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Missionary Sisters of Service Australia

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25.01.2022 Happy Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi! St Francis was well known for his love of, and care for Creation, and for his gift in bringing people together from all walks of life and faith traditions. In this same spirit, we invite you to join with us today in praying for the healing of the world, and for an outpouring of love upon the Earth and all of its people. Humanity is suffering and needs our unified prayers! Find out more, here: bit.ly/3iq9bGl Whether it be for one minu...te, or one hour, please take a moment now to intentionally pray for healing and outpouring of love - however you might like to do this. And for those who'd like to join in praying with our community and friends, this afternoon Corrie van den Bosch MSS, will lead a one-hour meditation via Zoom, from 4pm-5pm (AEST - remember daylight savings switched over today!) #SeasonOfCreation #StFrancisOfAssisi #PrayerForTheWorld #Meditation #Prayer #contemplation Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Social Services Australia Catholic Social Services Victoria Catholic Earthcare Australia Global Catholic Climate Movement

25.01.2022 This year is the 130th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum ('On the Condition of the Working Classes'), which marked the birth of modern Catholic Social Teaching and which continues to provide guidance today. Some of the key teachings of the encyclical include: * the dignity of every person and of work in God’s eyes; * opposing the concentration of great wealth in the hands of a few;... * maintaining just wages for working people; * spreading ownership more equitably and as much as possible; * the duty of the State to regulate living and working conditions fairly. To mark the anniversary, Yarra Theological Union, Social Policy Connections and the Australian Cardijn Institute will host an online webinar on Saturday 15th May, from 2.30pm-4 pm. Fr Bruce Duncan CSsR will be the keynote speaker and will address the theme "Why Pope Leo’s social manifesto remains critical today", noting also the influence of England’s Cardinal Henry Edward Manning on the document and its impact in Australia. Find out more and register, here: bit.ly/2RcxhMT Enquiries: [email protected]

24.01.2022 Its extraordinary how quickly our lives have changed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemicfrom the way we work to the way we engage with one another. Life has been upendedin good and not-so-good ways. Its not surprising that many find themselves struggling to adjust to this new normal. Its important to acknowledge how we are feeling and take the time to reflect on how we might adjust to whatever the new normal looks likeon both the professional and personal leve...ls. Catholic Social Services Victorias Emerging Leaders Network is hosting an online Zoom gathering - Creativity in a Time of Crisis - featuring a conversation with Rachel McLoughlin ibvm and Andy Hamilton sj. Date: Wednesday 27 May 2020 Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm (AEST). Login just before 3pm, here: bit.ly/36qE8WB Enquiries: Email [email protected]

24.01.2022 Though some time has passed since our Chapter Assembly in Melbourne, we really wanted to give this story and the many beautiful photos, which show the joy and sacredness of this gathering, a home on our new website... A number of our Sisters, some travelling from Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, joined those of us in Melbourne, for our 14th Chapter Assembly, from 24-26 October 2019 (photographed to the right). Our theme was Pilgrimage The Lure of the Periphery. T...he Chapter gatherings are a special time for us to come together as a congregation, to reflect and celebrate together what has been, and what is yet to come. See the full text and photo gallery, here: bit.ly/2yCUtuz Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Roman Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Highways and Byways - A Community of Service #MissionarySisters #Highwaysandbyways #CatholicWomen #WomenofGod

23.01.2022 We Missionary Sisters of Service celebrated the 50-year anniversary of ours foundation in the Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie SA, with a special Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday 29th May. The Bishop of Port Pirie Diocese, Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS DD celebrated the Mass, along with a number of local priests. The Mass took place at St Teresa’s Catholic Church in Whyalla, South Australia, which was filled with friends and families who have known the Sisters over the 50 years. A n...umber of the Sisters who worked in the diocese also attended including congregational leader, Stancea Vichie MSS, Corrie van den Bosch MSS, Nancy Doyle MSS, Mary Cleary MSS and Cheryle Thomson MSS, who has been serving the Port Pirie Diocese for the past 32 years and in the later years of that time, particularly the local Whyalla parish as a Pastoral Associate. Read more and see the full photo gallery (with special thanks to photographer Anne Rosewarne), here: bit.ly/3uKxR2k Catholic Religious Australia Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Australian Catholic Bishops Conference CathNews

22.01.2022 We pray that the peace, joy and hope of Christ is with you and all of your loved ones this Christmas season. And may the New Year be full of good health, joy, peace, love and abundant blessings. While we're taking some time off over the Christmas/New Year period, you all remain in our prayers and hearts, and we look forward to being in touch soon. Stay safe and God bless you all. With gratitude,... The Missionary Sisters of Service www.missionarysisters.org.au Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia

21.01.2022 Friends, today is World Environment Day (www.worldenvironmentday.global). On this day, we pray for the Earth, its People and all living creatures. We call to mind Pope Francis' invitation to hear the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor, and to take action. "We need a new ecological approach that can transform our way of dwelling in the world, our styles of life, our relationship with the resources of the Earth and, in general, our way of looking at humanity and of livin...g life. Read more from the Pope: bit.ly/34HMIjA We are so pleased that much of the work of our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service focusses on providing small grants (and establishing programs) with those who seek to care for the environment. Forty-three communities across rural, regional and remote parts of Australia were awarded funds under Highways and Byway's 2021 Small Grants Program for projects to Heal the Land - Heal Ourselves - Together. Read about them, here: bit.ly/3pl8Ut6 Happy World Environment Day! Be sure to do something kind for the environment, today, and every day. It's good for the heart and soul, and planet! We pray... #GenerationRestoration #WorldEnvironmentDay2021 Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Social Services Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Vatican News UN Environment Programme Global Catholic Climate Movement Catholic Earthcare Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

21.01.2022 "It is time for the Australian Government to release the asylum seekers and refugees who have been incarcerated for years. There is no purpose to their imprisonment. They are suffering needlessly. Now is the time. Give them some mercy this Christmas please." As we approach Christmas, a time of peace and good will for all, Catholic Religious Australia is calling on the Australian Government to release the asylum-seekers and refugees who have been incarcerated for years: bit....ly/3mFF0Nm We continue to hold asylum seekers and refugees in our prayers, along with all who find this season particularly difficult. May God's peace, love and comfort dwell deeply in your hearts. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Scott Morrison Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum - CAPSA Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

