy to Resurrection. There is a Partners ministries, Sisters and friends of Mercy Partners. wide range of resources on Retreat dates: Mercy Partners website (see www.mercypartners.org.au/ Rockhampton ....3 May Townsville...... 13 June resources) and we publish prayers for key liturgical, religious Cairns...... 20 May Brisbane...... 28 May and secular events in Australia on our Facebook page at facebook.com/mercypartnersaustralia.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION is always available to support mission and formation events and welcome the opportunity to discuss and plan these initiatives. One example of this is a current program we are facilitating with Mercy Community in South East : a series of breakfast seminars for Board and Executive Leadership on Mission, Catholic Identity and Governance topics.

Please feel free to contact us at anytime to discuss how we can help you.

Edition5 | Mercy 38 Partners Mercy Partners NEWS Edition NEWS |40 5 mercymercymercy partnerspartners partners updateformation update update Following the well-lit path of Nano Nagle, Catherine McAuley, St Francis and St Clare of Assisi

6 | Mercy PartnersRegistration NEWS Edition 38 forms available at www.mercypartners.org.au/mercypartnerspilgrimage mercymercymercy partnerspartners partners updateformation update update mercy partners formation update Following the well-lit path of Nano Nagle, Catherine McAuley, MERCY PARTNERS MISSION LEADERS GATHERING WAS HELD IN BRISBANE ON MARCH 15 AND WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE INITIATIVES IN St Francis and FORMATION AND MISSION ENRICHMENT ACROSS OUR MINISTRIES. OUR MISSION LEADERS ARE A VITAL LINK BETWEEN MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION St Clare of Assisi AND THE MINISTRIES AS WELL AS CRITICAL FOR MISSION ENHANCEMENT AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY WITHIN EACH MINISTRY.

Registration forms available at www.mercypartners.org.au/mercypartnerspilgrimage Edition 38 Mercy Partners NEWS | 7 Students Kailey Chittick, Tess Baldwin and Olivia Brown with Allied Health teacher Suzanne Iskov. st ursula’s college, yeppoon Careers in Healthcare a Journey in Compassion by Karyn Redmond “Clients will often talk to you and tell you about themselves; For St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, students, there is a definite need to be empathetic to them and to engage ‘journeying onward in compassion’ is not only part with them,” said Ms Iskov. of the College’s values and motto; it is a call to what Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance participants, Year 12 many see as a career. students Olivia Brown and Kailey Chittick, agreed they were drawn to the Healthcare industry because of their genuine CERTIFICATE III IN Allied Health Assistance and Certificate II concern for others. in Health Services are two Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs available to eligible students at St Ursula’s “As part of our placement, we visit a local Aged Care facility, and and, in the past 12 months, these two offerings have surged in it is really fulfilling to sit and talk with residents,” said Olivia. enrolment numbers. “I have always felt the need to help people, and this course gives Careers Advisor and Registered Training Organisation Manager me the opportunity to do just that,” said Kailey. at the College, Natasha Oldham, said this trend reflected an increase in employment within industries such as Healthcare Year 12 student, Tess Baldwin, said she never imagined working and Social Assistance. in the industry, but had completely changed her mind after the practical placements commenced. “The Department of Jobs and Small Business projected there will be potentially 250 000 new jobs in the Healthcare and Social “I work in the Dementia section of the Aged Care home and it Assistance field by May 2023,” Mrs Oldham said. is so personally rewarding because I build relationships with residents; I come to know them more throughout each visit,” “Just over 20 per cent of Year 11 and Year 12 students in 2019 have said Tess. enrolled in Healthcare focused VET courses.” “Knowing that my care and concern for them makes a difference Allied Health Teacher and St Ursula’s College Nurse, Suzanne to their day is amazing; this experience has definitely helped me Iskov, said compassion was integral to Allied Health and see what I want to do once I finish Year 12.” Health Services because these are frontline roles with human clientele. Karyn Redmond is St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon Public Relations Officer YEPPOON COLLEGE, URSULA’S © ST PHOTO

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mercy community services north queensland Fundraising for a worthy cause at Villa McAuley in Townsville by Helen perriman FOLLOWING THE RECENT devastating weather event in North Queensland, Laurell Miller, our Manager at Villa McAuley Retirement Village in Townsville, together with the residents celebrated morning tea to raise money for the farmers affected in the North West of the State. The event was a success with $4,000 raised and donated to the Queensland Country Women’s Association who coordinated the fundraising appeal. All who attended knowing that their donation was going to such a worthy cause felt a great sense of community.

