Dare to Dream

Introduction In Bishop Brian Heenan’s words to the world Youth Day Pilgrims, he asks two challenging questions • •

“Will I open myself to be changed by meeting Jesus within, and in those I will share with?” “Will I invite God’s Spirit to take over my life, with a gracious welcome?”

He might well have challenged “Dare to Dream! Dare to be Different” Our Young People, and indeed the not so young have many questions about the call and lifestyle of Priests and Religious. Many questions were raised after Vocation Week last year, especially by the students and staff of Chanel College, Gladstone. There is also a keen interest to know what our Sisters and Brothers are doing in the local, national and international arenas. Members of the congregations Vocation Awareness Committee hope to create a Culture of Vocation Awareness. In an endeavour to answer some of the questions, the Personal Profiles in our booklet “Dare to Dream” give touching insights into the lives of REAL Priests, Sisters and Brothers. “Dare to Dream” is available to Schools, and will be a part of the Careers Day Displays in many centres of our Diocese. May you enjoy the enclosed Stories and take the time to reflect and ponder your calling; - is your dream challenging you to “Dare to be Different”? Some websites for you to look at; www.mercy.org.au Sisters of Mercy www.pbvm.org.au Presentation Sisters www.sosj.org.au Sisters of St Joseph www.rok.catholic.net.au/vocations Diocesan Vocations website www.catholicozvocations.org.au

Sr Anne Maree Jensen PBVM Presentation Sister I’m Anne Maree Jensen and presently I am a School Pastoral Worker in a rural setting in the Lockyer Valley, in south-east Queensland. When I entered the Presentation Sisters in 1974 I would never have envisioned where my journey of life would have taken me. However, let me take you a step back to my early childhood. I am the eldest daughter in a family of seven. I grew up in a practicing Catholic household where my mother’s philosophy was “the family that prayed together stayed together”. As a result we were involved in many church activities such as weekly Mass, daily Rosary, Novena, and Benediction. In this setting, my vocation was being nurtured and continued to be nourished through my school days. In my primary school I was taught by the Presentation Sisters. Naturally, when the Mother General came around to visit the schools and inevitably asked who was going to become a nun, my hand always went up. However, this call to Religious Life did not come to fruition until I was 19 years of age, after having spent 15 months working in the Commonwealth bank. After three years of getting to know about the life of the Presentation Sisters I took my First Vows. Having entered a teaching Order I did my teacher training and for the next ten years I taught in city, country, and coastal schools. Again God was leading me, and in 1988 I moved out of a school setting and into a pastoral care role of ministering to geographical isolated communities in the Rockhampton and Toowoomba diocese. I obtained my pilot’s licence, and during the twelve years in the aerial ministry, I was privileged to be part of people’s lives from birth to death and all in between. I was with them in their celebratory moments, rejoicing in births, baptisms, sporting and community activities, as well as their grieving moments as they suffered through death experiences, loss of jobs and properties, and the sense of loneliness as they sent their children away to boarding school. It was often around the kitchen table that I heard their sacred stories. These families shared with me their hopes and dreams as well as their pains, concerns and worries. Coming from a traditional church background, my own spirituality was broadened and stretched as these people invited me to “come and see” their spirituality. Due to their geographical isolation, their spirituality was centred around bondedness with the land and people. These people shared with me their spirit of hospitality, their spirit of care and concern, and their spirit of acceptance. Since the Aerial Ministry experience, God invited me to study in the area of spirituality and pastoral counselling, and to this day I continue to work in this role in a rural school setting. In continuing to say “Yes” to God I am passionate and enthusiastic about living out God’s dream for me in responding to the needs of the time.