20.01.2022 ** Save the date! 50-year anniversary celebrations in Whyalla, South Australia on 29th May ** March 31 marked the 50-year anniversary of the foundation of the Missionary Sisters of Service in the Port Pirie Diocese, South Australia. On 31 March 1971, Sisters Frances McShane and Helen Haywood MSS (deceased) arrived in Whyalla. They're pictured here with our founder, Fr John Wallis. From Whyalla our women worked across the diocese, including communities across the Eyre Peninsul...a - Minnipa, Ceduna, Cleve, Streaky Bay, Cummins, and the vast areas north of Port Augusta through to Uluru from their base at Coober Pedy. Cheryle Thomson MSS has been involved in the diocese for the past 30 years. Find out more about our work, here: bit.ly/39Si49V Though the 'official' anniversary was on March 31, a special thanksgiving Mass will be held at St Teresa’s Catholic Church in Whyalla on 29th May 2021 at 11am to mark the occasion. All are welcome. For more information, email [email protected] or call (03) 9873 5520. Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

20.01.2022 Each year, together with our mission entity Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, we host the Yarck to Yea Walk, Run, Ride fundraising event. Funds raised for the Walk, Run, Ride go toward small grants and programs coordinated by Highways and Byways, which assist many communities across Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas. See the 2020 recipients of Highways and Byways small grants funding, here: bit.ly/3gTc6qi Sadly, due to COVID-19, this year we were... unable to run the event, which had been scheduled for 22 August 2020. But this didnt dampen the spirit for participants, and as it turned out, nor did the rain! At the encouragement of Liz McAloon, Executive Officer of Highways and Byways, enthusiastic supporters took a walk in their local area, whether it be in the city, suburbs, or bush, and then posted their photos to the Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Facebook page. Were sharing some of those photos here, and have also posted a story on our Website. See: www.missionarysisters.org.au//getting-out-locally-for-yarc Thanks to the following for sharing their beautiful photos via Facebook, on the day! Amanda Freeman Corrie van den Bosch Liz McAloon, Emmy Sivius, Helen Ryan, Marg Harvey, Kath Clune MSS and Pat Kelly MSS. Fantastic effort, everyone! Ps. If weve missed anyone, please get in touch! Its never too late to say Thank you and to share your beautiful photos!

20.01.2022 We are co-signatories to this letter to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, asking that refugees, asylum-seekers, temporary visa holders and migrants in vulnerable situations be given government funding. We ask that the Morrison Government provide these people temporary access to a financial safety net, Medicare and adequate shelter if they are homeless. Read the letter, here: bit.ly/3cQXE0a As stated by Anne Walker, National Executive Director of Catholic Religious Australi...a, Religious have always sought to protect and speak up for vulnerable people and in this instance, that includes trafficked people, victims of modern slavery, refugees, people seeking asylum, those experiencing domestic violence, amongst others. We ask the Government to take more steps to support the often hidden and marginalised in our country. We continue to stand in solidarity for those most vulnerable in our community.

19.01.2022 Here are some more 'happy snaps' from our time together in Whyalla to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the foundation of the MSS in the Port Pirie Diocese, South Australia. For those of us who could gather in Whyalla for the Thanksgiving Mass and celebrations held over the weekend, and who've stayed on, we've had such a beautiful time catching up with so many friends and families ... some of who've known our sisters for 50 years! It's truly remarkable. We can't express ou...r thanks enough! If you missed the Thanksgiving Mass, there is a recording available here: https://bit.ly/3fZ3X58 There's a wonderful photographic slideshow of our time in the Port Pirie diocese at the 57:55 minute mark of the video. At 1:02:11, Mary Cleary MSS reads out a letter written to everyone from Frances McShane MSS who was among the first to arrive in the diocese, and our congregational leader, Stancea Vichie MSS, shares some beautiful words at the 1:08:30 mark. A big thank you to ALL involved in helping make this such a memorable occasion. Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference PortPirie DioceseYouth Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie SA Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide

19.01.2022 Today we wish Lorraine Groves MSS a very happy birthday! From all of us, we pray you enjoy a beautiful and blessed day. May God continue to keep you safe and bless you abundantly! Much love from the community and from all your friends and family. Hopefully the sun is shining on you in Hobart, Tassie. Here's a little something shared by Lorraine last year: bit.ly/2ReDkQS Catholic Religious Australia Archdiocese of Hobart Highways and Byways - A Community of Service

19.01.2022 On the eve of Spring, August 31, we are invited to be a light in the darkness. This evening, as the last light of the last day of winter fades, we are invited to light a candle and stand in our front gardens to spend some time in silence, to remember all those who have lost their lives to the #Coronavirus, or to violence. We share a thought for our frontline healthcare workers who are risking their lives, and that of their families, to fight the virus outbreak. Then, as th...e first night of spring begins, we look to the future with prayer and hope. Let us move from the cold and the dark into warmth and light together. Date: Monday 31 August 2020 Time: 7pm (AEST) Location: In your home This time of prayer has been initiated by the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. Spread the word, and lets join together in prayer, solidarity and light.

19.01.2022 This year, the grants that have been distributed by our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, are being used to nourish land and communities across parts of rural Australia. See more about the grant recipient projects, here: bit.ly/3lFC9F3. With this in mind, we recommend you having a look at this powerful book by Victor Steffensen, Fire Country - How Indigenous Fire Management could Help save Australia. As mentioned by Liz McAloon, Executive Offic...er of Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, "Its a great read and after the horrific summer Australia has experienced, its timing is spot on!" Read more: https://highwaysandbyways.org.au/a-great-read/

19.01.2022 Congratulations to Marie Carroll MSS who celebrates her birthday today, 5th November. Marie, who lives in Toowoomba, Queensland, has been an MSS for more than 60 years, working in Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Some of her more interesting expressions of mission included working in Emerald gem fields, 315km west of Rockhampton, Queensland. She was also part of the aerial ministry in the Diocese of Rockhampton where she and the priest pilot, Fr Ter...ry Loth, would fly from Longreach to visit people living on the big and isolated cattle and sheep stations; she did this for a number of years. We had a small writeup on Marie in the MSS newsletter last December. Read more, here: bit.ly/369ueIS (scroll down to the end of the newsletter) Congratulations again to Marie! Photo by Fiona Basile: Photographer & Writer Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Religious Australia

19.01.2022 Happy Earth Day! #RestoreTheEarth is the theme this year. Our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service has recently partnered with North East Bioregional Network in a great new program, Restoring Nature and Communities. This 20-week program includes ecological restoration and best practice land management in the Break O’Day municipality in north east Tasmania. Part of the work includes team members restoring their part of the world - cutting and painting ...Spanish Heath at St. Helens Point Conservation area in North East Tasmania - as shown in this photo! Read more about this program, and other inspiring community projects that have been funded by the Highways and Byways Small Grants program in 2021: bit.ly/2QPQcfZ #EarthDay2021 Catholic Earthcare Australia Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Social Services Australia Archdiocese of Hobart Global Catholic Climate Movement

