CONTENTS 2 do justice and love humbly 5 formation update 8 ministry updates Edition 45 WINTER 2020 3 CONTENTSfrom the ceo 1 chairperson’s6 mercy p artners events4 formation update18 reflection report 6 reflection 2 transfer of ministries

THEME FOR THIS ISSUE: “Mercy always arrives as a gift” THIS ISSUE: “The People We Are: Justice” I’ve come to love working with the people I have met in the past ten years. For me it’s … about the culture of tolerance and acceptance [at Mater]… – Ian, Registered Nurse, Mater Rockhampton PHOTOS © MERCY PARTNERS/ANTHONY ANDERTON; ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE TOWNSVILLE; MATER MISERICORDIAE; ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL ALL HALLOWS’ MISERICORDIAE; MATER TOWNSVILLE; COLLEGE PATRICK’S ST ANDERTON; PARTNERS/ANTHONY © MERCY PHOTOS diary Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Mercy Partners Council has put future events on dates hold until further notice. For more information visit www.mercypartners.org.au/news/view/294 1 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 45 mercy partners council Justice Change the world – Speak out, judge do justice and love humbly How did God identify with the poor? Born in a stable, wandered righteously, defend without knowing where he may find rest, no possessions, oppressed, suffered a miscarriage of justice, stood up to power the rights of the poor and was killed. God stood with poverty and oppression. Jesus modelled a way to live and engage with a broken world. Through relationship, healing, teaching, non-violence and and needy. advocacy for the vulnerable and the voiceless, Jesus reminds us and challenges us (compassionately and critically) to go out and – Proverbs 31:9 do the same. This is the heart of mission!

“Black Lives Matter” (BLM) is this generation’s response to racism. Movements like BLM invite white Christians to work at deeper forms of solidarity and to identifying and rectifying racism in our homes, workplaces and communities. It is a resounding call for a global transformation to affirm the humanity and dignity of Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Colour (BIPOC) and to ensure equal protection under the law for all. Jesus’ commitment to the most vulnerable in our world is seen in the actions of those standing up for change, despite the dangers. The gospel question: How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? (1 John 3:17) challenges our white privilege. Just stating, I’m not racist is not enough, the gospel calls for action, change and courage.

In Proverbs we are asked to, speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy (31:8-9). This call transcends equality – it is more and more critical that we find the people who need power and distribute some of our power to them. If they need wealth, we distribute some of our wealth to them (Keller, 2016, 18:07). We do not treat everybody the same, we go to the people who are in most need and share what we have. The need for serious dialogue about social and structural injustice is here and the BLM movement is a clear articulation of this need.

Timothy Keller tells us, “Justice and doing justice and caring for the poor, according to the Bible, is not just something for a few people, the do-gooder types, and the rest of us are just go on trying to be good people. No! God says if you have a living faith, if you have a real relationship with me then a heart and life dedicated to social justice is the inevitable sign of real faith” (Keller, 2016, 9:06).

If we are just, this is where we must focus today, tomorrow and for as long as it takes! Where can you act to address social and systemic injustice and oppression?

References Dunnington, K and Wayman, B. (2020). The problem of comfortable Christians in an age of protest. RedeemerCFW. 2016, June 3. Grace, Justice, and Mercy: An Evening with Bryan Stevenson and Reverend Timothy Keller. PHOTO © PEXELS PHOTO

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FROM THE CEO Justice The people we are: justice john leahy mercy partners ceo,

