The Institute’s Specific Issues Committee for Indigenous Concerns is alerting readers to two campaigns that have come to their attention: a petition which calls for the reinstatement of the Racial Discrimination Act in the Northern Territory, and a request for views on Australia’s support of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Notre Dame Institute of Education (NDIE) in Karachi has built a reputation as the number one teacher education facility in Pakistan. Sister of Mercy Margaret Madden, NDIE’s Director, says that students come because they want to learn how to teach differently. A crucial part of this process is using a rare resource in Pakistan’s schools – a library. In 2008, Mercy Works Inc. is supporting the development of NDIE’s library. Margaret reports on the difference that NDIE is making in Pakistan.

The Institute’s Specific Issues Committee for Eco-Justice calls readers to take action now and respond to Professor Garnaut’s report on climate change. The committee also alerts readers to the “Climate Torch Relay” initiative from GetUp.

When Sister Theresa Foley (Goulburn) reached retirement age, she made a request to her congregation to work with victims of AIDS in South Africa. In 2007 that request was granted and Theresa began work in the Dwars River Region of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. Recently, Sister Marie Duffy (Congregation Leader, Goulburn) visited Theresa. Here she reflects on the experience.

A group of Parramatta Sisters of Mercy and friends recently gathered for a day of reflection with Adelaide Sister Margie Abbott. “Margie’s expertise led us through the day with sensitivity, good humour and beautiful imagery,” says Sister Marg Hinchey (Parramatta). “Her passion for the earth, joy in life and deep spirituality were so evident.”

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the Gospel for the nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matthew 14:22-33). To access this reflection, click on "MORE" and then click on the picture of the Bible where you can read the Scripture as well as the reflection.

During her recent visit to Perth, US Secretary of State, Dr Condoleeza Rice spent time with students and staff at Mercedes College. Lyn Barker, Community Relations Officer at the College, reports on the visit.

Over 40 Sisters of Mercy from Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Belize recently for the twelfth Latin American Caribbean Conference of Sisters of Mercy. Among the group were a few Australians. Sister Joan Doyle of the North Sydney Congregation, who is working in Lima, Peru, reports on the experience.

During the recent World Youth Day celebrations in Sydney, over 1,000 students, staff, sisters and friends from Mercy schools around Australia and the world gathered for a one-day conference at Monte Sant’ Angelo College in North Sydney. Among those participating were some newer Institute members and some who’ve been around for a bit longer! Sisters Nance Cale (Wilcannia-Forbes), Elizabeth Young (Adelaide) and Robina Einde (Papua New Guinea) offer their reflections.