17 February, Brisbane
As we navigate a world that is constantly evolving, Mercy Partners remains committed to adapting to these changes. We understand the importance of staying future-focused to ensure that we continue delivering quality formation services to our ministries. Since our establishment in 2008, Mercy Partners has grown significantly, both in number and geographic reach, and we anticipate this trend will continue in the years to come.
In response to this growth, we have begun planning for the design of our future formation model. We will build upon the solid foundation laid by Dr Caroline Thompson and her team in the Formation Directorate at Mercy Partners. The Mercy Partners Board are revisiting their own Formation Framework to assess what adjustments are needed as we grow and welcome new partners into our Public Juridic Person (PJP).
To assist with this process, Mercy Partners has engaged Ms Julia Trimboli, a trusted figure within our community who brings extensive experience in formation and mission models in Catholic ministries. Most recently, Julia has worked with Mater Health Services. She will be collaborating closely with Mercy Partners Formation Chair, Ms Cath Bartolo, to advise on the necessary systems and structures that will ensure the sustainability of our formation efforts. Cath brings a wealth of experience from the community services sector at the CEO level, alongside her background in Catholic education, working with disadvantaged students and families.
While the development of this future model may temporarily appear to have slow activity, ministries will still have access to our extensive published formation resources. Additionally, our popular Mercy Moments resource (Reflection on Practice) will remain available. Throughout this transition, we want to reassure our ministries that we will continue to support them in fulfilling their canonical formation requirements.
We look forward to keeping you informed about our renewed strategic direction for formation in future newsletters.
We will seek to continue to strengthen the relationship between Mercy Partners and their ministries as we work together to fulfil our Mission:
‘To contribute to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life-giving mercy of God is experienced.’