Sr Mary-Ann Casanova RSJ

Sr of St Joseph

I grew up, with my five sisters and two brothers in the 60’s and 70’s on a large grazing property west of Port Lincoln, South Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed farm life and spent much of my free time outside exploring the property, riding horses, mustering and participating in farm tasks. No wonder that I still enjoy tenting and camping in the bush. For the first few years of my schooling I received lessons via the Correspondence School and was taught by my uncle. Later a school bus service became available and my schooling was completed at Saint Joseph’s School, Port Lincoln. After this I moved to the ‘big smoke’ and experienced what city life and living away from home had to offer, while I studied to become a primary school teacher. Even so, retail therapy is not for me! Prior to and after joining the Sisters, most of my teaching career was spent in rural South Australia. I was privileged to be appointed to the two schools with the longest continuous Josephite involvement Kalori School, Wallaroo and Saint Joseph’s School, Clare. The first Sister to teach me, Sister Margaret, made a deep impression on me; not only was she a friend of my father’s from his horse riding days, she was a real character. I remember her ‘trying out’ the children’s new bikes and having to hitch up her long habit and dangling rosary beads in the process. In her and the other Sisters at the school I came to appreciate the way in which they treated all the children (and their families). I have since come to recognise this ‘trademark’ approach as one inherited from Blessed Mary MacKillop. The sisters of Saint Joseph always appeared to me to be practical women, with a love of country Australia, and these characteristics attracted me. The ongoing call to religious life causes me to continually re-commit myself, and to find new ways of living out the challenges. The vow formula used during final profession talks about ‘for life’. This has become a guiding principle for me. I ask myself questions such as, ‘what can I do to bring life to others?’, Where is life being threatened or diminished & what can I do about it?’, What is life giving to me?’ Since joining, there have been a lot of changes to the structure and outward appearance of the Sisters. The key change I have experienced in living out my religious vocation has been on the inner level – the realisation that who I am, and how I am with others, is far more important than what I do For the last six years I have helped to launch the Eco Education ministry. The Eco Education ministry is one expression of the Queensland Sisters of Saint Joseph's commitment to ecology, education and spirituality, and grew out of the recent Provincial and General Chapters. (See www.ecoedoz.com). The Sisters of Saint Joseph have a rich history of connection with the natural environment and education. The Order was co-founded by Julian Tenison Woods and Mary MacKillop in Penola, South Australia in 1866. Father Julian Woods, was a highly respected man of natural science. He wrote and lectured on many subjects including botany, geology, marine biology and natural history. Blessed Mary MacKillop, was noted for her passion in educating the poor. The Eco Education ministry combines the gifts and dreams of the two in a contemporary way. One of the often quoted sayings of Blessed Mary MacKillop is ‘never see a need without trying to do something about it’. The vast ministries that the Sisters are involved in reflects this stance. We presently have sisters involved in Education (teaching and support primary and secondary students, university lecturers and tutors, adult faith teachers, music education and boarding schools) Social welfare (counselling, psychology, social work, neighbourhood ministries) Justice (law, refugee support, trafficking of women, indigenous support) Spiritual (formation, spiritual direction, liturgy, chaplaincy) Health (aged care, pastoral care, naturopathy, nursing, massage) International missions/presence (Peru, Ireland, Brazil, Asia) Ecology And much more! – Web design, cabinet making, fitting and turning; My hope is that the great work done by the sisters in the past will continue to bear fruit into the future and that many ways in which the sisters have endeavoured to do something about the needs around them will be taken on by others. New needs keep emerging and new responses will always be needed. My hope is that there will be many who can see with Mary MacKillop’s eyes, and will apply their intellect like Julian Woods, to carry the charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph forward.

