In May, Mercy Ministry Companions Trustee Directors and staff enjoyed a visit to Our Lady of Mercy College in Heidelberg. From the moment the group set foot in the door, they were welcomed with true Mercy hospitality. Principal Judith Weir and her Executive team shared morning tea with the group and provided a tour of the school and its facilities. The highlight of the visit was a wonderful liturgy in the Chapel, prepared by the year 11 and 12 students. The Trustee Directors are grateful for the opportunity to visit all ministries and see mercy alive and well. Thank you to Judith Weir and her staff for their generous hospitality.
Joint Formation Session with Mercy Education Board
In May, MMC Trustee Directors met with the board and Executive of Mercy Education Ltd for a joint formation session. Participants enjoyed a presentation from Agnes Sheehan, CEO CatholicCare Victoria. Agnes explored with the group ‘Ministry at the margins’.
The first session discussed how Mercy Education and Mercy Ministry Companions contribute to ministry at the margins. Agnes skilfully challenged attendees with thought provoking questions such as:
- How can we effectively engage with those on the margins?
- How do we sustain this in ourselves and our colleagues?
- What strategies can we implement to ensure meaningful engagement with marginalised communities?
- How can we empower those on the margins to actively participate in our work?
The second session explored the benefits of collaborating across organisations and that the Venerable Catherine McAuley would remind us that our work is not merely transactional, it is transformational. Ministry at the margins requires us to step out of our comfort zones and to see the face of Christ in those we serve. Trustee Director, Gabrielle McMullen also led a short presentation on ‘The role of the Trustee’.
These sessions are an excellent opportunity for mutual ongoing formation, with a focus on keeping the mission of MMC alive so that it flourishes into the future.
