A Heart for Mercy MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION FRAMEWORK

To contribute to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life- giving mercy of God is experienced

MERCY PARTNERS 07 3267 5840 [email protected] | PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 | Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014 Acknowledgement of Country We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which Mercy Partners Ministries are situated and pay our respects to the elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Indigenous Australia. We give thanks for the continuing vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture, and pledge ourselves to walk forward together in solidarity for a better future.

Our Spiritual Heritage Catherine McAuley (1778-1841) Catherine McAuley opened the fist House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827. On the 12th December 1831 at the age of 53, Catherine made her final vows as a Sister of Mercy. Catherine McAuley’s outreach was to all in need, but she had a special regard for girls and young women of the poorer classes who were frequently exploited and rarely had access to education. She established 12 Mercy foundations in Ireland and two in England and at the time of Catherine’s death there were 150 Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy came to Australia in 1846.

Nano Nagle (1718-1784) Nano Nagle was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1718 during the notorious penal laws which sought to subjugate the Catholic population. Nano Nagle responded to the extreme poverty of her time by opening secret schools in Cork to educate children of the poor. By 1857, she had opened seven such schools and by the time of her death had established a network of schools educating over 400 pupils. Nano Nagle also visited the sick and the elderly in the evenings earning the nickname ‘The Lady with the Lamp’. In 1784, Nano Nagle founded the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Sisters arrived in Australia in 1866 opening their first school in Tasmania.

Elizabeth Hayes (1823-1894) Elizabeth Hayes, scholar, teacher, pioneer journalist and foundress of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, was a passionate Franciscan and a dedicated missionary. As Sister Mary Ignatius of the Franciscan Sisters, Glasgow, she travelled to Jamaica, Paris, Rome, St Thomas Island, Boston and Belle Prairie. In Belle Prairie she established schools, a novitiate and a printing press, producing the first Franciscan journal in English, Annals of Our Lady of the Angels. Elizabeth’s vision was global and she drew inspiration from Saints Francis and Clare in responding to the underprivileged and disenfranchised people of southern USA. Her writings celebrated the Franciscan way of following Christ. She founded the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1872.

Visit Mercy Partners website to download A Heart for Mercy: Mercy Partners Formation Framework at www.mercypartners.org.au

MERCY PARTNERS IS A PUBLIC JURIDIC PERSON In particular, Mercy Partners was established to: (PJP) IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (ref. Canon 116) >> sponsor ministries in the name of the Catholic Church established with Vatican approval in 2008 by the >> respond compassionately and creatively to existing and four Mercy Congregations in Queensland to govern emerging formation needs within ministries the Catholic ministries entrusted to its care by their >> advocate in the public forum on behalf of the poor and founding religious congregations. Its ministries are disadvantaged, particularly those associated with our in the fields of education, health, aged care, and ministries community welfare. Mercy Partners has welcomed >> provide a pathway in the Catholic Church for canonical Presentation and Franciscan ministries and is now leadership of ministries by lay people. a dynamic multi-charism, multi-ministry ecclesial entity.

In carrying out its purpose, Mercy Partners preserves a

STAINED GLASS PHOTO © MATER HEALTH SERVICES NORTH QUEENSLAND NORTH SERVICES HEALTH © MATER GLASS PHOTO STAINED clear and unqualified commitment to the Catholic faith.

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 1 Mercy  Partners   Core  Values To contribute to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberatingCompassion and life-giving mercy of God is experienced. TheThose Expression who show of our compassion, Mission enter into another’s experience In ﬁdelityand to are the movedGospel and to continuing respond. the Theytradition engage of Catherine with McAuley, the poor, our call to mission leadsvulnerable us to … and disadvantaged people of our world.

1. Conduct ministries in the name of the Catholic Church, that: > OfferJustice quality services in aged care, health, education and community services, regularly critiqued against our stated values > PromoteThose the who wellbeing show of justice, people, encouraging live and promotethem to realise right their relationships God-given potential > Respectwith God,and reverence self, neighbour the interdependence and creation. of all creation. They uphold human rights, accept their responsibilities to one another, and strive to 2. Respondprovide compassionately fair access and to creatively the world’s to existing resources and emerging for needs all people.within communities. 3. Advocate in the public forum on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged, in particular those associatedRespect with our ministries, so that mercy values ﬁnd expression in policy and practice. 4. ProvideThose a pathway who show in the Catholicrespect, Church honour for canonical the integrity leadership ofand ministries diversity by lay people.of creation. They recognise the unique dignity of every human Core Values Compassionbeing as Those created with compassion in the image enter into and another’s likeness experience of God. and are Empowered moved to respond. In theby spirit the of Spirit,Catherine they McAuley, are they called engage to with be poor,co-creators vulnerable andof thedisadvantaged new people of our world.creation.