Br Mick Bible Christian Brother I was born in Tamworth, NSW, and was one of eight children, seven boys “all in a row” and one sister. My early education was at the hands of the Dominican nuns and then later I was educated by the Christian Brothers. I left school to work with the AMP Society. During the three years I was at work, I studied both music and art….. a love I inherited from my mother. Also during this time I was a member of the Young Christian Workers Society. This was an organisation for young catholic men in the workforce to interact with each other, while continuing to develop their catholic faith under the guidance of the local priest. It was during a retreat organised by the group that I gave serious thought about my life into the future. Deep within me the desire to serve others was stirring and making me restless. I was attracted to the Christian Brothers Congregation but as the order was comprised mainly of teaching brothers I was not attracted to the study involved in becoming one ( I had not completed my Leaving Certificate before I went to work ). However, the order did have some lay brothers who devoted their time in supporting the others in a variety of services. I was attracted by the idea I could do tailoring within the order. With this in mind I applied to be accepted. After entering the Juniorate in Strathfield, I was asked to continue my studies from where I had left off to go to work. I wasn’t too keen on this but the “ powers-to–be” thought my skill in art and music would be a wonderful asset in the classroom so a little pressure was placed on me to become a teaching brother .So I began my life “on the mission” teaching primary grades in Albury. During this time I studied both at the Conservatorium of Music and the Queensland University gaining five diplomas in music (Associate to Fellowship in piano and recorder ) and a Bachelor of Arts degree…..and I didn’t want to study! I taught in several schools in NSW before coming to Queensland in 1960. Apart from four years in Darwin all my teaching has been in Queensland since coming to this state. Over recent years with the diminution of vocations to our order the brothers have handed their schools over to the capable hands of lay teachers. This has allowed the brothers the freedom to work more with the marginalized and in many areas to make a difference to many lives. Although the number of brothers in Australia has been reduced through lack of vocations, the order throughout the world is in a healthy position with many young men from Africa, India, and New Guinea wanting to carry on the work of Edmund Rice, our founder, in their part of the world. After fifty seven years in the brothers I still go to school each day. My time in the classroom is over but I still teach music on a one to one basis, make salad rolls in the tuckshop each morning, speak occasionally to classes on special occasions, try to attend many of the pupils’ outside school activities e.g. camps, retreats etc. Each day, again where possible, I visit people in aged-care centres or hospitals during my lunch time. I also teach music on some nights. I always try to swim one kilometre each day after school, in both summer and winter, in an effort to keep healthy after having been diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer a few years ago. I was told of the problem on the very day of my Golden Jubilee. What a present! The future of our world rests with the youth of today. It is wonderful to work with them for they keep one young. If a word or an action can make a difference in their lives for the better, what a wonderful achievement that can be. As a brother those opportunities come my way each day, and I pray I do not miss them.

Sr Margaret Graves RSM

Sr of Mercy

Before entering the Sisters of Mercy at the age of 21, I earned my living for six years working at a few different jobs - as a doctor‘s receptionist, a domestic, and as a shop assistant. It was my involvement in the Young Christian Workers Movement that helped to increase the knowledge of my faith and to deepen my personal spiritual life, as well as introducing me to working for justice. Eventually, reluctantly at first, I came to surrender to a conviction that God was calling me to something more. At that stage, I knew little about the different Religious Orders, so I asked to join the local Sisters of Mercy. God’s initial call has persisted through the years , in spite of the difficulties and disappointments which are part of every walk of life - even religious life! There have been some rewarding times too, such as: certain prayer retreats, my father’s reception into the church just before his death, opportunities to share the lives of people of other cultures and faiths, and being part of the current gatherings of Mercy Sisters discussing the future of Mercy in our part of the world. There have been may changes during my 47 years in the Sisters of Mercy - changes in society in general, in the Church, in Religious Life, and in my own life and ministry. Initially, after training to be a primary school teacher, I taught in various Mercy schools, mainly around the Mackay area. Later, I became involved with adult Literacy-Numeracy students at TAFE and later on with newlyarrived refugees. This was a turning point in my life - leading me to retrain as an English Second Language teacher, to learn a new language, to travel to Indonesia, to study in Darwin, to teach English to overseas students, to tutor new migrants. It was a privilege to share the lives of many wonderful people from other cultures as they rose to the challenge of a new life in Australia, either permanently or temporarily. Working for justice has always been important in Mercy tradition and for many years has led me to become involved in various efforts for justice. Health problems in recent years have taught me patience, deepened my prayer life, and made me more sensitive to others’ pain. Presently, I find myself tutoring English and Indonesian languages, supporting women’s groups in the parish and the region, visiting elderly people, and being involved in our City Council’s celebrations of various multicultural events, e.g., National Harmony Day and National Refugee Week. I am full of hope that Religious Life will continue into the future, albeit in new places and new ways in answer to the needs of the times. As the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, said

