Our Heart for Mission

What do we mean by Mission God’s mission revealed in Jesus Christ “God’s spirit is upon me, for God has sent me to bring good news to the destitute. God has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send for the shattered in release, to proclaim a year of God’s acceptance.” Luke 4:18-19 Our Heart for Mission

What do we mean by MISSION God’s Mission: The Mission has a Church The Church is a foretaste – a sign and instrument of the reign of God. Participation in the mission Our Heart for Mission

What do we mean by MISSION? Pope Francis: We must find the Lord who consoles and go to the people of God.. THIS IS THE MISSION People today need words, but most of all they need us to bear witness to the mercy and tenderness of the Lord, which warms the heart, rekindles hope and attracts people towards the good. Our Heart for Mission

What do we mean by MISSION? “Whatever work we do, our song is of mercy and fidelity, justice and peace (Ps101). Because of our God, to whom we sing our song, we join in the search, for justice and love wherever we are. Calling one another to conversion of heart, to fidelity in mercy, we continue to proclaim the loving kindness of God, working together to create the new earth which God’s love demands.” (Rev 21:1) Constitutions: 4.08 Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? In the these categories of Ministries: Asylum seekers and refugees (Feb 21 st ) Women and Children at Risk (May 2 nd ) Education and Nourishment(August 8 th ) Health and Well-being and Spirituality (Oct 24-25) Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? What are the conduits for this? Congregationally Local Community Individually Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? What are the dimensions of this? Temporal Resources Funding Scholarships Financial donations Goods in kind Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? What are the dimensions of this? Human resources: Sisters: stipended and voluntary, practical support, presence, advocacy, prayer Other men and women of Mercy Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? What are the dimensions of this? “Inheritance”: Good will Credibility Reputation Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? What does this look like? Sponsored Works Partnerships Individual Sisters in ministry Our support of other organisations Our Heart for Mission

How are we involved and Connected? General discussion, comments, groups discussion feedback Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Sponsored Works:  Mercy Works:  The Congregation is a Member of the Company  Present annual funding commitment of $20,000/yr  Congregation buys Mercy Works Gift Cards for Christmas hampers for Board Members and other helpers  A number of sisters are “Friends” of Mercy Works  Involvement of Sisters in Mercy Connect Programme Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Partnerships:  House of Welcome (HoW):  Fire compliance work on Surry Hills ($180,000)  “Rent” of Surry Hills property covers costs only  Donations of Furniture and other items from closed houses Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Partnerships:  Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) – Arupe Place:  Rent of No 4. Victoria Rd covers costs only  Use of Catherine McAuley Rooms for training Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Partnerships:  CatholicCare Social Services - Mamre:  Gifting of Sponsored Work  4 Sisters engaged voluntarily in ministry  Funding ($80,000 then $60,000, the $40,000/yr)  Financial support from individual sisters/local houses Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Our Support individuals and other organisations:  CCJP:  Annual financial donation ($1,000)  Sisters in membership  Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul:  Donations of Furniture and other items from closed houses  Financial Donations from individual sisters/ local houses  Employment of Refugees Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees What does this look like? Individual Sisters in ministry:  Johanna, Helen Barnes, Valda, Margaret Sheppard, Jan Woods, Marie Butcher, Monica Newman, Pat Tully, ?Julia Which other individuals and/or local communities are active in this area? Our Heart for Mission

Today’s Focus: Asylum Seekers and Refugees Which other individuals and/or local communities are active in this area? 1.List your Name and where ministry is on “Post it note” 2.Place post it note under the relevant heading: Ministry Advocacy Practical Support Financial Support Prayer Our Heart for Mission

Your Heart on Earth We will welcome all your people without favour, without fear. We will ease the heavy burdens, and attend to every tear. We will draw with bonds of kindness, we will see the last are first In our loving, in our living, we will be your heart on earth. We will make our home within you, we will labour side by side. Reaching out beyond the boundaries, for your justice we will strive. We will strengthen one another in the struggle of new birth. For the small voice we will listen, we will be your heart on earth. Our Heart for Mission

Your Heart on Earth Many tongues and many cultures we will treasure each and all. Many gifts but one in spirit many ways but still one call. In your memory we will gather, bringing you our best and worst. Sharing the bread and wine of forgiveness, We will be your heart on earth. We will celebrate together love’s redeeming powerful way. We will taste your Spirit’s presence guiding all we do and say. We will seek courageous vision so to quench your people’s thirst. Living now your life within us We will be your heart, We will be your heart, We will be your heart …..on earth. Our Heart for Mission

I AM YOUR HEART ON EARTH