We hear a lot of talk about respect in our world. The Black Lives Matter Movement, the Aged Care Royal Commission, the Disability Royal Commission, the tragic spike in domestic violence, the activities of trolls and online bullies, all highlight spectacular failures of respect for the lives, feelings and freedoms of others.
Pope Francis has highlighted another failure of respect in our world in his prayer intention for September 2020 when he calls for respect for the world’s resources. His words are powerful and direct.
So what can we do today and not tomorrow? How can we share in a just and respectful manner?
We can love the outdoors Let’s fall in love with nature and develop a connection to the world around us. Use our senses to connect with our soundings: smell a flower, touch the water in the river, or walk barefoot on the sand. Then, encourage others to do the same.
We can practise recycling This is a true act of respect as we address visual pollution and counter the damage pollution can inflict on the natural world.
We can nurture plants and gardens Building places of green respite or vibrant beauty blesses our homes and communities. Gardens are not just visually appealing, they also clean our air and provide shade and habitat for a myriad of creatures. Even the smallest balcony garden makes a difference.
We can volunteer together Volunteering is another great way to respect the environment. We can all have an impact on our planet! Here are some volunteer organisations:
> Beaches to Bushland Volunteer Landcare Program > Clean Up Australia Day > Coastal Community Engagement Program > Community tree planting days
We can control our plastic waste Plastic does enormous harm to the environment. Three immediate steps we can take are to:
> use a reusable water bottle > stop using plastic straws or use a reusable stainless steel one > use cloth bags for shopping instead of plastic.
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?
Respect
References Adapted from Donald Fomby’s article “How to encourage children to respect the environment”
IN THIS ISSUE OF MERCY PARTNERS NEWS WE FOCUS ON THE FINAL TWO VALUES IN MERCY PARTNERS MISSION STATEMENT: RESPECT AND HOPE.
“Those who show respect, honour the integrity and diversity of creation … Those who show hope, live the resurrection story by trusting in the transforming power of God.”– The Mission of Mercy Partners
THE SECOND HALF of 2020 has been an especially challenging time for our education, health, aged care, community, family and disability services ministries.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on Mercy Partners ministries. Schools implemented systems to provide a replacement of face-to-face classes with online delivery, while there were restrictions on our aged care, community services and on access to our private hospital services.
Mercy Partners Council is very aware of the significant pressures on our services, our staff and the people we serve in these uncertain times.
As a result of the current circumstances, we have moved to adapt the way Mercy Partners delivers its Formation and Education programs.
Our Formation Directorate developed a set of video resources for our ministries which included a number of interviews with Stewards representatives, Congregational members and other people with a purpose of capturing and sharing wisdom and experiences. These resources have proved to be very popular and, as a result, there will be further versions produced over the coming year.
In addition, Mercy Partners has embraced the use of social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn as mediums to further disseminate information to our ministries and also to bring information in real time to our staff.
As we move into 2021 – and the health outlook is favourable – Mercy Partners will quickly move to recommence face-to-face meetings with our ministries.
SUPPORT FOR MINISTRY INITIATIVES
During this time Mercy Partners, as the Trustee of the Nudgee Trust, approved a number grants. Recipients included the Romero Centre and a number of other projects which were submitted by our five colleges who collaborated for the submission of a single project that related to the
wellbeing of students. A further grant was made to Mercy Community Services North Queensland to expand their MEDI-ALERT service.
Mercy Partners Council met with the Stewards Representatives in July and September. These two meetings provided an opportunity for the Steward Congregations to be given briefings on the issues of importance that have, and are, occurring in this time period.
On 1 December, Mercy Partners hosted a function for our ministry leaders which included a Presentation Day prayer led by Congregation Leader Sr Mary Franzmann pbvm, as well as a Blessing of the Crib by Leader of the Stewards representatives, Sr Catherine White mfic.
All attendees were invited to bring a gift for families in the care of the Romero Centre. Beata Ostapiej-Piatkowski, Romero Centre Manager, was overwhelmed by the generous response from our ministries. She expressed to those gathered the difference these things will make to the children and their families this festive season.
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Speaking on behalf of Romero Centre families, Romero Centre Manager, Beata Ostapiej-Piatkowski, thanked guests for their generosity.
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The people we areIN EACH ISSUE of Mercy Partners NEWS this year we featured a different participant from the The People We Are photo-narrative project on our cover. Sabena, a disability support worker from Holy Cross Services in Brisbane, features in this issue. Sabena says, ‘This job has become the centre of my heart … I was able to give some of the [supported] employees the confidence … to value who they are to see themselves as citizens … I have seen a lot of them grow – and stand up for themselves’.
Mercy Partners Council would like to thank all those who participated in The People We Are project. This project captures the untold stories of our differently-abled workers, students, advocates, patients, aged care residents, doctors, nurses, teachers and carers.
These are the people who walk the well-lit path with us, responding to the call of the gospel to live and work with compassion, justice, respect, hope and mercy. Their stories are the heart of Mercy Partners and our shared mission. Some stories were featured in Mercy Partners 2020 calendar and as a feature of our art space at Mercy Partners Place in Northgate.
We are very grateful to those people in our ministries who took the time to share their stories with us. It has been a privilege to walk with them and to listen to their experiences of Mercy Partners ministries and their hopes and dreams for the future. Find out more about Mercy Partners ministries.
