Lenten Prayer – Listening – Fasting – Together
In this edition of our Connected Newsletter which focuses on our shared value of Justice, we heed the invitation of Pope Leo in this Lenten period to place of the mystery of God back in the centre of our lives. Pope Leo’s Lenten message calls us to a willingness to listen; fasting with the intention of keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive; and with a communal aspect to doing these things together which aligns to our Mission as Partners in Mercy.
God with us,
May the grace of this Lenten period lead us to greater attentiveness to you and the least among us.
Give us the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voices of others.
May we strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilisation of love.
Amen
(Adapted from Message of His Holiness Leo XIV for Lent 2026)
Welcome
As we step into a new year, we are reminded of the fresh opportunities and renewed inspiration this season brings. A new year is more than a change in the calendar—it is a grace-filled invitation to trust in God’s plan, dream boldly in faith, and set goals that reflect His love.
Guided by the values of compassion, justice, respect, and hope, let us look forward with faith and optimism, ready to build on the foundations of the past and create a future filled with purpose and possibility.
Newsletter Highlights
In this edition, you’ll discover updates, insights, and stories that showcase our important work and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our mission.
- The release of the new Mercy Partners 2026-2028 Strategic Priorities.
- Learn about how social justice plays an important role in society and how our social enterprise and social justice ministries are transforming lives through opportunity.
- Introducing our new Director of Formation, Kate Garrone, who will guide us in advancing our innovative Framework for Governance Formation for Mission.
- The launch of the 2026 Nudgee Trust Grant Round following the significant review of the Trust’s processes and procedures undertaken throughout 2025.
- Reflecting on the governance work undertaken by the Board of Mercy Partners, highlighting their commitment to supporting our ministries with their canonical and civil duties.
- Our Mission in Action series shares inspiring stories from across our ministries, showcasing how the legacy of our founding congregations—and the spirit of our mission—continues to flourish in our community today.
Additionally, we would like to share some recent personnel updates concerning Mercy Partners and the Boards of our Ministries
Mercy Partners Board Updates
The Deputy Chair of Mercy Partners, Kieran McCarthy, retired from the Mercy Partners Board on 31 December 2025. Kieran first joined the Board in September 2013 and, over the past 12 years, has contributed to the mission and governance of Mercy Partners. His leadership as Deputy Chair has been marked by wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to the values and vision of the organisation.
We thank Kieran for his contribution and service to Mercy Partners.
As Kieran previously served as Deputy Chair of Mercy Partners, Les Jones (Treasurer) has been appointed Acting Deputy Chair until a permanent replacement is confirmed.
We are also pleased to advise that Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Parker, has had her tenure on the Board renewed for a further three years.
Welcome Jenny Parker
With the departure Kieran, Mercy Partners has welcomed a new Board Director, Jenny Parker. Jenny brings more than 40 years of professional services experience to the role including being the Chair of Catholic Health Australia and has worked closely with health organisations throughout her career. Jenny holds a number of positions in the Brisbane Archdiocese, including Chair of Brisbane Catholic Education and Director of Archdiocese of Brisbane Finance Council of the Archdiocesan Council.
Ministry Board Updates
As the sole member of its ministries, the Mercy Partners Board has thoughtfully discerned and approved the following appointments over the past three months.
New Appointments
- Mercy Foundation’s Board Director, Mr Kevin Gardiner has been appointed as the Foundation’s new Board Chair effective from 9 April 2026.
- Mercy Foundation’s Board Director, Ms Jennifer Burn AM has been appointed as the Foundation’s new Deputy Chair effective from 9 April 2026.
- Mr Brian Bissaker – Director, Mercy Foundation
- Dr Bronte Alexander – Director, St Ursula’s College
- Mrs Alisson Craggs – Director, St Ursula’s College
- Mr Ryan McFarlane – Director, St Rita’s College
Ministry Board Departures
Mercy Partners sincerely thanks the following ministry Board Directors who have recently completed their service. We are profoundly grateful for their leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the ministry they served.
- Mrs Erin Bledsoe – Director, St Rita’s College
- Dr Gordon Howell – Director, St Rita’s College
- Ms Dominee Rye – Director, Mount Alvernia College
Ministry Staff Updates
Our Lady of Sion College is pleased to welcome its new Principal, Ms Rebecca Cetrola. With more than 25 years’ experience in both all-girls and co-educational Catholic schools, Rebecca is a highly accomplished leader in Catholic education. She is deeply committed to the transformative impact of all-girls learning environments, particularly in cultivating confidence, courage and agency in young women. Her emphasis on strong relationships, faith-filled dialogue and the nurturing of hopeful, connected communities aligns beautifully with the Sionian charism.
Mercy Foundation’s Board Chair, Ms Annabel Senior, and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sue Mowbray, have tendered their resignations following 13 and 17 years respectively of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Annabel and Sue will conclude their time with the Foundation on 9 April, and we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes as they embark on the next chapters of their lives.
The Mercy Foundation is currently recruiting for a replacement for Sue.
Mercy Partners acknowledges Mount Alvernia College Principal Samantha Jensen for recently completing five years of dedicated service. We thank Samantha for her leadership and her commitment to guiding the College community on its educational journey.
Ministry Anniversaries
Back on 20 February, Mercy Partners celebrated the one-year transition anniversary of the Mercy Foundation who were entrusted to Mercy Partners by their founding congregation, the Sisters of Mercy North Sydney.
Mercy Partners thanks the Mercy Foundation for its active advocacy to end homelessness, promote more socially just responses to asylum seekers, and combat human trafficking and modern slavery.
