The missionary spirit of the Josephite Sisters who served in early Adelaide and remote communities across South Australia (SA), continues to inspire Catholic education today. Their courage, resilience and commitment to those in need offer a powerful example as schools respond to the challenges of the present day.
The centenary theme for World Mission Day (18 October), “One in Christ, united in mission,” reflects the enduring work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, both past and present. Through their dedicated service, they have embodied the missionary responsibility “to renew and sustain spiritual and fraternal unity” in the communities they serve.
As education in the Josephite tradition marks 160 years, there is an opportunity to honour the demands, sacrifices and achievements of the sisters and lay people who have carried the Josephite charism across generations. Mary MacKillop College, Kensington, recently explored this legacy at its Annual Board Formation Day, guided by the theme “In Faith, Joy and Love: Creating Hope We Move Forward.” The Adelaide Sisters of Saint Joseph Regional Leadership Team joined the College Board for the day. The facilitators were Ms Nichii Mardon, Director of Catholic Education, Port Pirie Diocese, SA, Dr Madeleine Brennan, academic and past Principal, and Ms Angela Hazebroek, strategic planner.
The Formation Day explored the remarkable legacy of Josephite education. For generations, Sisters of Saint Joseph taught in schools with limited resources, no support staff and families experiencing financial hardship. Their mission was to show God’s love in action: welcoming every student and family, regardless of social or financial circumstances, and providing an education through which young people could flourish.
Discussion also turned to the distinct challenges facing Catholic schools and schools in the Josephite tradition today. Enrolment in Catholic schools can no longer be assumed, and families have greater choice in an increasingly competitive education environment. Yet Catholic schools remain central to the Church’s evangelising mission, called to proclaim Jesus Christ and make the values of the Gospel real in daily life. Both a challenge and an opportunity, this is a call to reinterpret the Josephite mission in a contemporary context.
The day concluded with a strategic planning workshop involving Board members, Sisters of Saint Joseph and Mary MacKillop College leaders. Together, they considered how the College can respond to its unique challenges while nurturing its Josephite vision and mission.
The Formation Day affirmed a shared commitment to the charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph in the context of an all-girls secondary college. Through collaboration and a common purpose, the Board, Regional Leadership Team and College leadership continue to carry forward the charism of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop — united in mission and creating hope for the future.
Marian Elliott and Heather Carey
Mary MacKillop College Board, Kensington SA