19.01.2022 Friends, we wanted to share this with you... On June 10, (two days ago), we marked the 10th anniversary of the commencement of The John Wallis Foundation, which was our initial mission entity, before we changed its structure and created our new Highways and Byways - A Community of Service in 2019. Back in 2010, our congregations leadership team, Stancea Vichie MSS and Bernadette Wallis MSS signed off on this new venture having met a number of times prior to this occasion wit...h members of an Advisory Group. Our congregational leader, Stancea Vichie and Chairperson of Highways and Byways A Community of Service, Marg Casey, recently wrote to to those members. The message shared with those initial advisory group members echo how we feel about all who have been with us on this journey. "We wish to acknowledge and thank you for your courage and contribution at the time, so that now 10 years later we have an amazing not-for-profit organisation that has grown and developed because of your initial vision and work. We stand on the shoulders of those who began this good work and who helped to shape what is now Highways and Byways A Community of Service. As Fr John Wallis would say in blessing and thanks, May Marys mantle shield you, may the grace of God be yours." Thank you again to all who have been part of our journey, and who continue to journey with us. Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

19.01.2022 Friends, a reminder that on Sunday 4th October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, we invite everyone to spend time in prayer and/or meditation, to intentionally pray for an outpouring of love and healing for all of humanity. The world is in need of our prayers. So many people, and the Earth itself, is suffering. Find out more: bit.ly/3mXCEe3 One of our Sisters, Corrie van den Bosch MSS, will lead a one-hour online meditation via Zoom, from 4:00pm - 5:00pm (AEST), on the 4th ...October, for those who may like to join in this moment together, in unified prayer. No matter where you are, or how you pray, or for how long, or from which faith tradition, or no faith tradition, we ask that you take a moment to intentionally direct your thoughts, prayers and energy toward the healing of all who are suffering, including our precious planet Earth, which sustains us. Please spread the word! #LaudatoSi5 #SeasonOfCreation Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Earthcare Australia Global Catholic Climate Movement Vatican News Catholic Social Services Australia Catholic Social Services Victoria Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Diocese of Townsville Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Catholic Diocese Broken Bay Redemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Australian Jesuits

18.01.2022 Today we're wishing Pat Kelly MSS a very happy birthday! We hope you're having a wonderful day, Pat, and that there are plenty of opportunities for you to break out into that beautiful, big smile of yours! Special blessings to you on this day, and always. There's a little more about Pat on our website, here: ... https://missionarysisters.org.au/sisters-stories/ Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia

17.01.2022 We are saddened to share the news that one of our women, Margaret Kenny MSS, died on 3rd January 2021. Margaret was an MSS for 65 years having joined the community in 1956. Margaret was born in East St Kilda, Victoria, in 1932 and made her first profession with the MSS in 1959. She had worked mostly in rural South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria. She spent many years with the correspondence school and played an important role in ‘The Book Shelf’ in Whyalla, ...South Australia. She was also part of the Catholic book shop in Hobart, Tasmania. Margaret celebrated the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of her first profession in 2019. Reflecting on her life as MSS at the time she said, I’m so grateful for the welcome, acceptance and love that the people gave us; the way they welcomed us into their families. We developed such wonderful friendships, which remained long after we left places. And I’m also grateful for the tremendous support and companionship of the Sisters within the Congregation, which also remained even after we’d moved onto our different places. Margaret lived at Sandringham, in Victoria, at the time of her death. Rest in peace, Margaret. We miss you. * FUNERAL NOTICE FOR SISTER MARGARET ANN KENNY MSS * The funeral mass for Sr Margaret Kenny MSS will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, Fernhill Road North, Sandringham on Thursday 7th January 2020 at 10am (AEDT). The funeral mass will be webcast live from 10am on the Tobin Brothers website: https://tobinbrothers.com.au//Sr-Margaret-K/obituary.html Following the mass, the burial will take place at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale. The burial will also be live-streamed at 12pm (noon) on the same Tobin Brothers website link. www.missionarysisters.org.au Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli

17.01.2022 "In each of our faith communities, we believe we are called to pursue peace and to love and care for all humanity and all creation. Collectively, our faith leads us to reject weapons designed to cause mass death and destruction and instil terror and fear. It is this faith that compels us to act for the eradication of weapons of mass destruction." Today, on the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, more than 60 religious organisations, including our Missionary S...isters of Service, have joined an open letter calling on the Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) and the leader of the Opposition, Anthony Albanese to ensure Australia joins the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. See: bit.ly/3a7gct6 International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) CathNews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Uniting Church in Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic Religious Australia University of Divinity Redemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Dominican Friars Australia and New Zealand Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart Kildare Ministries #AbolishNuclearWeapons #Hiroshima75 #Nagasaki75

17.01.2022 We are so excited to announce the recipients of our Highways and Byways - A Community of Service 2020 Small Grants Program! 17 community organisations from across NSW, SA, TAS and Queensland have been granted funds from our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, to support their important community-building work. See: bit.ly/2zFXgDT Congratulations to them all, especially for adapting projects to keep communities safe during Coronavirus times whilst sti...ll supporting people in need and nourishing our environment in their local regions. This year our theme is Nourishing Our Land and Our Communities. On behalf of all in our Community, we wish them well as they undertake these wonderful initiatives to support communities building community gardens, restoring unique ecosystems, supporting geographically isolated families, responding to the impacts of Coronavirus on vulnerable members of small remote communities, to name just a few. Find out more about the Highways and Byways 2020 Grants Program, here: www.highwaysandbyways.org.au/grants

17.01.2022 The Missionary Sisters of Service are pleased to join with more than 300 organisations from across Australia in signing an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison calling for more safe, secure and affordable housing. This initiative has been led by the Everybody's Home campaign, which we endorse, calling on the Federal government to build 30,000 new homes in Australia in the next four years, not only to deliver families much needed housing but to also create some 18,000 ...jobs. In our work with families across Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia over the years, our women have come to know how important it is to have a home, said congregational leader, Stancea Vichie MSS. Read more on the MSS website, here: bit.ly/3jliEzZ https://youtu.be/8l9WpRDPCbU Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Social Services Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Council to Homeless Persons Anglicare Australia Catholic Social Services Australia Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project Uniting Church in Australia Victorian Council of Churches