IN THIS ISSUE OF MERCY PARTNERS NEWS WE FOCUS NEW MINISTRY ON THE SECOND VALUE IN MERCY PARTNERS MISSION On 1 July, the One Mater Project will come to fruition, creating STATEMENT: JUSTICE. the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in Queensland. At this time, Mater Health Services North Queensland, Mater “Those who show justice, live and promote right relationships with hospitals in Central Queensland and Mater hospitals in South God, self, neighbour and creation. They uphold human rights, accept East Queensland will transition to a single Mercy Partners their responsibilities to one another, and strive to provide fair access ministry, “Mater”. to the world’s resources for all people.” – The Mission of Mercy Partners In conjunction with its Stewards, Mercy Partners is exploring its future structure to ensure it remains relevant for current and MERCY PARTNERS COUNCIL is cognisant of the significant future ministry needs. increase in workload for all ministries as they have implemented preventative measures to check the spread of EVENTS COVID-19. The pandemic has affected the way we live our lives: While Mercy Partners events have been postponed in line with how we worship, serve in our ministries and, on a personal state and federal government health guidelines, our formation level, connect with family and friends. We applaud our people team has been working hard to bring an online component to as they continue to reach out with compassion, justice, respect our formation offerings. Two very successful online retreats and hope to their communities in innovative ways. were held on 11 and 25 June. Lead by author, Laudato Si’ animator and eco-spirituality educator, Margie Abbott rsm, participants In keeping with government health guidelines, Mercy Partners immersed themselves in Laudato Si’. Council met online in April and in May some Councillors attended at Mercy Partners Place whilst others joined the John Leahy Council meeting online.

The people we are

IN EACH ISSUE of Mercy Partners NEWS this year we will feature a newsletters and as a feature of our art space at Mercy Partners different participant from the The People We Are photo-narrative Place in Northgate. project on our cover. Ian, a registered nurse based at Mater in Rockhampton, features in this issue. Ian says, ‘[Mater] has become The project was coordinated by former Mercy Partners CEO, Paul more than a place to work. It’s become … my identity’. Jensen, and Mercy Partners Director of Formation, Dr Caroline Thompson. Participants were interviewed and photographed Mercy Partners Council would like to thank all those who by Anthony Anderton. Anthony is a photographer, writer and participated in The People We Are project. This project captures independent arts curator based in Brisbane. His photography can the untold stories of our differently-abled workers, students, be viewed at www.anthonyanderton.com.au. Creative and design advocates, patients, aged care residents, doctors, nurses, teachers work was undertaken by Sheryl Rowse. and carers. We are very grateful to those people in our ministries who took These are the people who walk the well-lit path with us, the time to share their stories with us. It has been a privilege to responding to the call of the gospel to live and work with walk with them and to listen to their experiences of Mercy Partners compassion, justice, respect, hope and mercy. Their stories ministries and their hopes and dreams for the future. Find out are the heart of Mercy Partners and our shared mission. Some more about Mercy Partners ministries at stories are featured in Mercy Partners 2020 calendar, in our 2020 www.mercypartners.org.au/ministries.

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Mercy Partners meets online Mercy Partners Council and Formation Committee both met online in recent months and, in June, we held our first ever online Formation retreat (see page 6).

Silence of our eyes. Silence of our ears. Silence of our mouths. Silence of our minds. ... in the silence of the heart God will speak. Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere – in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals. If we are careful of silence it will be easy to pray.

– From The Power of Prayer: Writing on Prayer St Teresa of Calcutta (Benenate, 1998, p7)

4 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 45 mercymercy partnerspartners updateformation update mercy partners formation update Formation Update THIS TIME OF ISOLATION HAS BEEN A CREATIVE TIME AT MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION. dr caroline thompson mercy partners of formation director

ON 11 JUNE we conducted our very first online retreat. Margie Abbott rsm led participants through key aspects of Laudato Si’ in a program of reflection, discussion and time for contemplative prayer. It was great to connect with participants from different ministries and regions and to focus on the importance of Pope Francis’ warnings about the need for climate action. A second online retreat was held on 25 June.

This year’s prayer resource on Laudato Si’ also examines the key messages of this landmark encyclical which is now five years old. If you don’t have a copy you can download the series from our website.

Mercy Partners Formation is currently filming a series of short video presentations on governance topics for use in our board induction programs and for leadership teams. The topics covered in this series will be: 1. PJPs and mission 2. What is Mercy Partners? 3. Reserve powers – protecting mission 4. Civil and canonical governance 5. What does Mercy Partners expect from Boards? 6. What exactly is stable patrimony? 7. Partnership between Mercy Partners and ministries. 8. Relationships with Church The series complements our recently published resources Partners in Mission books 2 and 3.