Mercy Partners Christmas Celebration: guests carry the lantern along Nano Nagle Walk in honour of Presentation Day then gather for the Blessing of the Crib. Below-left: gifts for Romero Centre families.
n Formation UpdateWHAT TYPE OF LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED IN A TIME OF CRISIS? TIMES SUCH AS THOSE WE ARE EXPERIENCING WITH COVID: TIMES OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, PERSONAL LOSS, FEAR AND ISOLATION.
IN A SERIES of workshops, delivered across ministry groups in regional Queensland, Mercy Partners Formation has invited leaders to consider this question in their own work. Unsurprisingly, we need only to look at our founders for insight. Let’s look at some of these insights.
LEADERS MUST BE COMPETENT
Competent leaders instil hope. Leaders who know what’s happening and what has to be done, reassure those with whom they work. This is clearly evident in the life and leadership of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, who faced the crises of her time with determination and a clear focus on the poor and vulnerable. Her clear-sighted vision reassured those who worked alongside of her, as well as attracting new women to the House of Mercy and its outreach.
LEADERS MUST BE COMPASSIONATE
People are fearful and this is natural in a pandemic. Compassionate leaders recognise this and build relationships, keep connections and reassure others. Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters, was a role model of compassionate leadership. Her lantern light was seen in the filthy alleyways of Cork City as a herald of kindness, care and recognition. Nano wasn’t afraid to show compassion and her actions brought comfort and solace to those who were destitute and desperately poor.
LEADERS MUST BE COURAGEOUS
We live in an unprecedented global crisis and these times call for courage – the willingness to stand up for justice and equality, to confront irrational behaviour and to lead others with dignity and purpose. It’s always hard to stand against the social conventions of one’s day, but many have done this for the welfare of all. One of these leaders was St Francis of Assisi. Francis not only left his
wealthy family to live communally, to teach and preach about God’s love for all of creation, but he also fronted the battlefields of the Fifth Crusade to argue for the futility of war and to dialogue with the Sultan of Egypt – al-Malik al-Kamil.
LEADERS MUST BE CREATIVE
Business as usual does not exist in the midst of a pandemic and leaders have been forced to look for alternate ways to operate, communicate, collaborate and conduct business. The arts have found new ways to engage audiences through live streaming, zoom choirs, online workshops and performances. Likewise, all leaders are challenged to find new ways to minister to those in need, to circumvent opposition and to realise God’s mission in very challenging circumstances.
LEADERSHIP MUST BE COLLEGIAL
Finally, leaders must be collegial. The adage ‘we’re all in this together’ is a critical one in times of crisis. Catherine McAuley, Nano Nagle and Elizabeth Hayes all knew the importance of affirming and empowering those with whom they worked to use their skills and talents for others. Leadership expertise is never vested in a single individual in any organisation, and realising this can unleash the unlimited potential needed to steer our ministries through difficult times.
Competent, compassionate, courageous, creative and collegial leadership is our challenge and call in times of crisis.
How does your leadership meet the challenge?
Caroline Thompson and Libby Blom
Mercy Partners Formation team delivered workshops to ministry leaders across regional Queensland in September.
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PRAYER RESOURCE 2021
Ancient Wisdom: Lessons from Ancient and Indigenous Spiritualities available from November 2020. Contact Libby Blom for more details.
Partners in Mission A series of videos on Governance is now available.
Please let us know if you would like access to this resource
OUR ADVENT INVITATIONIn the Christmas story, God … takes the risk of incarnation. The flesh God chooses is not that of a warrior but of a vulnerable baby…I know I’m called to share in the risk of incarnation. Amid the world’s dangers, I’m asked to embody my values and beliefs, my identity and integrity, to allow good words to take flesh in me.For those who celebrate Christmas, the best gift we can give others – whatever their faith or philosophy may be – is a simple question asked with heartfelt intent: what good works wait to be born in us, and how can we love one another in ways that midwife their incarnation? Excerpts from onbeing.org/blog/the-risk-of-incarnation-a-christmas-meditation/
If we love one another, God lives in us and God’s love is made complete in us.(1 John 4))
Wait with Mary Wait with Joseph Wait for Jesus Our Advent Invitation
Charism celebrationsThis year we had the privilege of hearing words of wisdom from the Mercy, Presentation and Franciscan traditions as we celebrated special charism days together. Follow the links below to view Sr Mary Tinney rsm, and Srs Catherine White mfic and Patricia Treacy mfic. Follow Mercy Partners facebook page for updates, videos, photos and Mercy Partners news. Photos of the Nano Nagle Walk Reflection held at our Christmas Gathering are now on Facebook.
Watch Sr Mary Tinney rsm speak on Catherine McAuley, the natural environment and mercy. Filmed in Mercy Partners Prayer Garden for Mercy Day, 24 September.
Watch Sr Catherine White mfic and Sr Patricia Treacy mfic celebrate the blessing of animals to celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4. Filmed in Mercy Partners Prayer Garden with a few canine friends.
MY NAME IS Catherine Hackney and am the Executive Officer – Director of Nursing of Mater Private Hospital in Bundaberg Queensland. I completed the Ministry Leadership Program as part of Cohort 2 in 2020. I have to admit that I went into this course with some trepidation and uncertainty. The challenge of fitting this program into an already seemingly busy life filled with the usual stresses of work and family coupled with somewhat arduous travel made me doubt the wisdom of my decision to participate.