16.01.2022 The Summer edition of Madonna Magazine, published by the Australian Jesuits, features two wonderful stories about our community. The first is a feature story about one of our women, Marie Murphy MSS written by Fiona Basile: Photographer & Writer. The second is about Father John Wallis and the latest book by Bernadette Wallis MSS, Dear Mother Dear Father: Letters Home from John Corcoran Wallis 1927-2049, by Edmund Campion. We are big fans of Madonna magazine. They’ve generous...ly shared news about our community and events over the years. The magazine is published quarterly and has accompanied Australians in their daily prayer and spiritual growth for more than 120 years. Not only does it feature enriching stories and news, it is also an ideal prayer companion and thoughtful gift in this time of isolation and disconnection from parish and community. We’re helping the Madonna Magazine family by encouraging people to subscribe themselves, or to give a gift subscription. It'd make a wonderful Christmas gift! We want to show our support, to ensure the magazine can continue into 2021 and beyond. For more information go to www.madonnamagazine.com.au. To read the full article on Marie Murphy MSS and to find out more about the book, Dear Mother Dear Father, go to our website: www.missionarysisters.org.au Australian Catholics Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Townsville

16.01.2022 We wanted to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has reached out to us, and for your heartfelt prayers and messages of love and support upon the news of the death of Sister Margaret Kenny MSS, last week. We celebrated Margaret's life at a beautiful funeral service held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sandringham, last week, followed by the burial service at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, in Springvale. Margaret will always remain in our hearts and we continue to mi...ss her gentle and kind presence. Rest in peace, Margaret. For those who missed it, a recording of the Funeral Mass can be seen here: bit.ly/38Fyqm5 You can also access the recording and a copy of the Mass booklet, and see some more photos on our website, here: bit.ly/3ifuRGv Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Diocese of Townsville

16.01.2022 "Our Holy Week liturgies are muted this year. COVID-19 prevents us from gathering in our parishes and keeps us in social isolation. Reflecting on the events we commemorate in this holiest of weeks in the Christian calendar, I find running through my mind the refrain of Peter Kearneys song, The Man God Chose, based on the song of the suffering servant, Isaiah 53: 1-13: We didnt think this kind of man could be at the heart of Gods plan; a lowly loser in ragged clothes, the ...man God chose. Corrie van den Bosch MSS reflects and writes during Holy Week. Though Holy Week has passed, there is much richness to contemplate within these words, today. Read the full reflection, here: bit.ly/3f7msmv (You can also access it through our new website, www.missionarysisters.org.au/spirituality ... in the reflections section!) Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Australian Jesuits

15.01.2022 Who'd have thought that dinner in the comfort of your very own home could make a positive and lasting impact on communities in remote and rural Australia that a...re suffering disadvantage and hardship. That's exactly what our 'Food for the Highways and Byways' fundraising dinners are all about. In thinking how to help raise funds safely this year (in light of COVID-19) for our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, we’re encouraging everyone to share a meal with family (and friends if you’re allowed to!) with those who are able, making a donation, however big or small! Find out all of the information, here: bit.ly/35mG4kh To help get the tastebuds and imagination flowing, we've featured photos of some of the dishes (an entree, main and dessert) from our beautiful MSS commemorative cookbook, Food For The Highways and Byways (see: bit.ly/3j0lkTi). How can you resist!? Please join with us for this wonderful cause, and help us spread the word! Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Diocese of Townsville Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic Diocese Broken Bay Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Catholic Archdiocese of Perth YCS of the Port Pirie Diocese Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Catholic Diocese of Darwin Australian Catholic University (ACU)

15.01.2022 People throughout the world, from different spiritual traditions and cultures, meditate as part of their spiritual practice. Acknowledging this Season of Creation, and the depth with which many people, and our Earth are suffering, we Missionary Sisters of Service invite all to participate in one hour of meditation on Sunday 4th October, the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, calling for an outpouring of love for humankind, and for the Earth. Find out more, here: bit.ly/3hEYc...Iz Mark the date in your diary and please spread the word! Catholic Religious AustraliaiAustralian Catholic Bishops ConferenceiCatholic Earthcare AustraliacAustralian JesuitsCRedemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred HeartoMercy InternationalhMercy International AssociationtLoreto Australia & South East AsiaeUniting Church in AustraliaaGlobal Catholic Climate Movementn

15.01.2022 Ive heard a number of people say how much they miss being able to touch or hug another. Many of us greet those we love with a hug or a kiss. Words, or touching elbows, just dont express the same warmth of relationships. A friend of mine, Amanda Freeman, commented recently, I do miss hugs with our social distancing. ... As I thought about Amandas comment, I had an idea." - Corrie van den Bosch MSS On this Feast Day of St Ignatius of Loyola, we wanted to share this beautiful story with you! In it, Corrie van den Bosch MSS demonstrates that there is "more than one way to give a hug!" Read the full story here: bit.ly/2DdhpTb Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Highways and Byways - A Community of Service

14.01.2022 The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly caused many of us to think differently and outside the square, particularly when it comes to doing ordinary things in our everyday lives. One of our Sisters in Melbourne has transformed her garage into the "IG-WAD Cafe" - Isolation-Garage With-A-Difference Cafe. Four times a week, this Sister meets with a couple more of our Sisters who live next door, to march up and down the drive-way to music, for exercise (and at a safe physical dista...nce), which is then followed by a cuppa at the above-mentioned Cafe. Its such a lovely, and important way to stay connected. And when the Cafe is not in use, the car has a lovely warm home, nestled on top of the blankets. "The car has never had it so easy, three picnic rugs to sleep on and a heater!" Stay safe, everyone!

13.01.2022 * FUNERAL NOTICE FOR SISTER MARGARET ANN KENNY MSS * The funeral mass for Sr Margaret Kenny MSS will be offered at Sacred Heart Church, Fernhill Road North, Sandringham on Thursday 7th January 2020 at 10am (AEDT). The funeral mass will be webcast live from 10am on the Tobin Brothers website: https://tobinbrothers.com.au//Sr-Margaret-K/obituary.html... Following the mass, the burial will take place at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Highway, Springvale. The burial will also be live-streamed at 12pm (noon) on the same Tobin Brothers website link. NOTE: To view the Webcast please ensure you are using the latest updated version of your preferred internet browser. If you have the page/screen open for a period of time prior to the streaming commencing, once the digital count down clock gets down to zero, please refresh your page by clicking on the icon semi-circle arrow in the top left hand of your screen, to re-set the tribute page and the streaming. The streaming will commence shortly after your page has been refreshed. You can also share a Tribute to Margaret on the Tobin Brothers website (click on Tribute Wall on the left hand side). From all of our women, we THANK YOU for your heartfelt messages of prayer, support and love. We really appreciate it, and we know Margaret's family appreciate it, too. Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Townsville