Helen Perriman is Mercy Community Services North Queensland Executive Officer

Brisbane Regional Gathering Walking the light: Mercy in Action

Mercy Partners regional gathering for ministry leaders is being REGIONAL CELEBRATIONS held Tuesday 9 April from 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm at Victoria Regional Tenth anniversary Park. The evening will include canapés, conversation and an celebrations will be held in 2019: address by Fr Frank Frennan SJ AO (pictured). >> Rockhampton...... 7 May, 2019 To register: contact [email protected] >> Townsville...... 11 June, 2019 PHOTO: COURTESY ACU COURTESY PHOTO:

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all hallows’ school Remembering Mother Vincent Whitty: woman of courage and compassion

by Claire Easton In January, the staff engaged in Mother Vincent Whitty’s Keeping the Mercy story alive and relevant story as part of the School’s Formation program. Sr Anne for a 21st century community is crucial and a Hetherington rsm, presented the staff with a summary of her story highlighting Ellen Whitty’s entry into the responsibility that is not taken lightly. We are congregation, her work as mistress of novices in Baggott blessed at All Hallows’ School to be part of the early Street, her connection to Catherine McAuley and her Mercy story in Australia with the founding of the desire to minister abroad. This desire saw her chosen School in 1861. by Bishop James Quinn to create a Mercy foundation in Brisbane – she had just a few days to get ready and travel to the other side of the globe. OUR MERCY STORY is one that began in Dublin but, through the courage and vision of the early Sisters Following the presentation by Sr Anne, the All Hallows’ prepared to journey across the world, it quickly continued staff were tasked with recreating her story of courage to unfold in foreign lands. through music. Under the guidance of Percussion Director, Ms Tina Liu, the staff formed groups which The Brisbane Congregation was founded by Mother Vincent represented the many ministries and foundations created Whitty whose 200th birthday we mark this year. Ellen Whitty under Mother Vincent Whitty’s guidance. Her story and her five companions journeyed from Ireland to face was told as part of a liturgy which included the musical the unknown in Brisbane. Their story is an inspiration to contributions of over 220 staff. many of us taking the next steps on the path of our own personal journey. It was a powerful way of connecting to a story which saw Ellen Whitty develop from a young girl in County Wexford And so, in the year where our School theme is “Journey to a woman who had a hand in the development of so With Courage and Compassion” the community has chosen many Catholic ministries in Queensland. to mark the 200th year since the birth of our foundress in ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL © ALL HALLOWS’ PHOTO creative ways. See Remembering, page 11

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Page 10: Staff liturgy. Clockwise from top-left: Percussion story-telling activity; Students Charlotte Mitchell and Genevieve Dodds get into the spirit; Phoebe Macklin and friends have fun with Pass the Parcel.

remembering Continued from page 10 House students remembered the work of their namesake By the time of her death in 1892 Mother Vincent Whitty had at a special breakfast and on Friday 1 March, the entire developed much of the religious landscape of Queensland: community marked the 200th anniversary of Ellen Whitty’s She was responsible for: birth with a party-themed fundraiser. Staff and students >> 222 Sisters of Mercy in Brisbane and regional centres alike had the opportunity to dress up in party-themed including Ipswich, , Warwick, Stanthorpe, costume and enjoyed a selection of traditional party games Dalby, Gympie, Helidon, Mackay, Maryborough, Roma, on the terrace at lunchtime. Charters Towers >> 26 schools with 7,000 students These points of connection ensure that the legacy of Mother >> teacher training college Vincent Whitty is never forgotten. We are reminded that >> Nudgee orphanage under Mother Vincent Whitty’s leadership and through the >> All Hallows’ School courage of the early sisters, the vision of Catherine McAuley >> St Ann’s Industrial School and the Spirit of Mercy spread throughout Queensland. We >> Magdalen asylum for unmarried mothers are living proof of her success. >> Holy Cross Laundry. Claire Easton is All Hallows’ School Director of Mission It wasn’t just the All Hallows’ staff who had the opportunity ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL © ALL HALLOWS’ PHOTOS to celebrate the life of this formidable woman. Whitty