We hope that this series will be helpful to leaders who are looking for an overview of the key elements of governance in a PJP. We hope to have the first of these videos available for Boards and new directors in July. Caroline Thompson and Libby Blom

In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reiterates the fact that in our world nothing is 1. Everyone expendable, no creatures have less value than others, no person has more right to the Earth’s resources. and …economic powers continue to justify the current global system where priority tends to be given to speculation and the pursuit of financial gain. WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU everything [§56] These situations have caused sister earth, along with all the abandoned of our world, to cry out, pleading that we take another Mercy Partners Formation offers within ministry support. matters course. Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years. … The problem is that we still lack the Contact us at [email protected]: culture needed to confront this crisis. We lack leadership capable of striking out on new paths and meeting the needs of the present with > Governance sessions for Boards concern for all and without prejudice towards coming generations. [§ 53] > Induction programs > Mini retreats or reflection sessions PRAYER RESOURCE 2020 Our 2020 board prayer resource focuses on key > Whole-day, half-day or shorter sessions for staff on charism, learnings from St Francis’ third encyclical, Laudato Si’: on care for our common mission, Catholic identity and related topics home. The prayer resource is available on Mercy Partners website. > Program or study support

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MERCY PARTNERS ONLINE FORMATION RETREAT Formation Retreat 2021 – Igniting a Re-Enchantment with the Sacred facilitated by Margie Abbott rsm In this experiential retreat we had the opportunity to listen deeply to Earth and each other. We all realised Laudato Si’, now into its fifth year, still has much to teach us about Earth as our Mother, “that we are not disconnected from the rest of creatures, but joined in a splendid universal communion” (220). We took time to explore the ‘precious contribution’ of Laudato Si’ in a relaxed way online.

Margie included Earth-centred meditation, rituals from her book Cosmic Sparks, time for mindfulness walking, reflection on the Mercy Partners Laudato Si’ cards, time for sharing and for good measure and great joy some impromptu poetry and singing (thank you Patsy Grundy pbvm and Caroline Thompson).

We give thanks and praise to Margie whose energy, passion and blessings lead us gently through the day and moved us into enlivened conversations, visual contemplations, silent meditations and ignited in us a renewed energy to make a difference in our world.

A little more about our facilitator Margie Abbott rsm resides in Geelong and offers retreats though her private practice Igniting Sparks under the auspices of McAuley Ministries. Margie is a Laudato Si’ animator and her latest book Cosmic Sparks: Igniting a Re-enchantment with the Sacred has just been published.

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TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST please download the flyer and expression of interest form and return the completed form to Libby Blom.We will provide an update on the status of this event by the end of August 2020.

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mater misericordiae Mater Nappies secures spot in Australia’s top 10 products of the decade Mater Nappies has been named as the most trusted brand co-creation process has been central to Mater Nappies becoming in baby care among Australian parents, by securing a spot a staple across many Australian households. in the country’s top 10 products of the decade. “Our products were carefully curated with feedback from over VOTED ON BY thousands of household shoppers, the only 3000 midwives and mums across Australia,” Ms Alves said. certified Australian made, hospital-developed nappy range has been listed amongst iconic brands including Vaseline, Berocca “Combining this focus on collaborating with our consumers and Heinz, as the leading product in baby care by consumer with our product quality, Mater Nappies enable our teams to awards company, Product of the Year. continue the exceptional care from Mater Mothers’ Hospitals into the home.” Announced just in time for World Product Day on Wednesday 27 May, Product of the Year’s top 10 products of the decade is the “We are very proud that Mater is the first and only hospital brand world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in the world to develop its own range of disposable nappies, and aims to guide consumers by serving as a shortcut for which are endorsed by midwives and loved by mums across shoppers—saving them time and money. Australia. Being named as one of the best in the decade gives us a great opportunity to thank all those who made Mater Nappies Mater Nappies are part of a wider maternity and baby care possible.” product range to support mums with high quality and locally made products, developed by Australia’s largest maternity Proceeds from Mater Nappies support Mater Little Miracles service, Mater Mothers’ Hospitals. to fund important research projects that will give babies throughout Australia the best possible start in life. Created from a passion for healthy infant skin care, the range has won a number of accolades since launching in 2013, making The Mater Baby Products’ range is available locally at select its name known as a crowd favourite for families. Woolworths Supermarkets and pharmacies and nationally via MATER MISERICORDIAE MATER our online store. For retail stockists visit SCHOOL ALL HALLOWS’ Mater’s Director of Mater Products Tania Alves said the unique http://www.materbabyproducts.com.au or call 1300 162 837. PHOTO © PHOTO PHOTOS © PHOTOS