13.01.2022 There's no doubt about it! Our latest newsletter, together with our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service is a must read! Not even our staff MSS Christmas lunch could keep people from reading over the latest issue, hot off the press! See: bit.ly/2Wj83vr In MSS news, read how our community of women has remained active during the pandemic, from participating in online Zoom events, including hosting a prayer gathering, and attending an interfaith gathering... with ICAN Australia. We've also been co-signatories to a couple of letters to the Prime Minister on matters of deep significance. We also feature a beautiful story about Marie Murphy MSS. In Highways and Byways news, they've welcomed three new members to the community, have launched its 2021 Small Grants Program with the theme, 'Healing Ourselves - Together', and showcase some of the projects that have already received funding in past rounds. It really is a fabulous and inspiring read! As well as the newsletter, you can find out more on our News section of the website: https://missionarysisters.org.au/news/ ACRATH Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

13.01.2022 Today, Thursday August 6 marks 75 years since the nuclear attack on Hiroshima in 1945. Days later, on August 9, a nuclear bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. By the end of that year, Hiroshima and Nagasaki suffered more than 200,000 deaths and countless injuries. The impacts of those two explosions are still felt today, with many survivors requiring ongoing medical care. To mark the 75-year anniversary of the bombings, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) is coh...osting an online interfaith service for nuclear disarmament with the Uniting Church in Australia. The service is open to everyone and will be online via Zoom, 6pm (AEST) on Thursday 6 August. There are a number of events that you can watch live on the 6th August via this website: www.rise.icanw.org/live The memorial ceremony from Hiroshima, 09:00 AEST A live conversation with Koko Kondo, survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima and long-time activist for nuclear abolition, at 16:00 AEST An online commemoration event, during which we expect to celebrate some very exciting ratification news from New York, 23:30 AEST Conscious of the destructive impact that nuclear weapons have, and having worked in outback South Australia, which played host to nuclear testing occurring in the 1950s and 60s with its impact on Indigenous people of the region and many other people, MSS congregational leader, Stancea Vichie MSS on behalf of the Missionary Sisters of Service was a co-signatory some years ago, to an interfaith letter endorsing support for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Another open letter has been signed and will be released this week. Read more on the MSS website, here: bit.ly/2XfbaW4 Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Australian Catholic Bishops Conference CathNews Catholic Religious Australia ACRATH Redemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Dominican Friars Australia and New Zealand Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart Loreto Australia & South East Asia Mercy International Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Archdiocese of Brisbane Archdiocese Canberra-Goulburn Catholic Social Services Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Hindu Council Australia

13.01.2022 The Missionary Sisters of Service recognise the inherit dignity of all people and are committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is safe, supportive, caring and nurturing for all children and adults at risk. In line with new national standards, together with our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, the Missionary Sisters of Service Community has available safeguarding information, relevant policies and the mechanism to register a compl...aint. Read more: bit.ly/32dWngJ Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

12.01.2022 O Great Spirit Let me hear the lessons You have hidden in every leaf and rock.... Pray I can trust in the unfolding of life each and every day That Gods grace is always enough and the blessings are the ones I most need. - Maureen Hickling MSS Read a beautiful reflection on Life as Mission by Maureen, along with more of her stunning photos, here: bit.ly/2PZ4aJ2 Catholic Religious Australia CathNews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Archbishop Peter A Comensoli

12.01.2022 At one place, the man of the house had run the bath for us and the water was filthy! I thought, ‘I’m cleaner now than if I get into the bathtub!’ The water was brown as brownit was all the western soil straight from the river. Marie Murphy MSS shares some of her adventures while on the road out west of Toowoomba, Queensland, among other places! Marie celebrates 57 years as an MSS this year! Read Marie's inspiring story, here: bit.ly/36SYAlb... Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Mater Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Townsville Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Religious Australia CathNews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Mersey Leven Catholic Parish, Archdiocese of Hobart Tasmania, Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Corrie van den Bosch Stancea Vichie

12.01.2022 The sculptures of Homeless Jesus and The Last Supper by Timothy P Schmalz "are powerfully provocative". "Each extends an invitation to participation, to be a disciple in todays world, to find a home, a place, with Jesus. The questions I pose to you in relation to both works, while still asking myself, are: Where would I sit in relation to Jesus?... and maybe even more tellingly, and more honestly, Would I sit?" We are delighted to share this beautiful reflection, Where would I sit? by Penny Edman who is a freelance writer and author based in Hobart, Tasmania. Penny has been a friend of our Community of Women since 1984, while still living in Bundaberg, Queensland! Read the full reflection here: bit.ly/3iosLnm (And please feel free to share any further reflections or thoughts you have after reading the reflection. Perhaps you were moved or touched in a particular way? Wed love to hear in the comments below!) Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Australian Jesuits CathNews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archdiocese of Hobart Christ Church Cathedral Dublin Newman College Michael Mcgirr Catholic Social Services Victoria ACRATH Highways and Byways - A Community of Service The Catholic Parish of Bundaberg

12.01.2022 "Governments around the world are anxious to get their countries back to normal. But what is normal? ... When COVID-19 first started to feature in the media, I wondered: Is this the Earth trying to tell us something about how we treat our environment? Corrie van den Bosch MSS reflects and writes, Nothing can ever be the same again; COVID-19 and the environment: bit.ly/3dfsrDF From 16-24 May 2020, we celebrated Laudato Si Week, which also kicked off the special Anniversa...ry Year to commemorate Laudato Si, which runs from 24 May 2020 24 May 2021. We can all continue to be inspired by the vision of people who have taken Pope Franciss vision to heart. #LaudatoSi5 #LaudatoSi #LaudatoSiWeek #LaudatoSiAnniversary #integralhumandev #promotingperson #VaticanCovidCommission Catholic Earthcare Australia Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Photographs courtesy & copyright: Fiona Basile: Photographer & Writer

11.01.2022 Exciting news! Our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, is calling for applications for its 2021 Small Grants Program! Its 2021 theme is 'Healing the Land, Healing Ourselves, Together'. Funding up to $3,000 is available to community organisations in rural, regional and remote Australia. Read more: https://missionarysisters.org.au//small-grants-program-no/... Spread the word among your communities and networks! You don't want to miss this opportunity.