The program was offered over two years and was organised into nine sections, each with an intense two-day workshop. I was initially disappointed to find out that this was not a classic academic, assessment based program.
However, I soon realised that this enabled the material to be paced and delivered in a unique way which encouraged deeply reflective personal as well as shared learning. Presenters, each experts in their subjects came from diverse backgrounds and were supported by CHA facilitators to ensure that there was an integrated learning experience between the modules.
Time was facilitated for talking, networking and group presentations. The venues – outside of Melbourne – were purposely chosen to allow us to disconnect from the corporate world and provide an environment which facilitated walking and nature. Although I did value this, it made the travel time to and from regional Queensland challenging.
The material was presented in a way that allowed space for the internalisation of the concepts being discussed followed by group work which focused on practical application to leadership in the workplace. I was uncomfortable, very uncomfortable, with the prolonged periods of reflective silence. I now see this is where the magic happened.
This is where the change started and I took a deep dive into myself. I came home from every session stimulated but exhausted. It would often take me some time to absorb and reflect on the material. Between workshops we were tasked with providing action feedback to the group about how we had applied the learnings.
The professional networking opportunities that this program has afforded me have proven invaluable. I met some fantastic people and many of us have maintained a connection beyond the program. I was also able to utilise these connections to seek out opportunities for my staff to travel the Catholic Healthcare network breaking down barriers that have previously existed.
The Ministry Leadership Program was one of the most significant growth experiences that I have had personally and professionally. It has challenged me and it has changed me. I have come away from this experience armed with a deeper understanding of myself, the journey that I am on and the responsibility that I carry as a leader in a Catholic Healthcare Ministry.
Thank you Mercy Partners for the opportunity
Catherine Hackney Executive Officer & Director of Nursing, Mater Health
Sponsorship opportunityCatherine Hackney, from Mater Misericordiae in Bundaberg, is a 2020 recipient of Mercy Partners sponsorship for ministry leaders to attend Catholic Health Australia’s Ministry Leadership Program (MLP).
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Mercy Partners Events, 2021Save the dates for Mercy Partners 2021 events. Further details will be provided in the new year.
February 11Leaders’ Meeting
March 9Regional Gathering, Rockhampton
March 11Twilight Formation Pilgrimage,
Rockhampton 1: History and Spirituality
March 18–19Mission Leaders’ DinnerMission Leaders’ Gathering
May 11Regional Gathering, Townsville
May 13Twilight Formation Pilgrimage, Townsville 1:
History and Spirituality
June 8Regional Gathering, Brisbane
June 10Twilight Formation Pilgrimage, Brisbane 1:
History and Spirituality
July 14–15Ministry Leaders’ DinnerMinistry Leaders’ Forum
August 9Formation Retreat, Cairns
August 11Formation Retreat, Townsville
August 13Formation Retreat, Rockhampton
August 16Formation Retreat, Brisbane
September 3Twilight Pilgrimage, Brisbane 2:
Indigenous Spirituality
October 7Twilight Pilgrimage, Rockhampton 2:
Indigenous Spirituality
October 14Twilight Pilgrimage, Townsville 2:
Indigenous Spirituality
“Living out the mission of Mercy Partners entails collaborating with others at every turn” – Mercy Partners Theological Framework, p 21
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Council welcomes Catherine ParkerON 9 SEPTEMBER 9, Mercy Partners Stewards appointed Catherine Parker to Mercy Partners Council. Catherine is a lawyer, and experienced risk management and governance executive. Her desire to make a tangible difference has seen her engage with a number of not-for-profit enterprises including Lourdes Hill College, where she served as a Director and Chair of the Governance and Risk Committee. Catherine works with YMCA and has been active in their Youth Parliament program.
Welcome and farewell As we welcome and farewell a number of key leaders in Mercy Partners, the Council would like to earnestly thank outgoing chairs, principals and key executives for their stewardship and legacy of excellence. We particularly remember the family and colleagues of Prof John McAuliffe. ‘May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.’ (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
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Farewell Kerrie Tuite and Catherine Dunbar
KERRIE TUITE
After 12 years of exceptional leadership and service to Saint Ursula’s College, Principal, Dr Kerrie Tuite, is retiring from the college and from a lifetime of commitment to Catholic Education.
Kerrie has been Principal of Mount Alvernia College since 2009. Previously, she was principal at Saint James College, the first woman to hold a principal position in a Christian Brothers school in Australia. She has held leadership positions at Saint Brendan’s College (Yeppoon) and Ignatius Park College (Townsville) and various other teaching roles across Queensland.
Kerrie is a strong believer in the importance of educating young women within the context of Catholic Franciscan education to ensure they make a significant contribution in whatever arena of life they choose to live and work. She is influenced by the legacy of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi and strives to make their values at the core of her leadership priorities.
Throughout her time at Mount Alvernia College, Kerrie’s remarkable leadership, vision and service has been acknowledged and awarded in a number of contexts. In 2018, she was made a Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leadership and was awarded the Excellence in Leadership Award from Catholic Secondary Principals Australia. One of her greatest legacies has
been the development of the buildings and college grounds. Her desire to ensure the Franciscan ethos was embedded in the physical as much as the spiritual world of the college, resulted in award winning buildings and grounds. These have been recognised by state and national bodies for sustainable and educational architecture, and excellence in landscape design.
