May I take this opportunity to thank all members of our OLMC community for sharing your warm welcome and hospitable heart with me and the other new staff members and students. I hope it has been a positive, productive and promising beginning for all.
For those curious about the ‘new nun on staff,’ here is a little about me: I am a perpetually professed Sister of Mercy (Catholic religious sister) and member of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. I made my first vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and apostolic works of mercy on 18 January 2020 and then my Perpetual Profession on 22 November 2025 (at which Ms Judith Weir, Ms Joanna De Bono and Mr Shane Taylor were present). Before becoming a Sister of Mercy, I trained as a teacher of English and Religious Education, and worked in various schools in Melbourne, London, Ballarat and Perth. I love spending time with my family, friends and Sisters of Mercy, and I enjoy reading, going to the theatre, watching movies and following the footy (AFL). I must confess that I am a loyal Essendon supporter and I continue to live in hope for a better season for my beloved Bombers.
I am blessed by the opportunity to join the OLMC community at this time and contribute to the school's mission ‘where excellence is pursued in all we do and where relationships are nurtured to enable individual growth and a sense of belonging for all, [and whilst] we empower our students to be people of joy, courage and compassion who retain an enduring commitment to God's vision of mercy and justice for all.’ This year I have the privilege and pleasure of overseeing our Staff and Student Formation. This will involve supporting the other members of our College Leadership Team and, in a particular way, our Head of Faith and Mission, Mr Shane Taylor, with opportunities for Staff and Student Formation, including professional development, reflection days, retreats, liturgies, prayer life, etc. We are grateful to Dr Sarah Cook who will be supporting us with our administrative, accreditation and theological processes.
As members of a Catholic educational institution and global Mercy community, we are invited to be faith-filled followers of Jesus Christ and life-long learners in the footsteps of Venerable Catherine McAuley (founder of the Sisters of Mercy). Our formation of the whole person is ongoing, no matter what age or stage we are at. Formation in faith, religion or spirituality aims to provide meaning and purpose in life.
‘A good beginning is of great importance. You must waste some time with visitors.’
~ Catherine McAuley to Elizabeth Moore, December 1838.
The beginning of an academic year provides many opportunities for ‘wast[ing] some time’ with new staff, students and parents / guardians / caregivers. This ‘time’ should not be underestimated. Sometimes it involves putting down that book, newspaper or device to engage with another. Other times it is being silent, still, meditative or prayerful. Often it is the highlight of someone’s day. Giving your ‘time’ to others, or allowing ‘time’ for other things, is a ‘great’ gift.
You might like to consider:
- your ‘beginning’ to this year.
- the ‘good’ in your routines, relationships and reflections.
- ways in which you are spending ‘time’ with yourself, others, and God / religion / spirituality, and how you are balancing these in the business and busyness of your day.