“We have ever confided largely in Divine Providence and shall continue to do so.” “The Poor need help today not next week”

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Sr Cecilia Prest MFIC Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception When I was five years old I emigrated to Australia with my parents from Bavaria, Germany, exchanging my beloved forest- clad mountains for a migrant camp in Bonegilla, country Victoria, until we were “processed.” I spent my first three years at school with the Presentation Srs. and completed the rest of my education in State schools. I was blessed with a close knit loving family with my parents and two younger brothers .I was always a bit of a “Tomboy” and grew up playing football ,(AFL of course!). The”Pressies” had given me a good grounding in my Faith but I had a deep hunger for something “more.” At fourteen I began to read the lives of the saints and go to daily Mass. I wrote to various missionary Orders, and was fascinated by their stories from “the missions”! After Year Twelve I began nursing at St.Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne and loved it. I was sure this would satisfy my “hunger” and searching, and for a while it did. I was carrying out bedpans praying “all for Jesus” under my breath and feeling very heroic! I had a lively social life with the other trainees as we let off steam when off-duty. I was hoping to meet “the love of my life” and wanted my own children and family, but quite often I’d come home after an enjoyable night out and feel an emptiness and deep down I knew that God was waiting for my response to His call to leave everything and follow Him. When I finally met the Missionary Franciscan Sisters I knew that they had what I was searching for- a joyful love of God and all people, simplicity of life, good humour and a warm family spirit. Ordinary women doing ordinary things with extraordinary love! I moved to Brisbane to do midwifery at the Mater Mothers’ Hosp. so I could visit the sisters in Kedron. When I did,I could hear peals of laughter down the hall where the sisters met for morning tea and I felt I was coming home. The hardest part was leaving home. My parents were against my decision to enter but I found no peace until I did. Years later my mother said “You were always looking for something, and now I know you’ve found it.” I’ve never regretted my choice.I found deep peace and joy and the companionship of my sisters. My life has been full of adventure!. I spent twenty-eight wonderful years nursing in rural areas of the West Sepik in PNG where the mission doctor would vist 2-3 times a year and contact in between visits was by VHF radio. I realised a childhood dream when I was given a sabbatical year to connect with my roots in Bavaria, and to study tropical medicine in London. I now minister as a pastoral assistant in the Indigenous township of Woorabinda and love being here. We have about 400 members world-wide with sisters in PNG,Bolivia,Peru ,USA,Canada; Egypt, England,the Irish Republic, N.Ireland; Italy,Australia and Sudan all responding to whatever the human need is with a focus on the poor and marginalised . We have a wonderful group of men and women Associate members in Aust.and the USA who share our charism of following Christ in simplicity and joy; being a contemplative presence wherever we are; promoting peace and reconciliation and love and respect for all creation, urged on by the Rule of St.Francis who exhorts his followers: “...in all of their works the love of God and of all people should shine forth...”