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Boarding students entertained themselves with indoor games and undercover outdoor activities when weather permitted.

st rita’s college Accidental Leaders: look into the shadows, not just the bright lights

by Anna Roberts awarded Woman Lawyer of the Year by the Women Lawyers One thing I have learned is that you have to be very Association of Queensland. flexible and resilient as things rarely work out as you Justice Brown recalled that she was a strong student at St Rita’s plan. The Honourable Justice Susan Brown College, but by no means exceptional, and entered Law School at The University of Queensland when Law was a predominantly ADDRESSING A GATHERING of Senior students from a number male profession. Her parents and some of her teachers, of Brisbane Catholic schools at St Rita’s College on International including Sister Elvera Sesta pbvm, were her greatest mentors Women’s Day, The Honourable Justice Susan Brown of the and role models, inspiring her to pursue her dreams and who Supreme Court of Queensland spoke of her passion to always be were invaluable in helping her to achieve her goals. learning, and to appreciate the experiences of finding herself in places where she can explore her potential, enrich her In acknowledging that gender discrimination can be harmful mind and be enlightened by the capabilities of the humblest of for both women and men and the need for both to dismantle human beings. stereotypes, Justice Brown encourages women all over world, no matter their background, to “focus on what has been and An alumna of St Rita’s College, Her Honour holds a Master of can be achieved – not gender imbalance and what might have Law with Honours from Cambridge University. Commencing been achieved”. practice as a solicitor with the former Minter Ellison Morris Fletcher firm, the respected commercial and litigation lawyer As a firm believer of everyone’s right to education and in was admitted as a Barrister in 1998 and appointed a Queen’s acknowledging many young women have had to overcome grave Counsel in 2011 before being promoted to the judiciary of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2016; the same year she was See Accidental Leaders, page 13 COLLEGE RITA’S © ST PHOTOS

12 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 40 mercy partners ministry updates mercy partners ministry updates A Compassionate Heart I have eyes that I can see The work that can be done by me. I have ears that enable me to hear The voices of those who live in fear.

I have lips that I might speak Words of encouragement to all who seek. I have an alert mind that I might know When to help the needy that need me so.

I have hands that I am able to do Some meager, but worthy task for you. I have the empathy and sincerity to pray For the impoverished people everyday.

I have this one thing, all else above, A compassionate heart that I may love. – Joseph T. Renaldi

accidental leaders Continued from page 12 Justice Brown urged young students of today to be authentic to themselves and inclusive of others, to show human kindness issues to gain access to education, Justice Brown commented that and not shut others’ ideas out and, importantly, to not dismiss “to achieve what you want to achieve you have to think laterally the people in the shadows only for those in the bright light – “for and work around the problems”. She used the examples of Malala it is these people who, by accident, could become your greatest Yousafzai and Ruth Bader Ginsburg as “accidental leaders”; asset and supporter”, she concluded. women who had shown remarkable courage in their conviction of regarding their own value and purpose and who had accepted no The event, hosted by St Rita’s College on an annual basis, excuses along the way in championing their ambitions. is an opportunity for emerging leaders from Catholic girls’ schools to network with each other and engage with Proud of being educated at St Rita’s and recalling the College accomplished and inspiring woman whose work reflects the as being one which has unfailingly valued the importance of College’s chosen ‘Pillar’ for that year. In this year’s Pillar of education for women since its inception, Justice Brown has Justice, St Rita’s College Captains Ella Scotford, Grace Egan been privileged throughout her educational and professional and Carla Roggero commented that they “all took away journey to find herself in the company of esteemed imperative messages that will assist us, as young females, to achievers, both women and men, and has embraced each feel confident and empowered” and that the afternoon had of these opportunities with fervent eagerness to pursue provided them with “broad lessons on justice, collaboration, knowledge, gain wisdom and advance her insight in guiding appreciation and respect”. her responsibility to bring justice to the diverse community she serves. Anna Roberts is St Rita’s College Manager, Community Development

