The Institute’s Specific Issues Committee, Eco-Justice has prepared a backgrounder on the role of water in our eco-system. Drawing on the expertise of those working in the field, the Committee explores the unique qualities of water: its role, structure and capabilities.

The AGM of Mercy Works Inc. will be held in North Sydney on November 19. Guest speakers include Melbourne Sister of Mercy, Maureen Sexton and Mr Howard Sullivan who are both involved in projects supported by Mercy Works. Since 2003, Maureen has been working in the remote Western province of PNG supporting West Papuan refugees, while Howard has played a major role in the implementation of a major water project in the mountainous Fohorem district in Timor Leste. RSVP by October 29 to Bridie Rothwell Ph: (02) 9564 1911 or Email.

The “Circle of Mercy”, the group of Mercy Associates connected to the Wilcannia-Forbes Congregation, celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy with Eucharist at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, Caringbah in Sydney’s south. Sister Nance Cale, who co-ordinates the group, reports on the celebration.

Two Grafton Sisters of Mercy recently died: Sister Anne Moroney on August 31 and Sister Joan Massey on September 18. The eulogies delivered for both these women follow.

Ballarat East Sister of Mercy, Valda Ward died on September 18. Sister Veronica Lawson, in her eulogy delivered on September 24, paid tribute to a "tough-minded and tender-hearted" woman. She also acknowledged Valda's "leading role in the movement towards the creation of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia.” The full text of the eulogy follows.

Twenty-three year old Elizabeth Young, a circus arts performer and theology student from Kalangadoo in South Australia, was welcomed as a candidate of the Adelaide Sisters of Mercy on September 24, the Feast of Mary, Mother of Mercy. Sister Bernadette Marks reports.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the Gospel for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (Matthew 21:33-43). 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.

“The Wild and the Sacred” is the title of a reflective gathering to be held at Mulgoa (NSW) from December 14 to 20 this year. The main presenter will be Mary Southard CSJ, a painter and sculptor, who is perhaps best known for her creation of the Earth calendar. Mary is also an experienced retreat giver and educator in earth literacy and cosmology.

Goulburn Congregation’s oldest member, 105 year old Sister Madeleine Lawrence attended a recent reconfiguring gathering in Young. Sister Shirley Garland says that Sister Madeleine was present for the whole event and wanted to be there so she would know “what we would be doing after she’d gone”.