AMPJP Synodality in Practice Webinar
7 July 2026, Online
On 7 July, the Association of Ministerial Public Juridic Persons (AMPJP) hosted a webinar on Synodality in Practice. Facilitated by Caroline Thompson, the session highlighted synodality as a call that challenges all levels of Catholic governance.
The webinar examined how boards and executive teams can embody the essence of synodality—fostering inclusion, remaining open to diverse perspectives, and practising deep, attentive listening.
Members of the Mercy Partners Board attended the webinar and valued the opportunity to deepen their understanding of synodal structures and approaches.
Educating for Interfaith Relations
8 July, Online
Representatives from the Mercy Partners Board recently attended Catholic Religious Australia’s online seminar, Educating for Interfaith Relations, led by Professor Amy-Jill Levine, an internationally renowned biblical scholar whose work has helped countless Christians gain a deeper appreciation of the Gospels and the Letters of Paul within their Jewish context.
The seminar was facilitated by Dr Janine Luttick, Senior Lecturer at Australian Catholic University (ACU), who specialises in biblical studies with particular expertise in the New Testament.
The Mercy Partners Board valued the opportunity to deepen their understanding of interfaith relations and strengthen their awareness of the sensitivities required to foster respectful engagement across faith traditions.
Listening with the Ear of the Heart
21 July 2026, Online
Board governance often focuses on decisions, strategy and oversight. Yet effective discernment begins with something more fundamental: listening.
As part of Mercy Partners’ Governance in Action program, Directors at St Ursula’s College recently participated in the Listen workshop, a formation experience designed to deepen the practice of listening within governance. Rather than concentrating solely on-board processes, the session invited participants to explore what it means to listen with the “ear of the heart” and to engage in synodality, the practice of listening together in community.
Drawing on the Mercy Partners Theological Framework, the workshop connected governance with mission, encouraging Directors to attend to the signs of the times and consider how their ministry’s charism can inform their response to contemporary challenges. Through a structured Conversation in the Spirit, participants experienced a way of discerning that values reflection, silence and collective wisdom.
Importantly, the workshop was grounded in a real governance issue facing the College, demonstrating how formation can be integrated into the work of governance itself. By creating a space where every voice could be heard and where thoughtful silence was respected, Directors experienced a model of discernment that fosters deeper understanding, stronger relationships and more mission-centred decision making.
The Listen workshop offers boards a practical and transformative way to strengthen governance through attentive, faith-filled listening.
Mater Celebrates 80 years of service to the Bundaberg community
29 July 2026
For eight decades, Mater has provided compassionate, dignified care to the Bundaberg community, inspired by its Catholic mission and the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.
To mark this significant milestone, an Anniversary Mass led by Fr John Daly was celebrated in the Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg Chapel on 29 July. Mercy Partners Board Liaison to Mater, Les Jones, joined staff, doctors, volunteers, patients, families, partners and supporters in giving thanks for the many people whose dedication and commitment have helped shape the hospital’s remarkable 80-year journey.
In attendance at the celebration was Sr Anne Slattery who started at the Mater as general nurse in 1967, before moving through different roles, including theatre nurse, Director of Nursing and finally Chief Executive Officer. Mater Private Hospital Bundaberg has held a special place in Sr Anne’s heart for almost sixty years.