“Fifty Years a Priest” Fr Frank Gilbert Diocesan Priest The music playing wafted my memory back through the years Back to when I was young, to a time when I made a choice; To a time when I decided to be a priest and put away my fears. Some do say that this is the time when you hear God’s voice. A farmer I had set out to be, I had just left school and was free. From Gympie I had come to settle on the farm at Burnett Heads To carry on a tradition established by the one I called my Gandy. I lived with the Aunt and Uncle. Unk and I farmed two spreads. Then the nagging thought of priesthood raised its head once more So it was off to Banyo Seminary I went in nineteen forty-eight I had thought I might try this a year or two before But then the young girls at school looked nice so I thought I’d wait. Ten years later I was ordained a priest and left Banyo behind. Those years there I had found to be pretty tough. But after chipping many rows of cane, the two were of a kind. Anyway back into the world I went - ready but still rough. To Mackay I was appointed and what a year I had! Good memories I still have of my one and only year there; The people welcomed me and the work made me glad. Father Collins was a good model, a friend, a priest of care. Unexpectedly I was transferred to St Theresa’s in Rocky town. This I admit came as a bit of a shock “St Theresa’s?” I said. “Yes to St Theresa’s” said Father Bill and I had a little frown. For the next five years, St Theresa’s is where I made my bed. I farewelled two old priests, both of them famous in their way. Both were Monsignors and both of them were called PaddyO’Keefe and Bannan their names - each different shall I say. Neither of them played golf but for them both I faithfully did caddy. To Emerald I was next appointed: for three years it was home. These three years passed in a blink, wonderful memories remain. Dean Carew was Pastor and the Central Highlands I did roam. Enjoying this new experience, my energy was hard to contain. My brother Fred had come to Rocky and married well One Veronica Fitzgerald. Four lovely children to them were born. Alas the joy was all to short. I find this story very hard to tell. For cruelly from us Fred was taken. As family we were left forlorn. Life must go on. I fast grew to be a very doting Uncle Frank Learning first hand the many changes in children as they grow. From St Mary’s to St Peter’s. and Bishop Rush I still do thank, As it kept me close to family and helped soften our sad blow.

“Fifty Years a Priest” Fr Frank Gilbert Ah those St Peter’s days - how good and how busy those yearsI was given charge to resurrect pre-marriage preparation. Dean Walsh backed me all the way so I had no fears He supported my different duties, this gave me consolation. Then one Sister AnneMarie came to town with an idea she had, “Perhaps you could see the Bishop and get him on our side.” “For what?” I thought. So I saw the Bishop and he was glad To help a dream grow from a drop into what became a tide. I speak of Centacare which started as the Christian Family Centre. And then it was to Blackwater, to the Bowen basin, I was sent. A different challenge this, a new stage of life I was to enter. I had wonderful support from the laity - they were heaven sent. Up north of me I had two good mates - one a singing poetThe other an Irishman of note. With our teams we shared a lot. Of course it was not all work, we shared a red or two, you bet, Mining towns are different but we gave it our best. And now I come to Bundaberg, my hometown you know. Twelve years I was to spend here, years I still do treasure. I had a lot to learn and still do, as if it doesn’t show. I farewelled my Dad and Father Mick, on life they had long tenure. My story has taken a new turn as in semi-retirement I write. Four years at the Cathedral and it was time to hang up the boots. So now I live again in Rocky retired but then again, not quite. I have time to spend with people getting back to the grass roots. Have I any real regrets in my twilight time that I became a priest? No I don’t! Life is a little rough for each of us at times - too true! But my support has always been to sit down at table and feast With Jesus and all of you and pray I always remain true blue. Fr Frank Gilbert - 29-06-2007 50th Jubilee of Priesthood

