Women in initial formation from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Aotearoa New Zealand gathered in Cairns from July 13-19 for the annual Mercy Membership Conference. The theme was “Kindling the flame of discipleship: ‘Mercy the principal path pointed out by Jesus for those desirous of following him’”. Kaye Evans RSM, Institute Formation Co-ordinator, reports.

As we approach Refugee and Migrant Sunday (August 30), Geraldine Mugavin RSM, a member of the Institute’s Specific Issues Committee, Asylum Seekers and Refugees, presents some insights into the experiences of people seeking freedom. What are your experiences of people seeking freedom? Do you have a good news story of welcoming the stranger?

All Sisters of Mercy, members and friends are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Mercy Works Inc., the relief and development agency of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia. The AGM will be held on Wednesday November 18, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Stormanston House, 27 McLaren Street, North Sydney.

In February this year a group of Mercy leaders and their education associates met in Adelaide to discuss possible futures for Mercy schools. At this meeting, it was decided that formation of our lay partners must be included in any future direction. Jennie Ryan RSM (Congregation Leader, North Sydney) reports.

Sister Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B). 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.

Russian iconographer, Philip Davydov from St Petersburg will facilitate a ten-day course in icon-writing at the Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Campus, Melbourne from January 11-20, 2010. According to Course Co-ordinator, Margaret Broadbent RSM, this course is for beginners in iconography. “[It’s for] those people who feel drawn to the Byzantine and early Russian way of icon-writing. Visit www.sacredmurals.com or email Margaret or click on MORE to download the flyer.

MERCY IN ACTION is a regular section which profiles individual Sisters of Mercy across the Australian Institute. This fortnight we feature Kaye Bolwell RSM (West Perth) and Anne McGuire (Rockhampton). Both are involved in the ministry of education but in very different settings.

We have recently appointed Anne McLay RSM to renew the inspirational section of our constitutions (part one). She will be assisted in this by Veronica Lawson RSM, representing the IPC. As Anne is the original author of this section, we are very grateful that she is available for this significant work.

The “Circle of Mercy” Associates Group of the Wilcannia-Forbes Congregation recently enjoyed a challenging and informative session with Christina Aitken RSM (Wilcannia-Forbes). Christina shared her experience of a programme offered by Mercy Global Concern at the United Nations in New York. Nance Cale RSM, Local Communications Facilitator, Wilcannia-Forbes, reports.