As Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC) progresses into its fourth year as a Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP), it is responsible for the stewardship and overarching governance of the ministries (Mercy Health Australia, Mercy Education and Mercy Community Services Australia). As a Trustee, I find myself reflecting on the journey thus far, with particular focus on the formation of the ministries by the Sisters of Mercy, referencing the charism, mission and values passed down from Catherine and the early Sisters from Baggot Street in Dublin.
From a personal perspective, I have had the privilege of serving for some 10 years, as an executive within a ministry and in 2014, I was honoured to participate in the Mercy Leadership Program and Dublin Pilgrimage to Baggot Street, where I was able to firsthand, experience the founding story and history. During this time in Dublin, our group of pilgrims were privileged to participate in a presentation delivered by Sr Maria McGuiness RSM, titled “Living Mercy Today, Challenges, Values and Directions”. Following this presentation, we were given time for personal reflection. Standing in the back garden at Baggot Street, next to Catherine’s grave, I came to the realisation that I was part of something that was truly meaningful: Services that matter, that make a difference and, most importantly, make a difference to people in need. Sr Maria’s presentation emphasised that Mission/Core Purpose should always be central to our motivation and our thinking.
As Trustees of MMC, we maintain a focus on our core purpose/mission to underpin our discernment supporting decisions. We are frequently privileged to engage both with our ministries and experience firsthand the delivery of ministry services exemplifying this core purpose/mission. Recognising that many in our society are experiencing challenging times and that their needs are evolving, we should always be mindful of the fact that Core Purpose “sets direction and is the reference point for all decisions”.
You are invited to take some time to reflect on the five points shared by Sr Maria and to ponder the various ways your ministry’s core purpose is being lived out and how you contribute to its contemporary expression through your role.
Tony Goad
MMC Trustee Director