The greatest quality of Kerrie is her impact and influence on people. Her genuine, generous and compassionate spirit is evident in all interactions. Kerrie’s intelligence and wisdom have allowed exceptional stewardship of the college and of its people. Her ability to nurture others to excel and to shine has been remarkable. We acknowledge Kerrie’s outstanding service to Catholic Education and to Mount Alvernia College and thank her for her leadership and care of the college and community.
CATHERINE DUNBAR
The longest serving Principal in St Ursula’s College history, Catherine Dunbar, will finish her 15-year tenure at the end of the 2020 school year. Catherine commenced at the College in the role of Deputy Principal in 2002, and has been at the helm as Principal since 2005. She steered the College through the impact of Central Queensland’s mining boom and subsequent downturn, the introduction of Year 7s to Secondary School, and the College’s Centenary in 2018.
Kerrie Tuite and Catherine Dunbar will finish their tenures as Mercy Partners principals in December 2020.
See Kerrie Tuite and Catherine Dunbar, page 13
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Mercy Community South East Queensland Chairs
On June 24, Mercy Community welcomed Rowena McNally to the role of Chair.
ROWENA BRINGS MORE than 25 years’ experience to the role, serving as board director and board chair in areas such as Catholic and government hospital services, health and aged care services, disability, water and energy infrastructure and professional membership organisations.
“Mercy has been part of my life for many years – at school, at Church and
through the Mater, so coming to Mercy [Community] is very much like coming home. Our services all reflect Mercy values and meet a great need in the community – a rapidly growing NDIS service, one of the largest Families and Young Peoples services in Queensland, and a wonderful Aged Care facility in Nudgee – all with so much more opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people across Australia.”
Previously, Rowena held several roles with Church entities including Chair of Catholic Health Australia. She currently serves on the board of Archdiocesan Development Fund, Open Minds, Power and Water
Corporation (NT) and Indigenous Essentials Services Ltd Australia.
Rowena holds a Bachelor of Law and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute for Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers and Leaders, a Fellow of the Resolution Institute and a member of the Risk Management Institute of Australasia.
Mercy Community also wishes to acknowledge former Chair Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM. Lee-Anne is currently the Executive Director of the Queensland Catholic Education Commission. She had a long career as a Catholic school and education system leader, including 25 years served as a Principal. During this time Lee-Anne enjoyed a long involvement with several Mercy ministries.
She is currently a member of various National Boards and committees including the National Catholic Education Commission, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Council, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) and the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board. -
“The Centenary celebrations in 2018 were a great opportunity to unpack and display the proud history of St Ursula’s and to acknowledge the enormous contributions of the Presentation Sisters who owned St Ursula’s until 2014,” said Catherine.
“Celebrating our Centenary made me realise how proud I am of the way the College has stayed true to its Catholic Identity, values and great academic traditions and used these to embrace the challenges of preparing young women for life and work in the 21st century.”
Catherine’s personification of the College values – simplicity, excellence, respect, hospitality, faith, and compassion – is recognised by students as much as staff and parents.
“To welcome us to St Ursula’s, Mrs Dunbar has invited a different group of Year 7s to have afternoon tea with her each week in her office; we sit down and chat with her over biscuits and fruit,” Year 7 student, Sienna Lovegrove said.
“Mrs Dunbar is really supportive and encouraging; we love seeing her cheer us on at sporting and other events, and she
is always so proud of us and excited for us, too,” said Year 8 student, Paige Jones.
This sentiment was echoed by Catherine herself. “I love being present when our students engage in activities they love and are good at, inside or outside the classroom. Everyone has a different time to shine and I believe that deserves acknowledgement.”
“I have been fortunate to work at some great schools across the Independent, State and Catholic sectors and am still in contact with colleagues and former students from those schools.”
“St Ursula’s, however, is very special to me. There would never be a good time to leave this College; my departure now is simply a result of timing,” Catherine said.
Catherine said she found the decision quite heart-wrenching, particularly in such an unusual and challenging year. “I know I will really miss St Ursula’s; I regard leading this wonderful community as a very special privilege. This College has been a large part of my life and I will watch its future development with pride and affection.”
Rowena McNally and Lee-Anne Perry
kerrie tuite and catherine dunbarContinued from page 12
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Farewell Prof John McAuliffe AM
FORMER MATER BOARD CHAIR, John McAuliffe, died early September at his home in Chelmer with family members by his side.
His passing marks a sad day for his many friends and family, as well as for Mater People in the broader community.
John’s significant and diverse contribution to Mater spanned more than 30 years, culminating in 11 years as Chair of the Mater Board up to 2012. His tenure exemplified his commitment to community services and his abiding affection and loyalty to the Sisters of Mercy. Prior to his time with Mater, John was taught by the Sisters of Mercy at St Stephen’s Cathedral School in 1944 and he credited the Sisters with setting the foundations for his life and service to the community.
As Chair, John lead a period of growth and consolidation at Mater in South East Queensland and ensured a smooth
transition from the Sisters of Mercy to an incorporated governance model led by lay-people. During his time as Chair, Mater continued to grow and thrive; opening the new Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, celebrating 100 years on Mater Hill and laying the groundwork for expansion of services across the spectrum of care.
