Lenten Retreat “Walking on Holy Ground”
1st and 4th-7th March
Mercy Partners Formation has been hosting the Lenten Retreat “Walking on Holy Ground” throughout March in Brisbane at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Mater Hospital, and online. In Sydney, the retreat was held for the Mercy Futures group, the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney, and concluded with a retreat for the staff of Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College. This retreat offered a special opportunity for individuals to pause, reflect, and delve into their own spiritual journey in the context of the Lenten Season and Celtic Spirituality. It was a wonderful chance to engage with Mercy Partners ministry leaders, staff, and directors on a transformative and supportive journey. In total, Mercy Partners Formation organized 17 Lenten Retreats with over 110 participants.
We wish you all a blessed and holy Easter season!
Mission Committee of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons Ltd (AMPJP)
13-14th March
Dr. Caroline Thompson, Director of Formation, attended a meeting of the Mission Committee of the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons Ltd (AMPJP) at Mary MacKillop Place on 13-14 March. The focus of the meeting was on discussing the training for steward directors, trustees, and leaders of PJPs, and the various challenges faced in this significant mission within the Church. The conversation also included an outline of a Theological Framework and included plans for the upcoming AMPJP Conference in August.
ACU Charism Symposium
25th March
Libby Blom, Formation Manager, participated in the ACU Charism Symposium, an event that gathered leaders from various charisms and spiritualities to engage in discussions on formation for mission. While each charism is distinct, we also share many similarities, including a shared aspiration for increased collaboration in mission formation. To foster more strategic collaboration, the La Salle Academy at ACU, in partnership with Mick Bezzina of Bezzina Consulting, developed a process to facilitate more strategic collaboration. Mercy Partners is blessed to have a “communio of charisms” within our organisation, as they each contribute to our enrichment and God’s mission.
Franciscan Schools Australia (FSA) Pilgrimage
26th March
The 2024 Pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome organised by Franciscan Schools Australia (FSA) is scheduled during the Easter season. Among the 26 pilgrims participating in the Easter liturgy celebrations in Assisi is Dr. Caroline Thompson. The pilgrimage group is under the spiritual guidance of Fr. Stephen Bliss OFM, Fr. Paul Rout OFM, and Alison Stone (FSA’s Animator of Mission & Identity). Their pilgrimage is a sacred journey following in the paths of St Francis and St Clare. Our Mercy Partners ministry educators travelling with Caroline are Lynette (All Hallows School) and Richard (Mount Alvernia College). During their time in Rome the pilgrims were blessed to meet with the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, Her Excellency Chiara Porro.