Justice Those who are just live and promote right relationships with God, self, neighbour and creation.Hope Upholding our human rights and accepting our responsibilities to human kind, they striveThose to provide who fair showaccess to hope, the world’s live resources the resurrection for all people. story by trusting Respectin the Those transforming with respect honour power the integrity of God. and They diversity persevere of creation. Theythrough recognise the uniquedifficulties, dignity of every act human with being integrity, as created andin the serveimage and with likeness joy. of God. Empowered by the Spirit they are called to be co-creators of the new creation.

Hope Those with hope live the resurrection story trusting the transforming power of God. So they persevere through difﬁculties, act with integrity, and serve with joy.

compassion justice respect hope The Formation Framework This booklet presents the Mercy Partners Formation Framework. The framework recognises that formation is much more than training and education because it is about the internalisation of values, attitudes and ways of seeing, and the maturation of faith. It is something that we do in cooperation with God. Formation seeks to develop in us sensitivity to where God is leading our lives and our mission (Curtin, 2012).

THE MERCY PARTNERS formation process takes place “… through work, understood as part of personal life, into formation (at a certain point in their careers and Drawing on Scripture, the person of Jesus and Church at the [invitation] of the organisation that currently Tradition, Mercy Partners Council is committed to: employs them) to become more deeply aligned with >> the transformation of the world through living the the organisational mission, vision and values that are values of justice, compassion, respect and hope informed and sponsored by a faith based community/ >> mercy as a foundational expression of God’s unfailing tradition”(Shea, 2013). love for all of creation >> engaging, preserving and developing the founding It is part of the responsibility of all PJPs to undertake charisms of the Mercy Partners ministries as rich formation programs for the leaders of the ministries that sources of values and wisdom and lived examples of they sponsor so that aspects of mission and charism will the Gospel in action develop in response to future realities (Wright 2015). >> learning, formation, reflection and networking to support leaders (directors, executive and key staff) in Thus, Mercy Partners Formation aims to ensure that Mercy Partners the transforming mission of Jesus continues through >> aligning Mercy Partners leaders (directors, executive facilitating the alignment of all leaders with the and key staff) with the mission, vision and values of mission, vision and values of the organisation. the organisation.

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 3 Formation Principles

The development of formation programs and resources which situate ministry and leadership within the mission of the Catholic Church.

The recognition that the key concepts of Catholic identity, mission and Catholic social teaching underpin all formation programs.

The preparation of individuals who will respond to the call to serve as leaders (directors, executive and key staff) in Mercy Partners.

The importance of understanding the governance structures of Mercy Partners and the responsibilities for leaders (directors, executive and key staff) at each level.

The importance of appreciating and nurturing commitment to the founding charism of ministries.

The imperative to assist leaders (directors, executive and key staff) to grow personally and professionally in their work through promotion of a personal understanding of engaging in God’s mission.

The development of a sense of Mercy Partners identity and community through networking and social and professional interaction among its leaders (directors, executive and key staff). PHOTO © TP IMAGES PHOTO

4 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework Core Content of the Mercy Partners Formation Framework Four central elements will underpin all of the leadership programs and initiatives in Mercy Partners Formation.

1. MISSION >> God’s mission >> Mission and the life and teachings of Jesus >> Leadership for mission within ministries >> The scriptural foundations of mission >> Charism and mission >> Mission and the engagement of the Church with the contemporary world >> Catholic social teaching as a guide to mission >> Service of mission as a core element of strategic and organisational planning and development

2. CATHOLIC IDENTITY >> Exploring Catholic identities and their core elements >> Leadership and Catholic identities: personal and organisational choices to enhance Catholic identities >> Understanding Catholic social teachings >> Catholic identities and charism: using the vision of founders to enhance identity >> Knowledge of Church history and tradition as guides to Catholic leadership >> Nurturing community which respects human dignity and the common good >> Understanding the theological foundation of mission and ministry >> Appreciation of Church relationships, communion and lay leadership

3. GOVERNANCE >> Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) and their emerging importance in the Church >> Canonical governance responsibilities of Catholic boards and ministry leaders >> Familiarity with canon law as it applies to PJPs >> Sponsorship >> Partnership >> Mutual relationships with the wider Church >> Stewardship of resources for mission >> Understanding the pastoral dimension of ministry and the centrality of human dignity, social justice and the common good

4. PERSONAL SPIRITUALITY >> The spirituality of leadership >> The elements of faith leadership >> Nurturing charism through personal witness and action >> Honouring and supporting the spiritual dimension of every person >> Demonstrating an ethical approach to organisational decisions, relationships and strategic directions >> Nurturing a common vision >> Modelling reflective practice, theological reflection, prayer and worship >> Building supportive and enabling communities PHOTOS © 123RF/ALVINDOM, BOLINA, TAVANI; DREAMSTIME BOLINA, TAVANI; © 123RF/ALVINDOM, PHOTOS