10.01.2022 What's for dinner tonight? Whatever it is, why not turn it into one of our special Highways and Byways Fundraising Dinners? Invite some friends or family over, enjoy good company and food, and learn something about the important work of our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service. Highways and Byways - A Community of Service supports people and communities, particularly those experiencing disadvantage and exclusion in rural Australia. It does this thro...ugh its annual small grants and longer term programs where it partners with local community organisations to build stronger communities. Read more: bit.ly/3eWAnfr As part of the host's 'dinner pack', you'll receive copies of some of the fabulous recipes that feature in our commemorative cookbook, Food for the Highways and Byways: Celebrating 75 Years of the Missionary Sisters of Service. This post features some of those sumptuous recipes! You can always buy your very own copy of Food for the Highways and Byways (RRP: $40), here: bit.ly/38CF9ha It'd make a beautiful Christmas gift for family, friends or colleagues! #Highwaysandbyways #MissionarySisters #MissionarySistersOfService #CatholicReligious #AustralianCatholicReligious #CaravanSisters #AustralianSisters #CatholicWomen Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Diocese of Wollongong Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sale Archdiocese of Hobart Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

10.01.2022 Each year our community of women gather in their various home states to take part in our Consultation series. Invited colleagues and friends of our community are also invited to join us for a day of conversation, dreaming, and planning, so that together we can reflect on the direction of the mission in the context of todays world. Heres another snapshot of one of our important gatherings (pre-COVID, and from last year) ... which we wanted to share with you, now that it ha...s a home on our lovely new website! Were really looking forward to the time time when we can gather with you all, again. See full story and photo gallery, here: bit.ly/2TMXCPR Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Australian Catholic Bishops Conference #HighwaysandByways #MissionarySisters #ReligiousWomen #CatholicWomen #WomenofGod

09.01.2022 The August 2020 newsletter from our mission entity Highways and Byways - A Community of Service is out now! It features detailed info on some of the projects that have been funded through its 2020 Small Grants Program. See: bit.ly/3g2GM88 Weve also contributed a couple of pages to the newsletter, featuring an article on how grateful we are for our new website (www.missionarysisters.org.au) for its ability to provide a platform for our latest news, upcoming events, and spiri...tual reflections, as well as a section on our Sisters and Fr John, and also how grateful we are to you, our Facebook community, for your comments and interaction! Particularly in these COVID times, our (and your) online presence and engagement is really important, and much appreciated! Keep those comments coming. The newsletter also features a beautiful reflection by Maureen Hickling MSS, where she shares her love for, and care of Creation. Maureens reflection can also be read in full on our website, here: bit.ly/3kHDI4L Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton PortPirie DioceseYouth #HighwaysandByways #MissionarySistersOfService #MissionarySisters #CatholicWomen

09.01.2022 Mark this in your diary! Friends, on 1st September, it will be the World Day of Prayer for Creation, and it is five years since the encyclical, Laudato Si, was released by Pope Francis. St Columbans Mission Society has prepared a Seven Days of Creation Reflection Retreat, for the week leading up to the World Day of Prayer on 1st September, which you may be interested in taking part.... Were grateful to Charles Rue and Columban Mission for generously sharing this resource: bit.ly/30y0cNq #LaudatoSi #LaudatoSi5 #WorldDayOfCreation #PopeFrancis Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Social Services Victoria Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton

09.01.2022 A reminder that one of our Sisters, Corrie van den Bosch MSS, will be leading a Winter to Spring meditation this afternoon from 4pm 5pm (AEST), on Zoom. Find out more, including access to the Zoom link, here: bit.ly/31aXUnK (log in just before 4pm!) Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Australian Network for Spiritual Direction has hosted a weekly meditation for the support and healing of the world suffering from the impact of the pandemic. The meditation takes place each ...Friday afternoon. All are welcome! Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Victorian Council of Churches Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Earthcare Victorian Council of Churches Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Australian Jesuits

09.01.2022 Friends, today (30th July) marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a day in which we particularly direct our thoughts, prayers and action toward the elimination of human trafficking. We invite you to join in a 10-minute online prayer gathering today, hosted by ACRATH - Australian Catholic Religious Against the Trafficking in Humans - at 12pm (AEST). Click on this link - bit.ly/3fctk0E - just before 12pm to join by Zoom. ACRATH provides an invaluable amount of informa...tion, resources and actions to assist us in fighting against human trafficking. Our congregational leader, Stancea Vichie MSS, has been a member of ACRATH for many years. For more information and many more resources, see: www.acrath.org.au Talitha Kum Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Redemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Dominican Friars Australia and New Zealand Loreto Australia & South East Asia Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea Catholic Social Services Victoria Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst CathNews Anti-Slavery Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

08.01.2022 One of our Sisters, Lorraine Groves MSS, in Hobart, Tasmania has found a way to practically express love and care for members of the community during this time of COVID-19. For the past few months, Lorraine has been busy finishing off rugs to give to people who are suffering from cancer, along with a group of local women who are struggling with rent. On each of the rugs, youll find the following words: This rug was made just for you, To bring you comfort, To know you are lo...ved, To share in your joy. This rug is to wrap you up when youre cold, when youre hurting, when you need to snuggle. This rug was made with blessings with love and with prayers. Its the small things done with extraordinary love, that make all the difference. Read this beautiful story, here: bit.ly/370uv0I Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia

08.01.2022 Today we remember and pray for the victims and survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings. August 6 marks 75 years. There are a number of live events that you can watch throughout the day, to learn more, and to join in solidarity, including an ecumenical faith gathering (online) tonight at 6pm (AEST). Find out more on the link below, or on our website: bit.ly/33x3pyz The Missionary Sisters of Service are co-signatories to an interfaith letter endorsing support f...or the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. #Hiroshima75 #Nagasaki75 #AbolishNuclearWeapons #NoToNuclearWeapons #Peace International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference CathNews Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Bundaberg Uniting Church in Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

08.01.2022 Our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service is recruiting! Highways and Byways - A Community of Service is our way of keeping the mission and spirit of the Missionary Sisters of Service, alive! H&B supports people and communities, particularly those experiencing disadvantage and exclusion in rural Australia. It does this through its annual small grants and longer term programs where H&B partner with local community organisations to build stronger communi...ties. Wed love to hear from any potential Grants Administration Officers in Melbourne. Feel free to spread the word among your friends, family and colleagues! Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Philanthropy Australia SEEK Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Catholic Diocese of Sale Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

08.01.2022 The COVID pandemic has certainly provided many opportunities for us to think creatively in terms of how we do life and how we remain connected in a meaningful way to those we love, and to those whom we serve. Weve also had to rethink how we help raise funds (safely) for our mission entity, Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, which supports people and communities, particularly those experiencing disadvantage and exclusion in rural Australia. With this in mind, o...n behalf of Highways and Byways, were inviting you to join with us in sharing a meal with family (and friends if youre allowed to) as part of a Food for the Highways and Byways Fundraising Dinner (or dinners!). We are especially calling on our supporters outside Victoria, as Victorians may be restricted for quite some time! Find out all the info, here: bit.ly/35mG4kh If you decide youd like to support Highways and Byways in this way, simply send an email to Andrea at [email protected] with your name, address and intention to hold a dinner or whatever meal you may choose! We will then send you a dinner pack to kick off your event. This will contain some fabulous recipes from our beautiful MSS Food For The Highways and Byways Cookbook published last year, some extra newsletters and promotional material to give to your guests, as well as a set of beautiful Highways and Byways placemats and napkins. How can you resist!? Please help us spread the word! Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba ACRATH CathNews Catholic Social Services Victoria Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Archdiocese of Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese of Perth Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Catholic Diocese of Townsville Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide

