Cairns
CONTACT
|
Faye Kelly rsm |
Mercy Administration Centre |
| Phone: Fax: Email: |
(07) 4054 1106 (07) 40478111 leader@somcairns.com.au |
About Us
The Cairns congregation comprises 32 Sisters, most of whom work in ministries within the Cairns diocese which spans from Cardwell in the south, west to the Northern Territory border, and north to the Papua New Guinea border. Many of our Sisters are older women but they continue to minister to others.
Though originally our motherhouse was in Cooktown, it is now located at Herberton, on the Atherton Tablelands. However as Cairns is the administrative centre of the diocese, our administration centre and conference centre are based at Earlville, a suburb of Cairns.
For many years our major ministry was education, with Sisters serving at some time in most of the Catholic schools of the diocese. In addition, we have been involved in aged care and hospital services, and currently have a number of Sisters working in a pastoral role in parishes around the diocese.
The Sisters of Mercy Administration Centre is
located in a rainforest setting at Earlville, on a site
which also includes a convent and conference centre.
Our response to the steady diminishment of our numbers has been to consider how we might engage lay women and men in ministries and activities inspired by the Mercy charism. We have identified a number of ministries where this can be achieved, and at present our Sisters are working to form and encourage lay people to take up leadership roles in these ministries. We have been heartened by the willingness of lay people, including our Mercy Associates, to become partners with us in this emerging approach to ministry in the 21st century. The ministries are listed in the diagram below:
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The Congregation Leader is Sr Faye Kelly who is assisted by an appointed Council of four members.
2008 marks 120 years of Mercy ministry in the Diocese of Cairns
2008 marks an important milestone in the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy in the Diocese of Cairns. On June 24th 1888, five Sisters of Mercy from the congregation in Dungarvan, Ireland sailed into Cooktown. They were the founding Sisters of the Cairns congregation.
Mercies on the steps of the
Convent/James Cook Museum
During 2008, the Sisters are hosting a number of special events around the Diocese to celebrate this special moment in their history.
In these various celebrations, our objective is to thank the many thousands of people who have been partners in our various ministries we have undertaken over the last 120 years. We also will be highlighting our on-going ministries, including our current focus on the transition to lay involvement and leadership of our ministries.
The Sisters of Mercy gathered in Cooktown to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the first five Sisters of Mercy who made the long voyage from Dungarvan Ireland to Cooktown. Sisters Mary de Sales, Mary Joseph, Mary Josephine, Mary Evangelist and Mary Rodriquez responded to Bishop’s Hutchinson’s request for sisters to come and assist him with education, faith development and pastoral care of the people.
Back Row Sr Faye Kelly, Bishop Foley, Sr Nerida
Tinkler, Front Row Sr Colette Cullinane, Sr Eileen Troy
Sisters of the Cooktown Foundation, now known as the Cairns Congregation, returned to Cooktown from June 22-24 to celebrate this milestone and to express their gratitude for the wonderful support and encouragement that the sisters have received during these years. This occasion was highlighted by the presence of Sisters Eileen Troy and Colette Cullanin from the founding Convent in Dungarvan.
Sister Nerida Tinkler, President of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia, Sisters of Mercy from around Australia and Papua New Guinea, members of other religious orders, associates, family members and friends joined the Cairns Congregation in Cooktown.
Sr M. Mercy Wallwork and Sr M. Oliver O’Halloran
Over these days hundreds of people – locals and visitors – attended a number of special events, giving thanks with them for their ministry in the Diocese of Cairns since June 24, 1888.
The presence of a 98 year-old Sister of Mercy, originally from Ireland, provided cherished memories for all who attended the liturgies and functions. Sister Mary Oliver O’Halloran, travelled from Cairns to Cooktown to attend, assisted by Katrina Fraser a nurse from Holy Spirit Bethlehem Home. Her presence buoyed the atmosphere at every ceremony, as others in attendance gained an additional appreciation of the longevity of the connection between the Sisters of Mercy and Cooktown.
Mass at the cemetery in Cooktown
St Mary’s Church overflowed with people and joy on Sunday as the sisters joined the local community for a Mass of thanksgiving concelebrated by Bishop James Foley and Parish Priest Father Miah McSweeny. The celebration continued at Nature’s Powerhouse where a light lunch was enjoyed by all and many a story exchanged!
The sisters and their guests spent time with John and Bev Shay at the Historical Society enjoying displays and exchanging information. The convent in Hope Street saw its biggest crowd ever as 80 sisters and visitors joined Sister Irene for a barbecue lunch. Time was spent at the James Cook Historical Museum looking at displays and recalling the story of Mercy. At 5 pm a reception was held in the Endeavour Room where Noris McLean and Mayor Peter Scott welcomed the sisters and their guests.
Sr Colette Cullinane, Sr Faye Kelly and
Sr Eileen Troy with the gift presented to
the Dungarvan Community
by the Cairns Congregation
The sisters and their visitors were joined by Bishop Foley, Father McGlone OSA and friends of the Augustinians from Mareeba for the celebration of Mass at the cemetery on Tuesday morning. All gathered to pray at the graveside where our seven sisters and two Augustinian Bishops are buried. Later, at Restaurant 1770 the sisters paid tribute to their founding sisters and the Dungarvan Congregation. They also expressed their delight at the reception they were given by the Cooktown people and their gratitude for the overwhelming support and co-operation in organizing these events.
More information about each of these events and photos will soon be available on our website.
From: Sister Faye Kelly RSM (Congregation Leader, Cairns)
» Council members in 2008 are, back row left to right: Sr Rovena Duffy, Sr Anne Moule, Sr Pam Bourke; front left to right, Sr Therese Masterson and Sr Faye Kelly.
