An ‘extraordinary chapter’ in the Long Life of Parramatta’s Sisters of Mercy

One of the oldest religious communities in the Diocese of Parramatta has met to decide on its future, and to give thanks for the hundreds of their members over the years who have dedicated their lives to help the less fortunate.  

The Sisters of Mercy Parramatta have been ministering to the poor, sick and educating the young for almost 140 years.  During that time, they have responded to the changing needs of church and society, establishing schools, orphanages, an aged care facility, child and family care centres, refuges and crisis accommodation for women and children at risk of homelessness.  Recently the sisters ‘turned the sod’ on a new venture – a Senior Women’s Housing project to be managed by St VdeP Housing Australia.  

But with few younger members, and the majority more than 80 years old, they decided some years ago gradually to hand over control of their ministries, such as their schools, to other like-minded groups.  Now, with a diminishing pool of potential leadership among the sisters, they felt it was time to make arrangements for the future governance of the congregation and the continuing care of its members.  This they would do by petitioning the Holy See to appoint a Canonical Delegate as an administrative representative of the Vatican to safeguard the interests and rights of the community and their status in the Church. ..

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Source: Catholic Outlook

Bishop Vincent standing next to Congregation Leader Margaret Jones rsm, right, and past leaders, from left, Ailsa Mackinnon rsm, Caroline Ryan rsm, Catherine Ryan rsm and Mary Louise Petro rsm, at the Mass before the Extraordinary Chapter.