Known for his gregarious and warm nature, John was well-loved by Mater People and well-known for his deep and abiding passion for staff in all areas of work. Upon his retirement as Chair on the 1st of July 2012, Professor McAuliffe thanked the staff for their continued dedication saying, “You are exceptional in all you do; you show great care for all who come to our doors and this is why you are loved so much.” PH
End of an era as Phillip Bauman retiresLong-standing MH&ACCQ executive and current Central Queensland Mercy Health Mission Coordinator, Phillip Bauman, will conclude his time with Mater on Friday 11 December.
PHILLIP HAS HAD an extensive career in the Mercy Ministry beginning with the Sisters of Mercy in 1996, then serving with Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland Limited (MH&ACCQL) and more recently with Mater.
Phillip held the position of Company Secretary for MH&ACCQL for a number of years and in recent times has served as the Mission Coordinator for Mater’s Central Queensland Hospital network. Phillip also served for a number of years as a Board Director of Mater Health Services North Queensland.
Phillip reflected on his time working with the Sisters, MH&ACCQ and Mater: “I have been fortunate to have worked closely for many years with the Sisters of Mercy and also with skilled, dedicated and Mission focused Mercy Health and Aged Care Central
Queensland Limited Board Directors, Executive and Staff. I was also privileged to serve for many years on the Board of Mater Health Services Townsville where once again I was blessed to serve alongside some wonderful Mater people.
Along the way, I have made many lifelong friends … who have helped, supported and encouraged me on my Mercy Journey.”
Dr Peter Steer, Mater CEO, said: “Phillip has served our Ministry with a strong understanding of, and identification with,
the Mission of a Catholic Ministry and he has always strived to act in accordance with our Values. His counsel and leadership, inspired by the Mercy traditions, has been instrumental in the growth and development of our services across regional Queensland.
We are indebted to Phillip for his significant service to our Ministry and for the compassion, support and encouragement he has shown his colleagues and the communities he has served.”
Caroline Thompson, Mercy Partners Formation Director, and John Leahy, Mercy Partners CEO, attended an impromptu farewell gathering for Phillip Bauman (seated, centre) from Mercy Aged Care Services at the Sr Patricia Hayes Community Centre in Rockhampton on 7 December. Phillip spent some time reminiscing on his 25-year association with the Mercy Sisters.
Retreats focus on respect, relationships and reaffirming God’s loveStudents at St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, finished Term 3 feeling energised and empowered, thanks to Year Level retreats focused on respect, relationships, and reaffirming God’s love.
FACILITATED BY PASSIONIST RETREAT TEAM, the retreats were a welcome break in daily routine for students in Years 7–10. Deputy Principal – Spiritual and Pastoral, Ms Deidre Pascoe, said the Year Level retreats were held during ‘Retreat Week’, an annual time in the College’s Term 3 calendar.
“Retreats provide essential pastoral care and personal development opportunities for students, with material and information tailored to the needs of the respective Year Level,” Ms Pascoe said.
“The Passionist Retreat Team facilitated retreats for St Ursula’s Year 11 and 12 students during the past two years; the feedback from participants was very positive, so we were excited to invite them to ‘Retreat Week’ with our Year 7–10s.”
Ms Pascoe said the themes of the retreats varied for each cohort, with activities and discussions centered around positive self-esteem, personal growth and spirituality.
“Our Year 7 students learnt about themselves with a ‘You matter’ theme; the girls focused on respect and love for self through a series of engaging activities,” Ms Pascoe said.
“Year 8 students were thoroughly captivated by the presenters and empowered by their retreat, and Year 9s spent a lot of time reflecting within their groups and strengthening bonds.”
“The Passionist Team covered a variety of subjects that included how the girls related to each other, and how they could build positive, respectful relationships, both at home and at school.”
“The Year 10s’ retreat challenged the students to move out of their comfort zones and, as they did, their friendships were refreshed and re-energised,” Ms Pascoe said.
“After the retreats concluded, the responses from students confirmed that ‘Retreat Week’ was a valuable experience.”
“To many of the students, time reflecting with their Year Level solidified their own sense of belonging; they are important, welcome, and part of the St Ursula’s College community.”
Year 8 students Rebekah Jensen, Lucy Upton, Amy Fallis, Halle Salisbury, and Maggie Simmons at their recent retreat.
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Respectful relationshipsby Erica Qureshi
Respectful relationships honour the histories, stories, identities and wisdom of all people in the relationship.
AT ST RITA’S College we strive to continually look inward and reflect on areas of College life that could be enhanced, emphasised, improved and celebrated. This is often a vulnerable process, but one that makes great gains in moving relationships forward and improving practice.
With this in mind, we have set about updating our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The purpose of the RAP is to ensure that the College’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and community are respectful, authentic and reflective of our collective desire for reconciliation. We want to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and awareness is embedded in our school practices.
In 2020, we are celebrating our Pillar of Hope, and have
emphasised with the College community that hope is an actionable imperative. All of this has fuelled our impetus to update the College’s RAP – the belief in the potential for better and to be people who live out our motto, Virtute non Verbis (actions not words). The RAP commits our College community formally to Reconciliation, and to developing respectful relationships and creating meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
St Rita’s College is devoted to living the Gospel imperatives, inspired by Nano Nagle, by challenging the social structures that create injustice. Just as Nano Nagle was deeply relational as she ministered to the poor and marginalised in her community, we are encouraged to be attentive and present to the needs around us.