Diocesan Priest

Sr Maria Jean Rhule RSM

Sr of Mercy

My name is Maria Jean Rhule. I am the eldest of 5 children. My parents lived a very practical form of Christianity. They were always reaching out to others and sharing what ever we had, although at times money and possessions were far from plentiful. There was an open door policy at our home. I believe it was in this atmosphere of openness and sharing that as a teenager I developed a desire to go as a volunteer to the overseas missions, and my vocation was fostered. I can remember clearly approaching the Mission co-ordinator at the age of 16 only to be told I would not be considered until I was 21. This to me, at that time, seemed a life time away. Now as I look back I can see this as God’s gentle guidance. In those years between 16 and 21 I joined the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy. The reason I joined this particular group was simply because these were the Sisters I knew. However, as I came to know more about Catherine McAuley I realised it was her spirit of love for the poor and disadvantaged that had been passed down through the Sisters that attracted me to them. My life as a Sister of Mercy has been a rich and rewarding one. I have been given many opportunities for personal, professional and spiritual development. After my Novitiate I went to Sydney and did my Teachers’ training. Following a short spell as a classroom teacher I had the privilege of being a House Mother at our orphanage for a few years. These were rewarding, challenging and fulfilling days. Now the time was right and it was with much joy that I accepted the invitation to go to our Mission house in Papua New Guinea. I can say with all honesty that I grew to love everything about Papua New Guinea, its people and culture, despite the sometimes difficult physical circumstances under which I worked. In 1991 I returned from PNG and have since had the opportunity to retrain. While working at Centacare in the area of family support I did a Bachelor of Community Welfare. More recently I have worked as a Guidance officer/counsellor at a high school. Last year I had the privilege of having time for renewal doing courses of a professional and spiritual nature. Presently I am working as Pastoral Care Coordinator at the Mater Hospital Rockhampton. One of Catherine McAuley’s great strengths was her trust in Divine Providence. I must admit in this area I am a very slow learner. However, as I look back over my life I can see the Hand of God at work, for example I was not ready to go to the missions at 16. I can also see the experience I have had in the different welfare areas since returning to Australia has helped prepare me for my present role. I have a strong belief in the importance of our Mercy way of life. I believe it is as relevant today as it was in Catherine’s day. There are still many poor and disadvantaged women and children in our world. What Catherine said then still applies “What the poor prize more highly than gold is the kindly word, the gentle smile, and the patient hearing of their sorrows” (Catherine McAuley) For me it is encouraging and life giving to see us as Sisters of Mercy so intent on continuing the Mercy Mission we are prepared to examine our structures and welcome associates and lay people to work with us. “The poor need help today not next week” (Catherine McAuley)

Sr Cathy O’Keefe PBVM Presentation Sister All human beings – regardless of faith, race or creed – are called to holiness. There are a number of ways that this call can be lived out. Christians are initiated into the mystery of life in Christ through the sacraments and are called by God to experience the mystery more deeply as we grow in faith. Some years ago I chose to live out God’s call through Religious Profession, specifically with the Presentation Sisters. My life and faith began with my birth in Rockhampton, the fifth child of Paul and Marie O’Keeffe who passed onto their ten children a strong Catholic faith which was integrated into our lives in very practical ways. After completing twelve years of schooling I joined the workforce as a secretary and also became involved in church groups which helped to develop my faith and a deep sense of justice for all, especially those who are marginalised and unjustly treated. After ten years of employment (the last two for an organisation in Brisbane working with young people who were homeless) I felt the call to live out my passion for justice within a religious congregation, and was accepted by the Presentation Sisters Qld. My first profession was in December 1986 and I took life vows in April 1992. My life as a Presentation Sister has brought me many wonderful experiences that have broadened my horizons, and which enable me to continually become more educated and informed on issues that affect our world. With the support of a religious community and the inspiration of Nano Nagle our foundress, and of Presentation Sisters both living and dead, I continue to deepen my spirituality and so grow in my commitment to work for justice. My ministry of communications and information technology, which includes developing and maintaining websites for Presentation Sisters, the Social Action Office and other congregations and non-profit organisations, gives me the opportunity to become more educated and to work with others in taking action for ecological sustainability, and to change unjust structures that violate people’s dignity and rights. Through my ministry I have also had the pleasure of working with and learning from Indigenous people, the people of East Timor, asylum seekers and refugees. The call to ‘heed the cry of the earth and the cry of those made poor’ is central to who we Presentation Sisters are and how we minister. We reach out in faith, in a spirit of hospitality, compassion and simplicity to all of creation and we try to face the challenges of our commitment with energy and courage. For me this is what brings meaning to my life and to my quest for God. Relevant websites: http://pbvm.org.au http://sao.clriq.org.au

