In this newsletter edition, we welcome and give thanks to those that support and serve our ministries. We acknowledge the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm displayed in supporting our ministries and the wider Church.
Ministry Board Updates
Over the last three months, the Board of Mercy Partners as the sole member of its ministries, have discerned and approved the following new ministry Board appointments.
- Our Lady of Mercy College – Libby Denny
- Mater Health Group – Jayram Vasudevan
- St Patrick’s College Townsville – Nathan Toll
- St Ursula’s College Yeppoon – Judith Gardiner
In addition, the Mercy Partners Board acknowledges and thanks the following ministry Board Directors who have kindly agreed to extend their tenures on the respective ministry Boards over the last three months.
- All Hallows’ School – Ann-Maree David, Sarah Rush and Jemima Walsh
- Holy Cross Services – Laurie Rogencamp
- Mater Health Group – Patrick Brady, Virginia Ryan, Gerard Houlihan and John Rivers
- Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College – Stephen Mee
- Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta – Kerrie Walshaw
- St Ursula’s College – Bridget Wells and Tim Cole
Finally, Mercy Partners is greatly appreciative of Toni Casey for her important contribution while serving on the Holy Cross Services Board which has recently concluded.
Thank You
Mercy Partners wishes to acknowledge and thank Sr Elvera Sesta pbvm who retired on 9 July 2024 after a lifelong commitment to education and St Rita’s College.
St Rita’s has been Sr Elvera’s home since 1947 when she joined as a Year 4 boarding student. During her school years, she was a House Sports Captain and in 1955 she was awarded Prix d’Honneur and College Dux, the highest awards in our school. Sister Elvera entered the convent of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1960 and at the same time began teaching Science and Mathematics at St Rita’s, where she spent the majority of her adult life teaching. The College’s Sr Elvera Science Centre is named in her honour. In 1989 she was appointed Principal of St Rita’s College, and held the position for 20 years, retiring in 2008.
After a short time away from the College she returned to the classroom in 2010 as a religion teacher until 2018. Most recently Sr Elvera was the College Archivist. Sr Elvera will continue as Patron of the Alumnae and remain an active member of the committee and contributor to the alumnae Virtute publication.
Thank you Sr Elvera for your service and all the very best for your well-deserved retirement.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mercy Partners Steward Representative, Fr Paul Cahill who celebrated his 50th anniversary of this priestly Ordination. Fr Paul joined the Carmelites in 1968 and was ordained a priest in 1974. Following his Ordination, Paul’s years of service and ministry have included serving as Prior Provincial of the Carmelites on two separate occasions, 16 years as Principal of Whitefriars College, as Parish Priest of Wentworthville (NSW) and currently as Parish Priest of Port Melbourne/Middle Park parish.
Congratulations Fr Paul. Thank you for your long and rich ministry.