Our community shows both the compassion needed to empathise with the poor and the marginalised and the responsibility to advocate on their behalf. Today we are called to respect, to share opportunities with and to enter relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Our
RAP outlines a vision for Reconciliation and actions that the College plans to enact into the future.
Our vision is to develop strong race relations, equality, equity, integrity and unity in the classroom and around the school as well as in the community at large. We also aim to foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions. Our vision promotes a culture that strengthens respect for, relationships with, and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples, through positive and inclusive learning and workforce innovation practices.
Since our RAP was approved, some of our actioned items have included:
> Inclusion of Acknowledgement of Country on email sign-offs > Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures curriculum
tile and links added to our staff portal > Development of a student group – Indigenous Cultures
Committee – who meet and organise Indigenous cultural events and awareness campaigns
> Staff Twilight scheduled for later in the year when staff will
learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and be given time to further implement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into curriculum areas
> New Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander flags have been sourced
> Change to the spoken Acknowledgement of Country to be more inclusive
> Student link on the College portal for information and events related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
> Student events planned, lead by the Indigenous Cultures Committee; for example, a movie afternoon and NAIDOC Week activities
> Continued relationship with St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Murgon
> Aboriginal artist’s artworks prominently and proudly displayed throughout the College.
We are committed to building and enhancing respectful relationships and we are steadfast to ensuring that our actions are reflective and authentic so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s histories, stories, identities and wisdom are honoured.
Erica Qureshi is Assistant Principal – Mission, St Rita’s College
Mercy Partners ministries working together: COVID preparation with OptiSim
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Mercy Community’s aged care team one step ahead of COVID-19
While outbreaks in aged care facilities in New South Wales and Victoria have put all aged care facilities on high alert, Mercy Community Aged Care has taken its preparation to the next level, in a Queensland first. The best-practice simulation is aimed at both assessing existing processes and response tactics, as well as up-skilling staff to fill any gaps. It also provides training on potential COVID-19 challenges, such as managing an outbreak and treating a resident experiencing rapid deterioration from infection.
Mercy Community CEO, Fritha Radyk, was keen for the Mercy team to take part.
“We have many processes and response tactics in place already,” she said. “OptiSim has made us feel more confident about what we’re doing and how we’d cope with a COVID-19 outbreak.”
Athena Ermides, who works at Mercy Community’s Aged Care in a clinical advisory role, took part in the simulation.
“I just got so much out of the experience. It’s all very well to write an outbreak plan but with COVID-19 it’s like trying to outrun a storm. You think you’re ahead, then something changes, and you have to reevaluate.”
“We were able to test everything,” said Athena. “We were able to identify areas to improve on, and it’s so great to have that solid learning, to know what works and what doesn’t. I think, now, we’re as across it as we could possibly be.”
No matter their role staff from all areas also found the simulation carried out by an external party extremely beneficial, “We are now across the collective wisdom of everyone who’s learnt something about COVID-19.”
That in turn, helps Facility Manager Loretta Creevey know that the team is well prepared. And they’re not the only ones who feel reassured.
One of the residents, June, was recently asked what she treasures most about being at Mercy.
“The safety … they’ve been marvellous with the COVID reactions. We’ve not had any problems so far, touch wood.”
Alongside all the residents of Mercy Community Aged Care, June’s in very good hands.
The training also caught the attention of local TV with Channels 9 and 10 featuring the story in the news bulletin that day.
20 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 46
mercy partners ministry updates
all hallows’ school
Dedication and Blessing of Magnolia Placeby Claire Easton
On 10 September, All Hallows’ School’s new reflection garden, Magnolia Place, was dedicated and blessed. Situated on the land of Adderton, itprovides space for quiet reflection and prayer and is a place where we remember past All Hallows’ students who have died while still students at the School.
MAGNOLIA PLACE WAS an idea born from the profound grief our School community experienced in 2017 when we lost our AHSisters Emily DelDot and Emily Pham. The garden was named by the Seniors of 2019 after the floral symbol of the School, the magnolia. The magnolia flower has a special place in the All Hallows’ story as it was referenced in a letter written by Mother Vincent Whitty on 2 December 1875. Mother Whitty wrote:
I am sure you are very busy in your department with chickens etc, etc. Here we are eaten up by goats and their kids. Yesterday when in the reception room
(of Adderton) what did I see, but a goat tearing and eating a lovely magnolia – if it survives the tearing it got, it will be a wonderful plant.
During the liturgy the names of each of the students who has died while a student at the School, were read and a flower presented in the girls’ honour. Twelve names appear on the plinths ranging from Ellen and Mary Drew who died in 1877 to Emily DelDot and Emily Pham who passed away just days apart in 2017.
The garden contains a number of significant features including the water rill lined with mosaic work constructed out of ceramics from the School’s teacup collection. Magnolia flowers mark each of the names of the girls and a beautiful statue of Mary comforting two young girls looks over the entire garden. Our School’s Mercy Charism Coordinator, Angela O’Malley, observed that the Magnolia Place garden “completes our community of a communion of saints – those still living and those who have passed on”.
