Our Lady of Sion College New Principal Commissioning
6 February 2026, Melbourne
On Friday, 6 February 2026, the Our Lady of Sion College community gathered for their 2026 Opening School Eucharist celebration that included the formal commissioning of their new Principal, Ms Rebecca Cetrola.
Led by Bishop Terry Curtin, the commissioning ceremony affirmed that the role of Principal is not only one of leadership, but a true ministry; a call to guide, accompany and serve our community in the spirit of Jesus Christ and the charism of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
Representatives from across the College community – the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, Mercy Partners Board Director – Patricia Bergin, the College Board, staff, parents and students – each offered Ms Cetrola words of commissioning, entrusting her with courage, compassion, wisdom and a commitment to the dignity and flourishing of every young woman in her care.
Ms Cetrola then shared her Statement of Commitment, pledging to lead with faith, integrity and hope.
We give thanks for this significant moment in our College’s story and look forward to the journey ahead under Ms Cetrola’s leadership.
Watch the highlights from the celebration: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3400921960075291
Mercy Alliance Gathering
15-17 February 2026, Melbourne
The Alliance of Mercy MPJPs in Australia and New Zealand, established in 2020, brings together four Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) united in their commitment to the Mercy charism.
The member MPJPs—Mercy Ministry Companions, Mercy Care, Whānau Mercy Ministries, and Mercy Partners—meet quarterly each year. From 15–17 February 2026, members were delighted to gather in person in Melbourne.
This gathering provided valuable time for connection and collaboration. Participants reflected on the Alliance’s history, reviewed each organisation’s strategic priorities, explored opportunities for shared Mercy formation, and considered ways to strengthen the impact of the Mercy charism. Discussions also focused on nurturing future Mercy leaders and strengthening links with Mercy International.
Mercy Partners Board Chair, Ricki Jeffery, and Board Director, Cheryl Caughley, represented Mercy Partners at the meeting and described the experience as informative, inspiring, and deeply worthwhile.
Meeting with Vincentian Fr Joe Agostino
17, 19, 23 February 2026, Brisbane and Sydney
Mercy Partners Director of Formation, Kate Garrone, recently had the privilege of attending several meetings with Vincentian Fr Joe Agostino, who was visiting from the United States as part of his research into Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (MPJPs).
Fr Joe’s study focuses on how MPJPs are approaching the formation of laypeople. To assist with his research, Fr Joe was particularly interested in
- How are organisations educating and forming their members in their charism, spirit, identity, and values?
- What effective formation methods are being used beyond occasional workshops and retreats?
- How is the impact of formation being measured? Are there accountability structures, tools, or processes proven to be effective?
- How are organisations ensuring ongoing development of their charism? Have they moved beyond relying solely on the founding congregations to cultivate “charism content creators”? Are these roles paid, and how are they developed?
- Are any MPJPs now enabling laity to form other laity? How did they reach this stage, and how are these initiatives funded?
- What practices have proven successful—or unsuccessful— in the development of MPJPs to date?
The meetings, held in Brisbane including Maeve Heaney the Xavier Chair for Theological Formation at ACU; extended to a large number of MPJPs brought together by Martin Tuelan AMPJP in Sydney. All were highly informative and provided a valuable opportunity for those in attendance to provide meaningful exchange, allowing all to share knowledge, insights, and practical experiences.
