Celebrating the past - Looking to the future

The nine Pioneer Sisters, the leader of whom had agreed “to go [to Parramatta] if sent”, would never have imagined the extent to which their vision and hopes for Mercy in this new place, would have spread and evolved over the following 125 years.

In reflecting over these 125 years, the current sisters acknowledged and celebrate the significant contribution of our lay co-workers, partners and supporters to this history, and the central place they will occupy in the future of Mercy.

From this awareness and recognition, and the context of our current reality as an ageing Congregation, the “Mercy Futures” concept was born – a collaborative effort between Sisters and those committed to taking Catherine McAuley’s vision of Mercy Forward.

“Hurrah for new foundations,
they make the old young, and the young merry”
Catherine McAuley

The “Mercy Futures" group, comprised of past and present Sisters of Mercy, co-workers, supporters and volunteers, ex-students, and friends, made a significant contribution to the 125 years celebration on December the 8th, and presented their vision for taking Mercy forward, crystallised in the creation of “Mercy Place”, from which the efforts and activities of this group will be based, and education and formation for Mercy mission and ministry in its various forms will be offered.

At a recent gathering of the Mercy Futures group, the Congregation advised of its decision to provide a cottage, on the grounds of the Present Congregation Centre in Parramatta, as “Mercy Place”.

As the group now works to develop its structures, plans and activities, we invite you to consider being a part of the future of Mercy.

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