Claire Easton is Director of Mission, All Hallows’ School
Magnolia Place was dedicated by All Hallows’ Board Chair, Adjunct Professor Iyla Davies OAM and blessed by Sisters of Mercy Brisbane Congregation Leader, Sr Catherine Reuter. The garden was blessed with the waters taken from the rill which is modelled on the water feature in the garden in Baggot Street. Sr Cath offered the following blessing:
Water from the rill, water made sacred through the ways we live Mercy, will now be used to bless Magnolia Place.
As the water is taken to the various parts of the garden we ask that:
all who walk these pathways, all who remember those who have died,all who come here seeking the patient hearing of their sorrows,all who come to learn and be renewed,all who come to be refreshed,
may be blessed and animated by our loving God of Mercy.
Principal Catherine O’Kane (right) with guests behind one of the dedication plinths.
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22 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 46
mercy partners ministry updates
st patrick’s college townsville
St Patrick’s new East Precinct opening and blessingCreativity and collaboration in STEM and the arts: that’s the hope for the new East Precinct which was opened and blessed on Friday 20 November.
NOW, OUR HISTORY of educating and nurturing generations of women has a strong future within the walls of our state-of-the-art facility. It features a new dance studio, drama theatre and music studios, designed to promote creativity and innovation.
We are very grateful to Phillip Thompson OAM MP who officially opening our East Precinct building. We also thank Bishop Tim Harris who carried out the blessing of the Plaque.
Above: Gathering outside the East Precinct: Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson; St Patrick’s Townsville Board Chair, Sr Helen Mary Peters; The Most Reverend Timothy Harris, Bishop of Townsville; College Principal, Amber Hauff and Year 11 student, Chloe Dickinson.
Address by Sr Helen Mary Peters rsm, St Patrick’s College Townsville Board Chair.
We gather here today with the St Patrick’s College community – a community deeply rooted in a rich heritage, sustained by a long tradition of mercy-in-action, grounded by a community of friends, diverse in culture, united in faith. And as we gather here on this sacred ground, we remember a woman named Catherine McAuley and we celebrate the God of Mercy.
WE DO INDEED stand today on holy ground – the ground of its Traditional Owners; the ground that saw the coming of the first Sisters of Mercy to Townsville in 1878, and has continued ever since to see a history of Mercy ministry on this site, broken only by the occupation of the armed forces during World War II. It is a site that has shared the story of the lives, the joys and the sufferings of countless Sisters of Mercy during that time. It has also seen ground-breaking educational initiatives and a stream of St Patties girls flowing through its gates across the years.
And it is the holy ground of St Patrick’s College – a College that I believe is the enduring legacy of our foundress Catherine McAuley here on the Strand. And, as Chair of the Board of Governance, I want to acknowledge the great generosity of spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, who with open hearts, let go of this foundational homespace – so precious to them – so that the legacy of mercy ministry could grow and flourish and become a place of education and transformation, a place of excellence, for young women in our time. Through embracing their loss the Sisters have offered the possibility of renewed life in this place; our Sisters graced us with their presence at the blessing of the building some weeks ago.
Catherine McAuley was convinced that: No work of charity can be more productive of good to society than the careful instruction of women. Her ministry arose out of a social need to upskill and house women and girls who were otherwise doomed to homelessness, destitution and abuse.
In today’s world this ministry may take a somewhat different shape but the underlying foundational principle remains the same - to provide a comprehensive and excellent education to young women so that they may flourish into strong, self-directed adults who can have a positive and transformational impact on society. And today’s St Patrick’s College works to empower our students to become compassionate, transformative leaders with a global vision inspired by the values of the Gospel.
I want particularly to acknowledge the immediate past and ongoing principals – Paulina Skerman and Amber Hauff, their Leadership Teams and our Director of Finance and Facilities, Moira Grant – for their vision, creativity and determination to settle for nothing less than the best for our students; and for their past and ongoing creative, wise and disciplined management of College finances.
I want also to pay tribute to the current Leadership Team and the staff of the College. A building of this nature is not achieved without a great deal of time, energy, work and inconvenience. It requires the relentless pursuit of a dream, transformed into a vision that can take shape in the bricks and mortar. I am aware of the endless hours spent in imagining, in planning, in negotiating, in supervising, and in encouraging and supporting the Board Directors in managing the risks associated with a venture of this magnitude – not to mention the many challenges associated with the venture magnified exponentially by the monsoonal event and the ongoing pandemic.
I am also very aware of how intrusive the long months of construction must have been on the smooth flowing of movement, of teaching and of accommodating students in reduced spaces. I am absolutely grateful for the goodwill and the hard work of our staff, and in particular their love and care for our students. This is truly a mercy-imbued College and Catherine would be proud!
It is with a great deal of pride, therefore, that we present this East Precinct building with its Auditorium, Hospitality area, Library and Performing Arts Centre for its initial public viewing. On behalf of the St Patrick’s College Townsville Board of Governance may I once again express our appreciation to all those who have contributed in making this particular dream come true. Thank you.
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24 | Mercy Partners NEWS Edition 46
mercy partners ministry updates
New Mater facilities opened and blessedA new era in healthcare for the Townsville community was realised on 30 July with the official opening of the Mater Private Hospital Townsville Mercy Centre.