07.01.2022 We are pleased to share the news that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons has achieved its 50th ratification at a recent UN event in New York. This means the Treaty will enter-into-force in 90 days, on the 22nd of January 2021, making nuclear weapons illegal under international law for all time. You may recall that the Missionary Sisters of Service were co-signatories to an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison endorsing support for the Treaty on the Prohi...bition of Nuclear Weapons on 6th August 2020 (marking the 75th Anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings). Shamefully, Australia is still not one of the signatories, so we still have work to do! We again call on the Prime Minister to take action to ratify this Treaty. Read more: bit.ly/3jHAaNX #nuclearban #NoExcuseForNukes International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Scott Morrison (ScoMo) Dan Andrews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Religious Australia Anthony Albanese

07.01.2022 Here are some lovely photos from our 76-year anniversary celebrations held in Melbourne last week - 8th July. Not only did we celebrate our 76-year anniversary of foundation, but also the fact that we could still gather in the home, a day before we needed to re-enter Stage 3 restrictions in Melbourne! Stancea Vichie MSS and Bernadette Wallis MSS hosted a small number of our women, and friends of our community for lunch, which included our tradition of eating scones! If you mi...ssed the story of why we celebrate Rosary House Day with scones each year, click here: bit.ly/2WoR5fp Theres more photos from the day on that page, too! After lunch and scones we enjoyed a lively catchup on Zoom with our community of women, and friends, from across Australia. It was fantastic!! We truly are celebrating our 76-years of mission and service with each of you! Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Highways and Byways Movement Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Roman Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference #Highwaysandbyways #MissionarySisters #CatholicSisters #MissionofLoveandService #CatholicWomen #76YearAnniversary

05.01.2022 ** UPDATE 19 January ** Corrie has been in touch to say she's just finished another batch of jam and one of CHUTNEY! She said, 'Good new stock awaiting orders!!' ... if you're interested, message Corrie van den Bosch via the comments section, and be sure to tag her in so she sees your message! ** Previous post ** ... One of our Sisters, Corrie van den Bosch MSS is making the most of her abundant apricots and lemons by making batches of jam and marmalade. Perhaps you should get your orders in! (We have it on very good advice - the author of this post - that it's delicious!) Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia

05.01.2022 We are drawing to the close of #RefugeeWeek, which has been commemorated here in Australia from 14-20 June. It has given us reason to pause and reflect on the many ways our Community of Women have cared for and supported refugees and people seeking asylum over the years. For many years Cheryle Thomson MSS, Margaret Kenny MSS and Therese Healy MSS worked with a group of local parishioners in the Port Pirie diocese, providing material aid, friendship and care to people detaine...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Friends, the world is in need of our prayers. So many people, and the Earth itself, is suffering. On Sunday 4th October, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, we invite everyone to spend time in prayer and/or meditation, to intentionally pray for an outpouring of love and healing for all of humanity. Find out more, here: bit.ly/3mXCEe3 One of our Sisters, Corrie van den Bosch MSS, will lead a one-hour online meditation via Zoom, from 4:00pm - 5:00pm (AEST), on the 4th October, ...for those who may like to join in this moment together, in unified prayer. No matter where you are, or how you pray, or for how long, or from which faith tradition, or no faith tradition, we ask that you take a moment to intentionally direct your thoughts, prayers and energy toward the healing of all who are suffering, including our precious planet Earth, which sustains us. #SeasonOfCreation #LaudatoSi5 #StFrancisOfAssisis Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Social Services Australia Australian Jesuits Catholic Earthcare Australia Mercy International Redemptorists of Australia and New Zealand Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia in Australia Edmund Rice Network Oceania Global Catholic Climate Movement Ignatian Solidarity Network Caritas Australia Catholic Mission

03.01.2022 Another photo in from Mary Cleary MSS who is still enjoying the wonderful company of friends in Whyalla, South Australia following our 50-year Anniversary-of-Foundation celebrations at the weekend. Mary wrote: 'This is a photo of people we worked with at Wudinna and district over all the years. They offered us accommodation and gave us meals. They were great friends and we were so pleased to meet up again. The last time I saw these people was in 1977!' From left to right: Ann...e Searle, Nancy Doyle MSS, Bette du Bois, Marlene Boylan, Mary Westlake, Corrie van den Bosch MSS, Shirley Pringle, Val Hines, Mary Boylan, Mary Cleary MSS and Gerald Boylan. Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Diocese of Port Pirie SA

03.01.2022 The Church in Australia marks Child Protection Sunday on September 13, acknowledging the immense damage caused by the sexual abuse of children, including by priests, religious and lay people within Catholic contexts. We recognise the harm done and we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. The Church makes a commitment to practices and protocols that create and maintain safe environments for all people, especially children and other people who are... at risk. We, the Missionary Sisters of Service are committed to the care, wellbeing and protection of children, young people and people at risk in our community. We uphold that child protection and the dignity of every person is the responsibility of every adult. Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Highways and Byways - A Community of Service

03.01.2022 Our latest combined Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, and MSS newsletter is out now! See: bit.ly/3ccLS0k The H&B newsletter highlights a number of inspirational small grants stories from pre-COVID-19 days and once again demonstrates the wonderful impacts a small amount of funding can have in a community, along with news from the 2020 John Wallis Memorial Lecture held in Toowoomba with guest speaker, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton. Our section of the newsletter is ...brimming with news and LOTS OF PHOTOGRAPHS of the launches of the new book by Bernadette Wallis MSS, Dear Mother Dear Father: Letters Home from John Corcoran Wallis 1927-1949 in Yea and Melbourne, Victoria. Be sure to grab a cuppa, and get cosy with this latest newsletter! Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Theological College

