'I cannot do anything without God’s help.' (Mary MacKillop—to her mother Flora, 1867). We are invited through the writing of Pauline Wicks rsj to grow in confidence and trust that 'God will take care of us all'.

Every year the Mary MacKillop Foundation helps more than 40 community projects throughout Australia by providing 12-month grants of up to $10,000 each. This year, the Foundation provided more than $500,000 in grants and almost doubled the number of grants given in response to an increase in the emergence of projects providing crucial assistance to those in need.

10 December is observed as Human Rights Day. 53 years after the UN proclaimed this day of special observance, there are still very many people in our world whose rights and dignity are ignored or diminished. Conscious of the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, the Sisters of St Joseph advocate on their behalf. Join us!

The approach of the end of another year is often a time for pause and reflection, writes Laraine Crowe rsj.

Do we find anything amongst embers of the year just passed that encourages us to maintain Christian hope? ...In the often small, even insignificant actions of ordinary people in ordinary ways, says Sr Laraine, it is possible to see the Reign of God break into our world...

Ethica Accessories, the trading name of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Peruvian Project, has many items suitable for gift giving at Christmas. Purchase online from our website, visit our POP up shop in Paddington or the National Gallery of Australia shop in Canberra and support our ministry.

The Year of Faith encouraged people to do old things in new ways. This article in Tui Motu (a Maori phrase meaning “stitching the islands together...”) magazine gives us an insight into one such new venture: a pilgrimage centred around the person of St Mary McKillop.

'Wherever this may find you, I, with all my heart, wish you a very happy Christmas, and a bright and happy New Year.' Mary MacKillop 1899.

Thinking of going on retreat in 2014?  Amongst other reflective experiences, private, guided and directed retreat opportunities are available at St Joseph's Baulkham Hills, St Joseph's Kincumber South, Mary MacKillop Place North Sydney and the Vale Lodge Perthville,  NSW and at Mary MacKillop Centre Adelaide, SA.

Important dates for your calendar including celebrations to mark the centenary anniversary of the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel (Nth Sydney).

This is the final issue of Mary MacKillop E-News for 2013. We thank you for your interest in and support of our works this year and wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a peaceful and hope-filled New Year. The first Issue of Mary MacKillop E-News for 2014 will be published on 8 February.

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