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all hallows’ school The colours of justice At the start of 2020 All Hallows’ School launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan. The very act of writing a RAP identifies that there is a need to promote justice for Australia’s First Nations peoples. needed to happen too before we could create a future that was just and equitable. The Rainbow Serpent hung proudly at the This is our mission as a Mercy school – to educate our centre of the School for the duration of National Reconciliation students to advocate for those without a voice and Week. who are marginalised in our society. A crucial part of our program for this week was the viewing DESPITE RESTRICTIONS ON our ability to gather in large groups of the documentary In My Blood It Runs. This film was made at school, the staff and students were able to celebrate Sorry freely available to staff and students at the School and the Day and National Reconciliation Week in creative ways. At Human Rights Group held an on-line discussion forum to our virtual whole school assembly and again as part of the unpack some of the themes explored in the film. There was live-steamed Wednesday morning liturgy, the prayer focus robust conversation about the way we teach our national was on Reconciliation and the need to come together to history, incarceration rates of First Nations youth and the ways make significant changes to conditions experienced by many in which we can celebrate Indigenous culture. World Vision Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. representative and spokesperson for the film, Zana Bowen, spoke of the challenges of so many young First Nations children This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is “In This to learn in an environment that simply doesn’t tell their story. Together” and this was the focus, not only of our on-line prayer She did acknowledge, however, that we have come a long way experiences, but of the whole-school creative task of making in our schools and that her children have a chance to attend a a giant Rainbow Serpent. On National Sorry Day, students school that affirms difference and celebrates culture. were provided with a paper disc in their house colour. On this disc they were asked to reflect on what Australia needed to do Our School theme this year is Respect Always, Love Deeply and the together to foster the Reconciliation process. Responses were values of respect and love featured strongly in our conversations ALL HALLOWS’ SCHOOL ALL HALLOWS’ many and varied but there was a true appreciation that justice and reflections during this important week where issues of was everybody’s business. Saying ‘sorry’ was a good first step justice are at the fore. At All Hallows’ School, we are proud to be PHOTO © PHOTO but concrete action of truth-telling and cultural appreciation advocates for Reconciliation and voices of justice in our world.

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st rita’s college clayfield St Rita’s launches Graduate Teacher Network in online learning space

As if embarking on a new career wasn’t enough of education, at a time when they are only just finding their feet,” a challenge, graduate teachers were thrown into Maree said. uncharted territory this term when schools moved to online learning. Maree, who also launched a Deputy Principal – Curriculum Network with two colleagues five years ago as they prepared for DURING HER RECENT fortnightly meeting with the College’s the new senior curriculum, said a similar network of graduate graduate teachers, St Rita’s College Deputy Principal Studies, teachers from like-minded schools would be a great support for Maree Trims, noticed that professional learning meetings those starting out. for beginning teachers had been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. “We’ve formed a really good friendship and network among the Deputy Principals, and we now share an abundance of This created a gap in the networking opportunities they usually resources,” she said. rely on. “There is a lot of support to be gained from reaching out to “I asked our graduate teachers if they would find it beneficial to colleagues in other schools, especially those who teach in the connect with others in their first year to chat about how they are same fields and who are in a similar situation.” coping with their first year of teaching and the major change in See Graduate Teacher Network, page 11 PHOTO: © ST RITA’S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD COLLEGE, RITA’S © ST PHOTO:

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graduate teacher network Continued from page 10 help of laboratory assistants.

The first meeting was virtually attended by 17 graduate teachers “If you’re really not sure what practical activities you can do, ask from Catholic girls’ schools via Zoom. them; tell them what you want to do and see if they have any ideas,” she said. It also featured guest speakers Nicola McCabe and Benjamin Babao (second- and third-year St Rita’s College teachers), as well “There is so much in teaching where you feel like you have to as Jackie Woods from Lourdes Hill College, who shared their cover every single thing; don’t try to do everything at once.” own advice and experiences. St Rita’s College graduate teacher Georgia Dogger said she had Mathematics teacher Ben Babao, also a Head of House at St Rita’s, already reached out to teachers in her subject field following the said he was fortunate enough to go straight from university into a network’s first meeting. teaching position in 2017. “Together, we have the opportunity to workshop our approaches “Of outstanding importance for me is that after three years in the to delivering these units in the most engaging and accessible way job, I still love coming to work every day; I’m still happy doing my for our students,” Georgia said. job,” he said. “We are striving to be experts in our field, meaning that we can Ben’s advice included the importance of not fixating on the never allow ourselves to stop learning; each of us brings a unique “small stuff” and taking advantage of the great work done by flair which can positively contribute to practical suggestions for support staff. lesson planning and content delivery.

