Crises Facing Refugees in Australia
Refugee Week in 2023 will take place from Sunday 18 June – Saturday 24 June, with the theme being ‘Finding Freedom’. Josephites are really grateful for the initiatives being taken by the Federal Government to promote permanent protection for those in temporary protection. We continue to work, however, for those on bridging visas who are […]
Josephite Justice Network Update
This year has been a significant one for many of us as Josephites. The polarisation of debate around the Voice referendum has challenged us in many different ways, and the crises in the housing market, low wages, inadequate welfare payments and the devastation facing Earth have both tested and galvanised us. We’ve been really conscious […]
Uluru Statement from the Heart: Basic Truths
It was wonderful to receive a message from Sr Denise McKay recently describing the overwhelming sense of gratitude experienced by all those who attended the historic South Australian Voice to Parliament. They witnessed the Bill pass through both Houses of Parliament, with the Governor signing the Act into law “before our eyes”. In the hopes […]
Josephite Justice Network Gathering – March 2023
The Josephite Justice Network (JJN) gathering was held at Kincumber South, New South Wales from 10-12 March 2023. Josephite Sisters, Companions as well as young Josephite volunteers from throughout Australia, were all present. The theme for the gathering was The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37:5). We realised during the course of the weekend, that […]
JJAMM (Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop) 2023
And that’s a wrap on JJAMM 2023! What a fun, empowering, and faith-filled ride it was. Our Josephite student leaders journeyed across Australia and New Zealand to join forces in their collective pursuit for justice in the name of the Josephite tradition. It was a privilege to watch these gifted and insightful young leaders reinvigorate […]
St Mary MacKillop’s Human Right of Way
We commemorate Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022. The presumed inalienability of human rights continues to be at odds with the realities of its accessibility in our contemporary context. There is a false assumption that we as a collective society have achieved justice for all. Unfortunately, many marginalised voices in our community remain silenced […]
World Homeless Day 2022
When the Tent City was set up in Martin Place by homeless people in 2017, I was fascinated by the attention and care that had been given to its organisation. The tents were placed at regular intervals, hot beverage tables were set up and all comers were offered free tea and coffee. The residents sat […]
Migrant and Refugee Sunday 2022
This year, we celebrate Migrant and Refugee Sunday on 25 September. The theme this year is Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees. As Josephites, this is a critical issue for us, and for our prayer and ministries. As we know, Pope Francis has proclaimed Joseph as the patron saint of refugees, and in the […]
Justice Now: The Peril and the Promise, Daring to Hope
Josephite Justice Network Gathering: 11-13 March 2022 At long last with Covid restrictions eased, we, the Josephite Justice Network, were able to meet face to face. Seventeen of us gathered at St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre, Kincumber, New South Wales and were aware of many others who were unable to join us.
Voting for the good of the whole community
How would Mary MacKillop vote in the upcoming Federal Election? We will never know. Nevertheless, as the author Sheila McCreanor points out: …one thing is certain; her letters show that she took voting very seriously and, at a time when women had just earned the right to vote, she urged her Sisters to take it […]
A Prayer for those affected by the floods
At this time, we hold in our minds and hearts all those affected by the floods and pouring rain. Our hearts go out to those whose homes, possessions and businesses have been destroyed or damaged by floods in Queensland and New South Wales.
Being a Josephite Woman in the 21st Century
Assuming the role of a 21st century woman is daunting yet liberating. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow, encapsulates the exciting prospect of a green and just future, whilst alluding to challenges ahead in addressing such entrenched inequalities and gaps.