Who we are

      New Zealand Associates Leadership Team

I’m Peta Lindstrom and have been an Associate of the Sisters of St Joseph for ten years now! I was taught by the Sisters in Whangarei and returned not too many years later to commence my teaching career there. I loved working with the Sisters and treasure the firm friendships made during those days. I currently teach at Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Howick, Auckland where the little ones keep me on my toes! My management role allows many opportunities for sharing the incredible story of Mary MacKillop with Staff, children and families - especially of how Mary’s vision is kept alive today and lived out through the many works of the Josephite Family.
It is very humbling to be a member of the Josephite Leadership Team and to be part of the nurturing and development of Associate Groups, celebrating with prayer and liturgy and where each of us recognise the spark and joy of sharing in the charism of Mary MacKillop.

I am Trish Clark (nee Todd) and was born in Hokitika, second child of four children. As a baby we moved to Dunedin where I have lived ever since. I was educated at Holy Name School by the Sisters of St Joseph. I completed my apprenticeship as a Dressmaker and later married Keith Clark, a Policeman. For many years I continued dressmaking at home, specialising in wedding apparel. We had three daughters, Dianne, Pamela and Gaylene. Sadly Dianne passed away at twenty eight years of age. I have four grandchuldren who give me great pleasure. I enjoy gardening and cross stitch. I am a past President of the Green Island Catholic Women's League and Past Chairperson of the Polish Heritage Trust of Otago and Southland. Keith and I are now enjoying our retirement.

My name is Jill McLoughlin. I was educated by the Sisters of St Joseph at St Mary’s Primary and Secondary Schools in Gisborne, so my association with our sisters is a long one. I was professed as a Josephite sister in 1999 and on my return to NZ spent 6 years working as RE adviser for primary schools in the Wellington Archdiocese. I am currently in my second year of ministry at the Christchurch Catholic Education Office where I am now a Spirituality adviser. I love this work as I am given the opportunity to nurture the teachers and Boards of Trustees, helping them to experience, more fully, their call as educators and board members in the Catholic schools’ system. My background in Religious Education and my interest in Spirituality greatly assist me in this work. I always try to include some of Mary MacKillop’s wisdom in the presentations I give.

I am delighted to be a new member of the Associate Leadership team. At the first meeting this year, I experienced a real vibrancy and energy in the team! I am looking forward to being a part of this dynamic group, fired by the sharing of the Charism of Mary MacKillop.

I’m Sharon O’Connell. I am married to Phil and have three children, Jed, Ben and Eloise, and one dog, Cassie. For the last 4 years I’ve worked for the Auckland Diocese as a member of the Religious Education Team. I discovered Mary MacKillop by accident when it was my turn to put up a display in the Pompallier Centre about an August saint. I read Mary’s life and after that I had to find out more. I heard that there was an Associate group and I prayed for courage from Mary and went along to a meeting and I realised quite quickly that this was something I could be a part of. I’ve felt at home among the people of this group and I became an Associate in 2006. Earlier this year I was fortunate to attend a Conference at the Mary MacKillop Centre in North Sydney and was able to walk in Mary’s footsteps as it were. I feel blessed to have been in that wonderful place. I am now a member of the Leadership Team, a role I am excited to undertake and I look forward to further living my life in the Charism of Mary MacKillop and working with the Associates.