Operating as the Specialist Surgery Centre, the $52 million facility boasts four digital operating theatres and state-of-the-art day surgery facilities which are set to bring cutting edge technology and industry-leading healthcare closer to home for communities across North Queensland.
Mater Health Regional Director, North and Central Queensland Gerry Wyvill said the Specialist Surgery Centre intends to meet unmet need across the Townsville region and beyond.
“Grounded by our longstanding presence here in Townsville from supporting the community for 75 years, the Mercy Centre will provide our expert clinical teams with the latest technology and resources in healthcare to enhance the services and value-based healthcare we provide,” Gerry said.
The Mater Private Hospital Townsville Mercy Centre is the first stage of the hospital’s $100 million 10 Year Master Plan. Future plan projects include the development of a $9 million maternity and neonatal unit, a $19 million project to create a one-stop medical hub for end-to-end treatment with specialist doctors, and a $20 million investment in a new six-level carpark to enable more accessible parking at the Pimlico campus.
The Mercy Centre was blessed by the Most Reverend Timothy Harris, Bishop of Townsville and officially opened by Mr Phillip Thompson OAM, MP, Member for Herbert and Mater Chair Mr Francis Sullivan AO.
Gerard Houlihan, Mater Misericordiae Limited Director, Lesley Schneider, Executive Officer, Mercy Aged Care Services, The Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockhampton, and Michelle Landry, Federal Member for Capricornia.
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New Sister Patricia Hayes Community CentreJust five short years ago in 2015, Mercy Aged Care Services celebrated 75 years of providing Aged Care services on the Bethany site in Rockhampton.
DURING THOSE CELEBRATIONS, Mercy Aged Care Services Executive Officer, Lesley Schneider, gave the following commitment: “we will continue to develop and upgrade our facilities in the years ahead to further improve the comfort and care we offer to all whom we are privileged to serve”.
That commitment came to fruition to Thursday 13 August with the Blessing and Opening of a new Community Centre on the Bethany site. The Blessing Ceremony was performed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and featured a beautiful Liturgy prepared by Bethany Pastoral Care Coordinator, Caroline Humphreys.
In his Homily, Bishop Michael paid a very fitting tribute to the Sisters of Mercy for their dedication and commitment to providing caring and compassionate Health and Aged Care Services for the local community over many years.
The Opening was carried out by Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, as the Commonwealth Government partly funded the building of the new Community Centre through its Building Better Regions Fund. The multi-purpose nature of the Centre ensures it will do much to enrich the lives of the residents of Bethany and of all in the wider Rockhampton community who will visit the Centre in the years to come.
The Community Centre was named the Sr Patricia Hayes Community Centre in honour of the late Sister of Mercy, Sr Patricia Hayes who passed away in 2016. It was wonderful that a number of the Sisters of Mercy were able to be present to see Sr Pat remembered through the naming of the new Centre.
For almost 20 years from 1978 when the Sisters of Mercy Health Services Board was formed to provide governance for the Aged Care and Health Care Ministries, Sr Pat either chaired the Board or was the Executive Director of Mercy Health Services. Sr Pat was also a former Congregation Leader of the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy.
In his address at the Blessing and Opening Ceremony, Gerard Houlihan, who is currently a Director on the Mater Misericordiae Limited Board, paid a heartfelt tribute to Sr Pat.
Gerard said that Sr Pat was a strong, courageous and determined leader who had made the most amazing, selfless and significant contribution to the Health and Aged Care Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy here in Central Queensland. Gerard concluded by saying he could think of no one more fitting for the Community Centre to be named in honour of than Sr Pat Hayes.
The Blessing and Opening Ceremony for the Sr Patricia Hayes Community Centre concluded with a tour of the Centre and a lovely morning tea which was enjoyed by all.
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MERCY PARTNERS 07 3267 5840 | [email protected] | PO Box 39 Nundah Q 4012 | Mercy Partners Place 142 Flower Street Northgate Q 4013
A Christmas blessingAs we light the Christmas Star we pray:
May the star of kindness radiate through everything you do this Christmas season. May the star of remembrance enable you to treasure the kindnesses which have been showered on you this year.May the star of courage grow bright in whatever requires your inner strength.And may the star of delight lift your spirit and help you see the joy in simple things this Christmas.
– Adapted from Joyce Rupp, 2010
The Christmas crib dates back to St Francis of Assisi. In 1223 the
first Christmas crib was celebrated on Christmas Eve in the woods
of Greccio near Assisi.
The hope of Christmas
Francis believed that the nativity scene could help people in the area imagine what it might have been like to be present at the first
Christmas long ago.
The scene, which was set up in a cave just outside Greccio, featured a wax figure of the infant Jesus, costumed people playing the roles of
Mary and Joseph, and the live donkey and ox that had been loaned to Francis.
Local shepherds watched over their sheep in nearby fields, just as shepherds in Bethlehem had watched over sheep on the first Christmas.
In the Mass, Francis told the Christmas story from the Bible and then delivered a sermon. He spoke to the people gathered there
about the first Christmas and the miraculous impact that placing their faith in Christ, the baby born in a simple manger in Bethlehem,
could make in their lives. Francis urged people to reject hatred and embrace love. People from the village brought candles which they placed
around the crib and hay was placed ready for the arrival of the Christ child.
Christmas Blessings from the Council and staff of Mercy Partners
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