“One thing I always keep in mind is that there is every chance the “There is a lot to be said for having people around you who can teacher aide in your room has been in way more classrooms and empathise with your situation and offer support when everything has seen a lot more than you have,” he said to the group. is new.”

“Ask for ideas and ask for help where needed; they will appreciate The group will continue to meet following the conclusion of this and you will get more out of the interaction.” Learning at Home.

Third-year Lourdes Hill College Science Teacher Jackie Woods “We are looking forward to meeting as a face-to-face network shared similar advice, emphasising the benefits of recruiting the here at St Rita’s as soon as it is possible to do so,” Maree said. PHOTO: © ST RITA’S COLLEGE, CLAYFIELD COLLEGE, RITA’S © ST PHOTO:

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mercy community services south east queensland Shining lamps – the untold story Like many other social service organisations, Mercy I just had a few colleagues who wanted to give back to society, Community has seen an increase in demand for its and in particular the vulnerable.’ services over the last couple of months as people struggle to make ends meet or experience other He added, ‘it is important to note this initiative was started through the relationship and connections by people with a stresses due to the COVID-19 crisis. common sense of compassion, duty and social justice. We hoped to lend a helping hand to the people who needed it the most and NOT CONTENT WITH just responding to this crisis within their separately I also hoped to bridge the gap internally between the own area of work, Mercy Community staff decided to do more different Mercy Community’s streams, and boost morale in my to help those people in need and formed the ‘Shining Lamps’ locality at Mercy Community.’ volunteer group. Luke has a strong sense of community and feels that Initiated by Luke Penfold, who is a Residential House volunteering is a wonderful way to engage with the general Coordinator in the Families and Young People team, the group community and to get the Mercy spirit out there. He went on to of volunteers grew quickly, jumping into action right away. They say, ‘I am not sure what the future brings for Shining Lamps, started to collect and deliver food as well as toiletry packages to however, I know that values and traits such as compassion, Romero Centre clients who are either refugees or people seeking inclusion and selflessness of our volunteers will continue within asylum, many of who are destitute, as they are not allowed to get our community.’ a work visa or gain government income support. Maybe the Shining Lamps initiative has prompted us to see that Luke and his team were met with smiles and gratitude for the we have an untapped resource, opportunity and capacity to gifts – their efforts were greatly appreciated by all recipients. increase our reach and impact in our little corner of the world.

When asked why he wanted to go the extra mile, Luke said, ‘I ‘I hope to maintain this opportunity after the passing of the did not mean to start shining lamps, nor did I coin the name. COVID-19 crisis’, stated Luke. QUEENSLAND SOUTH EAST SERVICES COMMUNITY © MERCY PHOTO:

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st ursula’s college, yeppoon Justice and simplicity go hand in hand For St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, Year 11 student, because we’re making sure people have what they need to Breanna Willett, justice and simplicity go hand in hand. take the next step forward in life.”

BREANNA, 16, VOLUNTEERS regularly with the College’s “Volunteering doesn’t take a lot of my time, but it makes a Headstart program, an ongoing outreach project that big difference to the people who need help.” delivers ‘Starter Kits’ to clients of local Shelters, Health Services, and Community Centres. St Ursula’s Head of Religious and Cultural Studies, Ms Kathy Strelow, said the College values of Faith, Respect, Excellence, “Headstart helps people through simple ways,” said Breanna. Compassion, Hospitality, and Simplicity were embedded in “I joined Headstart because I thought it sounded interesting; the social justice and faith in action activities undertaken by buying household items and giving them to people, to make students and staff. their situation in life a little better,” said Breanna. “As a College community, we seek to put our faith in action “When we (volunteers) shop, pack the kits, or write a note to create a socially just society; simplicity of method doesn’t for each ‘Kit’, our actions – even though they are just small, negate profound outcome,” Ms Strelow said. basic actions – are really part of something much bigger, PHOTO: © ST URSULA’S COLLEGE, YEPPOON COLLEGE, URSULA’S © ST PHOTO:

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st patrick’s college townsville Connection in a time of crisis Compassion, respect, integrity, justice, hope and in service learning through the Mercy Girls in Action an joy are the pillars on which a St Patrick’s College extra-curricular and outreach group. Mercy Girls in Action Townsville education is built. In particular, these raise awareness of the plight of others through encouraging Mercy values underpin every initiative undertaken student participation in initiatives such as the annual Vinnies Sleepout. This year, students slept rough in their by members of the College Community. The global own backyards to gain an insight into the impact of social pandemic that has gripped our nation has seen disadvantage. Respect and compassion for those who face College students putting these values into practice challenging circumstances every day is learnt by the students to envelope our community in a cloak of support. who also collected toiletry items for homeless women.

Students are encouraged to uphold moral integrity by becoming ONCE SUCH INITIATIVE has been ‘Leaves of Hope.’ aware of injustice that impacts local, national and global Conceptualised by the College Prefect Team, students have communities. This year they helped those who live in poverty created coloured leaves bearing inspirational quotes and to maintain their dignity through the annual Caritas Australia messages, which are tied to trees in the College grounds. Project Compassion. A friendly competition to raise funds Community Service Prefect, Tamarra Woods, said the entire in House groups ensured that the students were engaged student body had participated in the activity, spreading hope and committed to the cause. All money is donated to Caritas and joy. “My favourite messages so far have been, ‘May every Australia who support the world’s most vulnerable in an effort student who comes through these gates know their worth’ and to promote lasting change. Ali Thomas, Faith & Identity Prefect ‘You already possess everything necessary to become great.’ said “An education in the Mercy tradition compels us to have the courage of our convictions to live a purposeful life and be agents The College also has a large number of students engaged of change for a better world for all”. ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE TOWNSVILLE COLLEGE PATRICK’S ST PHOTO: © PHOTO:

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mount alvernia college Passion for justice at Mount Alvernia College The COVID-19 restrictions implemented by Reflecting on her experience, Year 11 student Breanne Shepherd schools, while very necessary, have resulted in the said, “The visit to the West End Community House really had an cancellation of many of the service and outreach impact on me. Listening to what Kylie had to say about creating programs at Mount Alvernia College for the this community pantry was truly inspiring.” foreseeable future. However, this does not mean that “The Community House does not only provide food supplies, but their passion for justice has waned. also a range of support services for homeless people and people at risk. They are a friendly ear for anyone who needs to talk and IN THE CURRENT economic circumstances, so many people are a friendly face for those needing some company.” doing it tough. In response, staff and students of Mount Alvernia College, Kedron, have put their support behind three initiatives With students in Years 7 to 10 returning to school from 25 May, in order to support people in need. Outreach Captain Ella Dawes and Year 11 student Lucy England coordinated two additional charity projects. In May, staff and students of the Elizabeth Hayes School (Years 11 and 12) contributed non-perishable food and grocery items to Students in Years 7 to 10 have contributed toiletry items the pantry at the West End Community House. The Community in support of women displaced by domestic violence. The House supports homeless people and people at risk and operates care packs are distributed by police to women who require a 24-hour food pantry. emergency accommodation.

The collection coincided with Elizabeth Hayes Week, the On the final day of term, all students participated in a dress College’s celebration of the foundress of the Missionary down day in support of the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. Students contributed a gold coin donation or an item of winter clothing. On Friday 22 May, a group of Senior students, including College Captain Jeeva Ajimon and Outreach Captain Ella Dawes, Through such actions, staff and students continue the legacy of delivered the donated items. Elizabeth Hayes. She is an exemplar of humility, service, and a life lived in response to the needs of the most vulnerable. During the visit, Kylie Waldren, Community Development Elizabeth Hayes’s journey from Anglicanism to Catholicism, MOUNT ALVERNIA COLLEGE MOUNT ALVERNIA Worker for Community Plus+, spoke about the essential services and her pioneering ministries in journalism and to the poor provided by the West End Community House. and needy in foreign missions, reveal her to be a woman of PHOTO: © PHOTO: extraordinary faith, courage, and zeal.