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 5 Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation Priority Directions DRIVING OUR DRIVING OUR DRIVING OUR ANDRAGOGY APPROACH PURPOSE for Mercy Partners Approach to adult Modalities of learning Toward learning and development human Formation ﬂourishing Respecting peoples TRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATION The diagram, Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for experience and learning I Mission Formation, outlines the priority directions for Mercy Sensitivity to God’s movement MISSION Partners Formation. The ultimate aim of formation is the N development of and support for confident, effective and enabling Reciprocity and mutuality CONFIDENCE T leadership for mission. Contextual sensitivity MISSION E G Organisational complexity EFFECTIVENESS The diagram recognises the importance of a balance of R formation (head, heart and spirit) and differentiates between Needs-driven and MISSION-DRIVEN A training, education and formation. Mercy Partners Formation ﬂexible – diversity of staff T aims to address these varied aspects of formation in a rich and LEADERSHIP Culture and charism challenging multi-modal format. MISSION I Authentic engagement ENABLING O It is critical that all formation opportunities respect and are Adult learning principles N sensitive to context, individual background, cultural realities and Commitment to mission of Jesus the needs of ministries and their leadership. INTELLECTUALINTELLECTUAL <–><–> RELATIONAL<–>RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUALSPIRITUAL To be In particular Mercy Partners Formation recognises leaders (head) (heart) (spirit) your best – as experts and seeks to nurture communities of expertise, optimise your collaboration and transformation. Dimensions of human growth potential

To this end Mercy Partners Formation has developed a ‘within Adapted from Bernard J Lonegan and Levels of ministry’ approach which recognises that each organisation Transcendental Consciousness by Julie Morgan, ACU Executive Education and the Mercy Partners within Mercy Partners has unique needs in formation. Mercy Formation Team 2015. © 2017 Mercy Partners. Partners will consult with ministries to organise formation support and access to regional development opportunities. Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation

Scope of All formation directives in the Mercy Partners Formation Framework are Mercy grounded in these key areas: >> supporting leaders (directors, executive and key staff) in nurturing their inner spiritual Partners resources for effective leadership practice >> fostering the Catholic identity of ministries Formation >> understanding canonical and civil governance responsibilities Framework >> embedding mission as a core source of all ministry activities.

6 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation

DRIVING OUR DRIVING OUR DRIVING OUR ANDRAGOGY APPROACH PURPOSE Approach to adult Modalities of learning Toward learning and development human ﬂourishing Respecting peoples TRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATION experience and learning I Sensitivity to God’s movement MISSION N Reciprocity and mutuality CONFIDENCE T Contextual sensitivity MISSION E G Organisational complexity EFFECTIVENESS R Needs-driven and MISSION-DRIVEN A ﬂexible – diversity of staff LEADERSHIP T Culture and charism MISSION I Authentic engagement ENABLING O Adult learning principles N Commitment to mission of Jesus INTELLECTUALINTELLECTUAL <–><–> RELATIONAL<–>RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUALSPIRITUAL To be (head) (heart) (spirit) your best – optimise your Dimensions of human growth potential

Adapted from Bernard J Lonegan and Levels of Scope of Mercy Partners Transcendental Consciousness by Julie Morgan, logo ACU Executive Education and the Mercy Partners Formation Framework Formation Team 2015. © 2017 Mercy Partners.

Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation

Y IT L A U C IT A R T I H P Leadership for O S Pilgrimage L Catholic Identity L I A Retreats C

N Leadership for Mission I D MISSION O Prayer Mission is at E S Partnership N R

Reﬂection T E Mercy P I Faith leadership T

Charism Y

the heart of all MISSION

formation in Sponsorship Canonical Responsibilities Mercy Partners. Civil Responsibilities Succession Planning Mentoring Leadership and Governance

GOVERNANCE

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 7 For Whom? The Mercy Partners Formation programs are provided for the following groups

Stewards, Mercy Partners People invited by Mercy Emerging leaders Council members, Partners Council, Boards nominated by CEOs, Sisters from participating or Congregational Leaders. Board Chairs or Mercy congregations, leaders Other leaders in key areas Partners Council. (directors, executive and of ministry or related key staff) of Mercy Partners. organisations.

The formation program is flexible and multi-modal allowing connection to a wide range of people inside and outside of our ministries.

MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION recognises that people The formation program is flexible and multi modal will enter into the program at different stages of their life allowing connection to a wide range of people inside journey and from a variety of backgrounds in our socially and outside of Mercy Partners. Individual formation and culturally diverse society. While explicitly Catholic, planning and formation targeted at specific groups within the program welcomes those from other faith traditions a ministry are available in consultation with the Mercy and no faith affiliation. Mercy Partners Formation Partners Formation Director and leaders (directors, honours all participants as experts in their field and key executive and key staff of ministries). resources in developing communities of practice.

8 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework What We Offer The Mercy Partners Formation Framework is flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual ministries and leaders. Mercy Partners is committed to within-ministry support and the provision of resources to support leaders.

Seminars for ministry groups

Conferences and gatherings

networking accessibility Pilgrimages flexibility identity

Board induction and ongoing Resources formation support for Website directors and Support Board chairs

Retreats Online courses and Modules reflection External courses through days partner organisations

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 9 Mercy Partners Prayer

Light of Christ, flame of our hearts, lead us kindly

that we may lead others kindly. Catherine McAuley, lady of light, hold high that flame on the road before us. Nano Nagle, lady of the lantern, remind us to shine our own lanterns into those places from which we would prefer to turn away. Elizabeth Hayes, light of words, guide our footsteps in the way of peace, gentleness and love. May we be true leaders as we take the light forward with Mercy Partners. We believe in the light. We are called by the fire. We share the one flame. Amen.

Adapted from the Gathering Prayer by Mary Wickham rsm

10 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework Formation Policy

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 11 Structure of Mercy Partners Structure of Mercy Partners

Board of Directors St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon

Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors Mater Health Board of Directors All Hallows’ School Mercy Community Services, Brisbane St Rita’s College Services SEQ

Board of Directors MH&ACCQL PJP Council

> ﬁve appointed by Board of Directors Stewards Mt Alvernia > four appointed by College Councillors Board of Directors Mater Health Services NQ

Formation Finance Committee Board of Directors Committee Mercy Community Board of Directors Services NQ St Patrick’s College, Townsville

Executive Ofﬁce

Stewards

Holy See ()

KEY HOLY SEE EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES STEWARDS MERCY PARTNERS MINISTRIES PJP COUNCIL FUTURE MERCY PARTNERS MINISTRIES

In 2015 the Council of Mercy Partners commissioned Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer to work collaboratively with them to develop a theological framework for their mission statement within the context of Catholic tradition.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THEOLOGY THE MERCY PARTNERS THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK will Pope Francis reminds us of the enable all in Mercy Partners to: importance of a theology which >> grow in understanding of our identity as we is grounded in everyday life and appreciate our roots and core values the Gospel call to love, mercy and >> appreciate the Mission we are called to in the light compassion when he wrote: of scripture, Church teaching and God’s ongoing “Theology is the expression of a Church revelation in our world which is a ‘field-hospital’, which lives her mission of >> inspire us for mission through reflection and prayer salvation and healing in the world … Teaching and >> understand our place in Church through exploring studying theology means living on the frontier, one in the role of ministerial PJPs. which the Gospel meets the needs of the people to whom it should be proclaimed in an understandable The Mercy Partners Theological Framework is a rich source and meaningful way … We must guard against a of inspiration, reflection and challenge for all in Mercy theology that is exhausted in academic dispute or one Partners to promote and nurture mercy in our world. that looks at humanity from a glass castle. You learn so as to live; theology and holiness are inseparable … The Theological Framework is divided into four sections: Without mercy, our theology, our law, our pastoral care 1. A Theological Framework for Mission run the risk of collapsing into bureaucratic narrow- 2. The Experience of God’s Mercy mindedness or ideology, which by their nature seek to 3. The Relation of Mercy Partners to the Mission of domesticate the mystery. Understanding theology is the Church understanding God, who is love.” 4. Living Mercy in Partnerships: Towards a Spirituality

Pope Francis: Letter to the Theological Faculty at the It is important that the Theological Framework not Catholic University of Argentina, On the Occasion of gather dust on the bookshelves of our offices and Its 100th Anniversary,” March 3, 2015 (L’Osservatore boardrooms. It is a living document which defines Romano, March 13, 2015) Mercy Partners identity and it has been developed for discussion, reflection, debate and prayer.

Let’s make the Mercy Partners Theological Framework a document that gives us a language, vision and imperative for our shared mission.

References Code of Canon Law. 1983 Sr Mary Wright IBVM. Address to Mercy Partners Leadership Seminar. 2016. Fr Steve Curtin SJ: Formation in Ministry. Province Express. 2008. Mercy Mission Formation Network. Mercy Network for Mission Formation. 2014.

Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 13 For further support and information contact Mercy Partners Director of Formation Dr Caroline Thompson on [email protected] or 0432 692 601. For resources and support documents go to www.mercypartners.org.au. Mercy Partners offices are at McAuley Building, 131 Queens Road, Nudgee and can be contacted on 07 3267 5840.