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Boarding students entertained themselves with indoor games and undercover outdoor activities when weather permitted.

st patrick’s college, townsville Boarders weather Townsville storms by Catherine Naum With school closed for several days, the girls entertained It was an interesting start to the school year for themselves indoors with games, ping pong, movies and the boarders at St Patrick’s College Townsville, as books. “After several days it’s natural to suffer from a little cabin fever, but our girls made use of the outdoors whenever a significant monsoon moved in and drenched the possible to play sport and games – whenever the weather region for more than a week straight, causing schools gave them a quick reprieve,” said Ms Skerman. “Many of our and businesses across the city to close. teachers who were able to get to school helped out, running yoga sessions, music sessions and dancing. I brought my PRINCIPAL OF ST Patrick’s College Townsville, Paulina Dalmatian, Remi, in for a visit and he was lapping up the Skerman, said the boarders were amazing throughout this attention, I think he was disappointed to leave!” event. “It’s been a highly unusual start and despite everything that’s happened, our girls remained wonderfully calm and in Ms Skerman said she is deeply appreciative to so many who good spirits; I am very proud of them.” ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE TOWNSVILLE COLLEGE PATRICK’S :© ST PHOTO See Boarders weather storms, page 15

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boarders weather storms Continued from page 14

ensured the boarding college remained fully operational during this time. “I can’t thank our boarding team enough for their commitment during this time, led by our Director of Boarding, Anne-Marie Hammond. We have been incredibly fortunate. We did not suffer any flooding or damage so we are very much counting our blessings.”

“The team from Alliance Catering were also incredible. Knowing the significance of the weather event that was upon us, they moved into the College and slept here for several nights to ensure our girls were well catered for in the event of possible power and water outages, which we did not end up experiencing. I can’t thank them enough for this incredible act of generosity, it really made a significant difference and gave us peace of mind.”

All boarding students have since returned to the college despite some students experiencing travel delays due to flight cancellations and poor weather.

The College is continuing to explore ongoing support options for all students who have been, and continue to be, affected by the disaster.

“We really have been very fortunate in what has been a devastating and unprecedented weather event for the North. We are very grateful for the widespread support we have received from our boarding communities. These are the times when we realise how blessed we are.” ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE TOWNSVILLE COLLEGE PATRICK’S ST Catharine Naum is Marketing & Communications Manager, St Patrick’s College Townsville PHOTOS :© PHOTOS

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Let the light of Easter shine Compassion in our hearts So that our paths are ones of kindness and compassion Love and gratitude. May we always look out for those who travel with us Listen for their footfalls Feel their needs Call them tenderly by name As we journey together

Walking with Jesus is walking with others

The Easter story challenges us to walk This Easter Season let’s take to heart the words of all religious traditions with others; to not ignore injustice or intolerance; to be open to the need for dialogue and acceptance; to model the Gospel with our words and actions. Waking the well-lit path is always a communal exercise. Recent events, especially the Christchurch >> Jesus’ call to ‘love one another’ (John 13:34). massacre, have shown us the insidious >> The Rig Veda, ‘Let us be united in our hearts.’ power of hate speech, however >> The Quran’s call to ‘show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the rational it sounds. Refusing to walk needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and with others creates the barriers which the companion by your side (Al Quran 4:37). encourage ‘othering’. Othering allows >> Words attributed to the Buddha, ‘to be kind is more important than to be right’. treatment of people we would not >> The Jewish scriptures, ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing

accept for ourselves. some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2). WIKIPEDIA, THE TIMES OF ISRAEL 123RF, COURTESY/© IMAGES

© 2019 Mercy Partners. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of Mercy Partners. Supplied content is used with permission of the copyright holder as noted and ownership of this content remains the property of the original copyright holder. Please apply to the Editor in writing for permission to reproduce any part of this publication: [email protected]. Note: this publication may be transmitted without permission for the purpose of genuine promotion of the mission of Mercy Partners and its ministries, or for study. wweb & reversed out

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