ROCKHAMPTON Bishop Michael McCarthy took his chance recently to pay tribute to the Sisters of Mercy, saying he was he was “standing on holy ground” as he did.
He was celebrating Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, and marking the golden jubilees of four Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy – Sr Margaret Schofield, Sr Maria Jean Rhule, Sr Moira Truelson and Sr Carmel Daley.
“I stand on holy ground this evening as I honour all of our Sisters of Mercy – the Sisters of Mercy of Rockhampton,” Bishop McCarthy said.
“I’m very proud of you as a group of our Rockhampton sisters.
“… I am thankful for the gift of Mercy as it permeated through my life when the sisters would come during the school holidays and teach me each year about the sacraments and our Church.
“And we honour and thank each one of you for embracing this life and for this celebration tonight (with) Srs Moira, Mary Jean and Carmel and Margaret, joined by other sisters who still walk this journey of Mercy.
“May you all be blessed in this wonderful commitment.”
Bishop McCarthy said he was struck by the “incredible diversity of ministries” they had covered in living that commitment.
“You could start with disability ministry, hospitality, administration, L’Arche, teaching, school leadership, parish pastoral work, a carer, community development, counselling, child care, religious education leader, spiritual director, hospital chaplaincy, Central Queensland University chaplaincy, diocesan ministries and pastoral planning, and connecting Centacare and the St Vincent de Paul Society and the diocese, and congregational leadership here in Rockhampton and nationally for the great group of the Institutes of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“On behalf of the diocese, thank you to the four of you.
“Thank you for all of our sisters with your incredible contribution to the faith life of this diocese and beyond for the way that you have lived your charism of religious life – the precious jewel of our Church, which is at the heart of our Church, dedicated to the service of God and the people of our diocese and beyond.”
Sr Daley was unable to attend the celebration due to COVID-19 travel restrictions but the other three golden jubilarians were there and renewed their vows.
Other Sisters of Mercy at the livestreamed Mass also renewed their vows.
