Monte Board Engages in Mission Drift Reflection
3 November 2025, North Sydney
On 3 November 2025, Mercy Partners Formation Consultant, Jenni Hickson, facilitated a Formation session for the Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College Board, focusing on the theme of Mission Drift.
The session opened with a conversation on the purpose, nature, and methodology of Formation. This was followed by a deeper exploration of the College’s mission and the Church’s broader vision for Catholic education as outlined in the instruction provided by the Congregation for Catholic Education in 2022 called, The Identity of the Catholic school for a Culture of Dialogue. These discussions helped the Board distinguish between “reading the signs of the times” and the concept of Mission Drift.
The session provided a valuable opportunity for the Board to consider how Formation principles are embedded and enacted within their governance and decision-making processes.
Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Bartolo, also attended the session to support Jenni and contribute to the rich dialogue with the Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College Board.
Mercy Foundation Induction
5 November 2025, North Sydney
On 5 November 2025, Mercy Partners conducted a two-hour induction session for the Board Directors from the Mercy Foundation at their offices in North Sydney. The session offered a comprehensive introduction to key aspects of Mercy Partners’ governance and mission, providing Directors with valuable insights into their roles and responsibilities.
Topics covered during the session included:
- The history and founding purpose of Mercy Partners
- An overview of Mercy Partners’ Reserve Powers as the Sole Member of each ministry
- Ministry reporting obligations
- Introduction to the Mercy Partners Annual Ministry Planning Guide
- Governance and formation principles within Mercy Partners
- The role of ministry Boards in supporting formation within their ministries
- Understanding ministry charisms
- Catholic identity and its expression within ministries
- Mercy Partners’ Theological Framework
The induction session was facilitated by Mercy Partners CEO, John Leahy and Board Director, Cath Bartolo.
All Hallows’ School Principal and Board Dinner
6 November 2025, Brisbane
Mercy Partners Deputy Board Chair, Kieran McCarthy, had the pleasure of attending the All Hallows’ Principal and Board Dinner on 6 November.
The evening offered a valuable opportunity for Kieran to personally connect with Principal Catherine O’Kane and the All Hallows’ Board Directors, expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment and dedicated service to the College.
Their leadership continues to inspire generations of young women to embrace lives grounded in faith, compassion, learning, and leadership—values deeply rooted in the spirit of Mercy.
The dinner was a celebration of shared purpose and vision, honouring those who guide and shape the All Hallows’ community with wisdom and care.
Brisbane Catholic Professionals Christmas Party
13 November 2025, Brisbane
The Brisbane Catholic community gathered in joyful spirit for the annual Brisbane Catholic Professionals Christmas Party, a festive occasion that brought together professionals from across ministries, organisations, and parishes.
Held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the event was a celebration of faith, fellowship, and the true meaning of Christmas. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and reflect on the year’s blessings. The evening was marked by a sense of unity and shared purpose, as guests came together to honour the season of hope and renewal.
The celebration also served as a reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the Catholic professional network in Brisbane, highlighting the importance of community, collaboration, and spiritual connection in both personal and professional life.
The event was honoured by the presence of His Grace, Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, the newly appointed Archbishop of Brisbane. Also in attendance were Mercy Partners Chair, Ricki Jeffery, and Board Director, Cath Bartolo.
Mater recruits new Board Director
November 2025, Brisbane
Following recent advice that an existing Mater Board Director would not be seeking reappointment at the end of the year, the Mater Health Group commenced a recruitment process to appoint a new Director to the Board.
To support this process, Mercy Partners was invited to nominate a representative to join the recruitment panel. Mercy Partners Board Director, Cheryl Caughley, was selected to participate, contributing to the interview and selection of a suitable candidate for the Mater Board.
The panel conducted a comprehensive review of all applications, evaluating each candidate’s qualifications and experience against the Board’s skills matrix. The objective was to identify the individual whose expertise would best align with and support Mater’s strategic direction. After thoughtful discernment, the panel reached consensus on one candidate whose skill set most effectively complemented the existing Board.
As a result of this process, Mater has appointed Dr Katie Williams to join the Mater Board. Katie will officially commence in the role on 1 January 2026.
Our Lady of Sion Board Induction
19 November 2025, Melbourne
On 19 November 2025, Mercy Partners conducted a two-hour induction session for the Board Directors from Our Lady of Sion College at the College in Melbourne. The session offered a comprehensive introduction to key aspects of Mercy Partners’ governance and mission, providing Directors with valuable insights into their roles and responsibilities.
Topics covered during the session included:
- The history and founding purpose of Mercy Partners
- An overview of Mercy Partners’ Reserve Powers as the Sole Member of each ministry
- Ministry reporting obligations
- Introduction to the Mercy Partners Annual Ministry Planning Guide
- Governance and formation principles within Mercy Partners
- The role of ministry Boards in supporting formation within their ministries
- Understanding ministry charisms
- Catholic identity and its expression within ministries
- Mercy Partners’ Theological Framework
The induction session was facilitated by Mercy Partners CEO, John Leahy and Board Director, Cath Bartolo.
Mercy Foundation AGM
26 November 2025, North Sydney
As part of its governance responsibilities, Mercy Partners chairs the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of each of its ministries in its capacity as Sole Member.
On 26 November, the Mercy Foundation held its AGM, which was chaired by Mercy Partners Board Director, Jon Anderson. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the Mercy Foundation’s achievements over the past year, review key governance matters, and reaffirm the shared commitment to mission, service, and the values that guide its work.
Mercy Community Group AGM
26 November 2025, North Sydney
As part of its governance responsibilities, Mercy Partners chairs the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) of each of its ministries in its role as Sole Member.
On 26 November, the Mercy Community Group made up of Mercy Community Services South East Queensland (MCSSEQ), Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland (MHACCQ), and Mercy Community Services North Queensland (MCSNQ) held their AGMs.
These meetings were chaired by Mercy Partners Board Director, Cheryl Caughley, and provided an opportunity to reflect on Mercy Community Group’s achievements, review governance matters, and reaffirm their shared commitment to mission and service.
St Ursula’s College Presentation Evening
26 November 2025, Yeppoon
St Ursula’s College proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of its students during the annual Presentation Evening. The event highlighted excellence across Academic, Sporting, Cultural, and Community Service areas, showcasing the diverse talents and dedication within the College community.
Mercy Partners Board Director, Cath Parker, was honored to attend and commend the remarkable accomplishments of the students.