02.01.2022 Today, on World Environment Day, our mission entity Highways and Byways - A Community of Service officially launches its eco-restoration program with North East Bioregional Network (NEBN) in St Helens, Tasmania. Though some of our Sisters and staff of Highways and Byways sadly couldn't attend the launch today due to lockdown restrictions in Melbourne, fortunately a few of our Sisters are in Tasmania to join in the launch celebrations! Yesterday Todd Dudley of NEBN showed a ...few of our Sisters, Bernadette Wallis MSS, Lorraine Groves MSS and Frances McShane MSS around some areas being returned from pine plantation to Indigenous vegetation. Such a fabulous project and we're so pleased we can support them! Find out more, here: www.highwaysandbyways.org.au #GenerationRestoration #WorldEnvironmentDay2021 Archdiocese of Hobart The Mercury Newspaper Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Earthcare Australia Landcare Tasmania Australian Catholic Bishops Conference CathNews UN Environment Programme Vatican News Global Catholic Climate Movement The Examiner Newspaper, Launceston

02.01.2022 All of us know some people and situations that tug at our hearts. We are also well aware of the global issues that plague our world. It is for these, and all other people, places, creatures and situations of suffering that we gather for prayerful meditation today, that we might be and become a healing presence in our world. - Corrie van den Bosch MSS A BIG THANK YOU to all who joined our online Zoom meditation on October 4, marking the Feast day of St Francis of Assisi,... and praying for the healing of our suffering world, and for an outpouring of love upon all of humanity. About 60 people from a variety of locations joined our afternoon meditation, including from New Zealand and Spain, and from across Australia as well. Read more: bit.ly/3ddjxbx #contemplation #prayer #healing #TeilharddeChardin #energiesoflove #healingpower #meditation #stfrancisofassisi #seasonofcreation #LaudatoSi5 Catholic Religious Australia Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne CathNews Catholic Diocese of Townsville Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes Contemplative Outreach Center for Action and Contemplation Australian Jesuits Fr Bob Maguire Highways and Byways - A Community of Service

02.01.2022 Today (October 10) is World Mental Health Day. We pray for all who are impacted by mental ill health, and who feel isolated and alone in their pain and struggle. May we be a source of comfort, love and support to those among us, who are in need.

02.01.2022 Today, 19th July, marks 7 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that people seeking asylum, arriving by boat, would never be settled in Australia. Since then refugees and asylum seekers have been held on Manus and Nauru in horrendous conditions. Over the past year many of these refugees have been transferred to Australia under the Medevac legislation, yet they are still being detained at Kangaroo Point and BITA in Brisbane, and the Mantra hotel and MITA in Me...lbourne. Many of our women have walked alongside the men and women (young and old), and families who have been detained in Australia throughout the years, providing pastoral care and practical support, together with their local communities. And so, it is in solidarity that we will be joining an online Facebook event this evening, from our own homes, and extend the invitation to all! Very simply light a candle and take 7 minutes of silence, at 7pm (AEST) in your own home or backyard. We have been encouraged to go live as we do this, have an accompanying sign or message and then share any photographs/videos afterwards to the Facebook page, using the hashtags #freetherefugees #7yearstoolong #GameOver We pray for all of the men, women and children still being held in detention, that they may enjoy freedom, justice and peace of mind and heart very soon. We also remember those who have lost their lives in detention. God be with them. Join us in this small act of hope, and of compassion. Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Peter A Comensoli Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum - CAPSA Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney CathNews

01.01.2022 Today, 8th July 2020, we celebrate our 76-year anniversary of going out into the highways and byways of Australia and beyond, being a presence of love and friendship to all we encounter. As is tradition, our Community of Women will gather today wherever we are (and can) to celebrate our Foundation Day with scones! Why with scones, you may ask? Find out the full story, here: bit.ly/2DcEDJ0... Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Catholic Religious Australia CathNews Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba #Highwaysandbyways #76yearanniversary #communityofwomen #scones

01.01.2022 Friends, we are so excited to announce that our new website, www.missionarysisters.org.au, is up and live! Weve just celebrated the official launch via Zoom, with Sisters and friends joining us from four Australian states - Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia. What a celebration - there was even champagne for the toast! We welcome you to explore our new website, another of our homes, which shares the story, life and legacy of our Community. It includes wh...o we are, what we do, and how we do what we do. Theres info on each of the sisters, on our founder, Fr John Wallis, and a series of items that share our latest news and events. Our Spirituality page aims to share with you some of our reflections and inspiration, to nourish your soul! And so much more. And of course, wed love your feedback. Email us via the Contact page on the website (then well know youve been paying attention!) With much love, peace and blessings, The Missionary Sisters of Service PS. Spread the Word! PPS. A big thank you to Fiona Basile: Photographer & Writer, who led this website project, taking over previous work done by Corrie van den Bosch, and to Bel Temby at Digital Services Lab. We just love it! Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference CathNews Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba PortPirie DioceseYouth Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli ACRATH Jesuit Social Services Archdiocese of Hobart Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton Catholic Social Services Victoria Catholic Social Services Australia Highways and Byways - A Community of Service

01.01.2022 We enjoyed taking our MSS and Highways and Byways - A Community of Service staff out to lunch this week to celebrate the end of the year, and Christmas. What a year it's been! It was so lovely that we could actually gather together in a cafe and see each other's beautiful faces. We have so much to give thanks for, and once again, we're deeply grateful to all who help us in our mission and work, and in our every day lives. We wouldn't be who we are without those we journey wit...h, from near and far. We pray everyone enjoys a safe and blessed Advent and Christmas season, and a wonderful start to the New Year. We're looking forward to some time off over January, but I'm sure you'll hear from us on Facebook every now and then! We have our December newsletter coming out very soon, too! Catholic Religious Australia

01.01.2022 For days I was blown away with meeting so many from the Central Tasmanian Parish and the fact that a 7-year-old boy at a Combined Service in the Tarraleah Church remembered me, after 32 years!" One of our Sisters in Hobart, Lorraine Groves MSS, shared this delightful story about a quick trip to the Claremont Village Supermarket on a Saturday, which resulted in a few unexpected encounters! Read the full story: bit.ly/2E3eT2a Highways and Byways - A Community of Service Cathol...ic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Standard #HighwaysandByways #MissionarySisters #CatholicWomen #Hobart #Tasmania See more

01.01.2022 Some of our Sisters participated in the online National Bushfire and Climate Summit launch, which took place on 9th June 2020. This was a powerful and inspiring night that brought together experts from across Australia and the world, to unpack the challenges and solutions to Australias escalating bushfire risk. During June and July, a number of expert roundtables gather to discuss needed actions, and recommendations. The Summits wrap-up event is taking place online, on 29...th July 2020, at 6pm (AEST), and is open for registration. Its a free event, and wed encourage you to attend! Read more on our MSS website, here: bit.ly/3eQhB7R The Climate Council Vic Emergency EPA Victoria Lily DAmbrosio MP Sussan Ley MP Catholic Religious Australia Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Catholic Earthcare Australia #LaudatoSi5