Mercy Partners Australia

31/05/2026

Connected Newsletter – Autumn in Review, June 2026
As Autumn draws to a close, we take this moment to reflect on the work carried out over the past three months—work that continues to help shape a world where the healing, liberating, and life giving mercy of God is truly felt.
We are pleased to share the progress made along our journey of sponsoring ministries and upholding our values of compassion, justice, respect, and hope.

As Autumn draws to a close, Mercy Partners take this moment to reflect on the work carried out over the past three months.

26/05/2026

Celebrating St Rita’s College
On 27th May 2026 we celebrate the 12th year of St Rita's College being entrusted to Mercy Partners by the College’s original founders, the Queensland Congregation of the Presentation Sisters.

The College encourages their students to be women of action by opening their minds, living their dreams and honouring the Presentation Sisters through the traditions of compassion, hospitality and simplicity.

25/05/2026

National Sorry Day
Together, we strive for a future built on understanding, respect, and hope.

23/05/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady, Help of Christians, that not only celebrates Mary as Patroness of Australia, but also as Patroness of the Carmelites in Australia and Timor-Leste.

When the Australian Carmelites formally became a Province in 1948, Our Lady, Help of Christians was chosen as the new Province’s Patroness. Today, Carmelites in Australia and Timor-Leste still rely on Mary’s companionship and protection as they look forward in faith and hope to the future.

Whitefriars College was founded by the Carmelite Province of Our Lady Help of Christians, Australia and Timor-Leste and has now been entrusted to the care of Mercy Partners.

21/05/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of St Rita of Cascia, who is the Patron of St Rita’s College. Rita, lost her husband through the violent feuding between families in her home of Cascia, and she understood deep grief through the death of both her children. She dedicated her life to seeking reconciliation and peace. After the loss of her family she became an Augustinian sister, and like our present Pope Leo, who shares the same Augustinian charism, she had a profound commitment to peace, building bridges and creating spaces for dialogue. The need for people of with her spirit continues today. She is the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes! Take to her today your prayers for the healing, liberating and transforming Mercy of God.

10/05/2026

Our universe story is a story of interconnectedness and interdependence. One earth. One people of God.

In a world of division, dissension and war, there is good worth working for. Easter good. Easter peace.

09/05/2026

Celebrating Mother’s Day 2026 with gratitude for the women who reflect God’s love through their tenderness, strength, and self-giving care. Today we honour all mothers and mother figures, especially those who, like Mary, nurture faith, guide with wisdom, and lead with compassion. May God bless them abundantly and surround them with joy, peace, and the love of their families.

06/05/2026

We give thanks for our Mission Leaders—innovators, connectors and courageous companions on the journey of mission.

At the Mercy Partners Mission Leaders Gathering (30 April–1 May 2026), held at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, we came together as “Disruptive Pilgrims”: listening deeply, learning from one another, and renewing our shared commitment to Gospel-shaped leadership in a changing world. We were also privileged to hear from our keynote, Fr Frank Brennan SJ, whose insights on current and emerging needs within the Church and broader community sharpened our focus and challenged us to lead with courage and hope.

Across two rich days we explored emerging needs in our communities, shared “food for the journey” resources and best practice, strengthened reflective and spiritual practices, and practised the art of dialogue in contested spaces.

To our Mission Leaders: thank you for your inspirational commitment, your skill in formation and relationship-building, and your creative, practical leadership. Your work shapes culture, strengthens partnerships, and keeps compassion at the centre of our communities. You play a vital role—and we are grateful.

05/05/2026

Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Elizabeth Hayes (Mother Mary Ignatius Hayes) a scholar, teacher, pioneer journalist, passionate Franciscan and dedicated missionary, founded the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. It was her sisters who began Mount Alvernia College, 70 years ago. Her spirit lives on in full expression at Mount Alvernia College through an education of young women with courage, compassion and purpose who are supported to grow in confidence, character and faith, and who are empowered to contribute meaningfully as Elizabeth Hayes did, to their communities and the wider world.