Sisters of Mercy, their friends and colleagues are reminded that the annual general meeting of Mercy Works Inc. will be held next Wednesday November 14 in Parramatta, Sydney.

In the October 25 edition of Mercy Matters, Sisters of Mercy, their colleagues and friends were encouraged to look at information supplied by various Christian organisations to assist in their preparation for the Federal election. In the area of climate change, religious leaders from various faiths are urging the community to adopt the scientifically recommended targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a major cause of human-induced climate change.

In the September edition of pathways, the e-journal of Catholic Religious Australia, Father Mark Raper SJ said, “Politics for religious is about an old idea that is always fresh: the common good. To test whether a policy serves the common good we ask what impact it will have on those who are poor and vulnerable. The story of every religious congregation is about our experience in serving the poor.” As Australia prepares to go to the polls on November 24, the latest issue of pathways lists some resources to help people decide how best to cast their vote to benefit the future of Australia.

The lives of refugees and asylum seekers have been highlighted in the media lately. Unfortunately, much of it has presented a negative aspect of the actions of a minority. The Specific Issues Committee, Asylum Seekers and Refugees encourages readers to reflect on the lives of refugees and asylum seekers as presented in Mercy Matters during the last two years. In particular you are urged to view a video from A Just Australia and to consider the policy of the various political parties.

Organised by the Mercy International Research Commission, a conference entitled “'Fire cast on the earth-kindling’: being Mercy in the twenty-first century”, will begin in Burlingame, California on November 9 and continue until November 12.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (East Ballarat) offers a reflection on the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 20:27-38).

Visit the new website of OSMercy, a small, not-for-profit group of young people concerned for social justice in the local and international communities, supported by the Australian Sisters of Mercy. They have members in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and rural Victoria.

Sister Bernardine Daly RSM of the West Perth Congregation has for many years worked with some of the most disadvantaged people in our society, particularly in Western Australia. In the following article, Sister Bernardine shares aspects of her ministry with people who are homeless and in prison.

Reflecting on the first foundation of Mercies in Australia brings forth many memories. From the first time Ursula Frayne and her companions stepped on the shore at Fremantle, Western Australia to the present day, the story has been written and videos and PowerPoints created at various times. Now we move forward to another historical moment.