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mercy community services north queensland International Nurses Day at Loreto

IN MAY ON International Nurses Day, we acknowledged our wonderful staff who provide care to our residents at Loreto. Although we were not able to have a big celebration this year, staff and residents shared cup cakes provided by Mercy Community Services North Queensland to thank them for the ongoing care and compassion that they give to all that they look after.

Pictured are Michelle Yanner, Director of Nursing at Loreto and Helen Perriman, QUEENSLAND NORTH SERVICES COMMUNITY MERCY Executive Officer Mercy Community Services North Queensland. PHOTO: © PHOTO:

Are you missing out? Our digital fortnightly reflection,Mercy Moments,is available on request. To receive your copy please contact us at [email protected]. Subscribing to Mercy Moments automatically entitles you to receive the seasonal Lenten Moments and Advent Moments resources. Visit www.mercypartners.org.au/mercy-moments

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Mercy Partners people awarded in Queen’s Birthday Honours list Congratulations to Mercy Partners people and associates who were recognised in the recent Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List.

MATER CHAIR FRANCIS SULLIVAN (pictured) was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the community, particularly through social justice and legislative reform initiatives, his leadership of the Truth, Justice and Healing Council, and to health and aged care. Francis is committed to equity and justice and has been highly successful in bringing a social conscience to the political debate on health and aged care issues. Francis’ contribution to the Church and the community over the course of his career has been outstanding.

Mater Research Board Director Professor Perry Bartlett was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to neuroscience research, and to people living with dementia, motor neurone disease and spinal cord injury. Perry has been responsible for a series of ground-breaking discoveries in neuroscience, which have often overturned existing dogma and led to a new understanding, particularly in the areas of neuronal precursor regulation and neuron survival in the developing and adult nervous system.

Dr Lyndall White, who completed her medical residency at Mater and has a long-standing association with Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to medicine, psychiatry and perinatal and infant mental health.

Dr Michael Redmond has also been appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to medicine, neurosurgery and medical organisations. Dr Redmond has a long association with neuroscience at Mater and is well known to many for his ground- breaking work with paediatric neurosurgery.

A heartfelt congratulations to Sr Kate Conley rsm from ISMAPNG, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to the Catholic Church of Australia and to women. On accepting the award, Sr Kate said she received it on behalf of her family, her Mercy community and the many people who have been on the journey with her, such as the women in prison and many others. She said, “You can achieve so much more as part of a community and for me I would not have been able to do the work that I have without the strong support of others”.

Denis Moriarty, former Chair of the McAuley Community Services for Women, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to the community, to social welfare and to public administration.

Former Chair of the Mercy Health Board and current Chair of the Mercy Health Foundation, Julien O’Connell, was conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to community health in the aged care sector through executive roles, and to higher education.

Elizabeth Zachulski, Residential Manager at St Catherine’s Aged Care in Bathurst, was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for MATER MISERICORDAE MATER her work in aged care services. Elizabeth was originally employed at St Catherine’s by the former Bathurst Sisters of Mercy before Catholic PHOTO: © PHOTO: Healthcare took over the facility.

Edition 45 Mercy Partners NEWS | 17 reflection Justice May the Spirit of winter warmth touch our hearts

May the Spirit of winter beauty inspire our thoughts

May the Spirit of winter renewal bless our actions for justice.

Winter reflection As we recently celebrated the winter solstice, the southern hemisphere’s shortest day. This is a time to remember with gratitude the blessings of winter: cool crisp mornings, clear night skies, the comfort of blankets and the warmth of fires. In ancient times the shortest day was the start of a new year, the rebirth of the sun and a time of feasting and celebration. In Australia we don’t mark the change of season in such a dramatic way, but this time of the year does invite us all to reflect on the wonderful capacity of our Earth to replenish and regenerate. We too are called to embrace the new, to use this time of quiet and isolation to recommit ourselves to mission, to reach

out in generosity and cultivate beauty around us. MARK © PIXABAY/DAVID IMAGE

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