Fr Michael Carroll MaristPriest When I was in Year 10 I started to consider a vocation to religious life. To understand how this idea came into my mind I have to pay tribute to the many people of faith who influenced my childhood. My parents Gerard and Noreen gave me a tremendous example of faith. Our family prayed the rosary every night with trimmings. We attended Sunday Mass at the Marist Fathers’ Chapel at Glenlyon Drive Ashgrove. It was a very close-knit faith community and somewhat set in their ways. Everyone had their own seat and woe betide any visitor who sat in someone’s seat. But, beneath this conformity, there was a great deal of generosity which my family experienced when my mother became sick. After school I attended Queensland University. I enjoyed the experience. It was a time when anti-Vietnam war protests were at their peak. I joined the Newman Society and my faith was encouraged by meeting other young Catholics of similar faith background. I was particularly influenced by the Jesuits who were chaplains to the Newman society. While at University my interest in the priestly vocation waned. I was more interested in finishing my teaching course. After graduation I was appointed to Blackall State School 1000 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. Although I enjoyed teaching, I realised it was not a life long vocation for me and my interest in becoming a priest resumed. After 2 years in Blackall I was transferred to Imbil State School 20 kilometres south west of Gympie and within close proximity of Noosa. I realised then that if I didn’t make a decision, I would stay at Imbil for twenty years. In 1979, I commenced my studies for the priesthood at the Marist Fathers Novitiate Toongabbie Sydney. In 1986 I was ordained a priest at St. Peter Chanel’s Church at The Gap in Brisbane. At my ordination Bishop John Gerry said that I would be formed by the people I would serve; their strong faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church would inspire me and it does. I remember being woken up one night at midnight by a Parishoner, who told me his friend was dying in the Hospital and was ready to see a Priest. This was one of the many humbling experiences I have had. Since then I have worked in Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Gladstone. I have been overwhelmed by the high regard people have for Priesthood and the trust they place in us. I have found being a Marist priest both enjoyable and challenging. The message of Jesus and our social values often clash . The challenge is negotiating a way through these competing forces and still proclaiming the Christian message authentically. I find it difficult but it gives my life meaning.

Sr Christina Zammit MFIC Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception In 1952 I was distressed to hear over the radio that missionary nuns had been killed by the Mau Mau in Africa. To comfort me my mother declared that they were martyrs and would go straight to heaven. I decided that I would become a missionary nun and get a shortcut to heaven too. Encouraged by the sisters at school , “saving money for the missions “became a feature of my youth! Though the idea of becoming a missionary nun was there at an early age, by the time I was fourteen I also wanted to be a ballerina... Somewhere in my teens I developed a very personal relationship with Christ and I felt called to belong totally to Him .When I announced my decision to my family in my last year of school my father didn’t speak to me for a week! It was my first indication of the seriousness of the life and the challenges involved. Choosing this way of life meant no husband, no children, financial restrictions and obedience to God’s will through the community. As I matured, graduated from Teachers’ College and worked in three Qld. State schools I gradually realised all I would be giving up in order to explore this relationship to Jesus Christ which would make me available to His vulnerable and marginalised people. Despite this, the attraction was still very strong and I had no peace until I decided that the only way to settle this was to try life in a community of nuns for a while and see if I survived – so I did! Each day I asked God to tell me loud and clear if this was not the life He wanted for me, and each day I thrived and grew spiritually and was happier than I had ever been before- a sure sign of my calling to the Religious life. I’ve worked as a teacher; as a parish pastoral leader; in formation in PNG; among the charismatic community praying for physical, emotional and spiritual healing for God’s people, and now work with the Sudanese community in Brisbane. There have been challenges galore, much personal growth , wonderful relationships, great times and hard times, yet the greatest happiness has always been the continuing adventure of this personal relationship with Jesus Christ, keeping my spirit alive, my heart joyful, and my feet eager to get around the next bend in the road of life.

One day I will “turn a corner” and be face to face with Him whom my heart loves.

Fr Andrew Chase Diocesan Priest At the time of writing, I have been ordained as a priest for a little over two years, and am currently the Assistant Priest in the Mackay South cluster of parishes. It’s been quite an amazing journey that has brought me to this point in my life; from my earliest experiences of God and Church, thanks to my parents and my Catholic schooling, through the more personal searching that often comes in adolescence, to eventually making the decision to respond to that mysterious and irresistible call to “put out into the deep” with Christ. Even though I had always been fairly involved in church life growing up, and always believed in Christ, the call to priesthood was a gradual one, and one that I resisted at first. I think the idea of priesthood first appealed to me because of the example of the priests I knew growing up. I was drawn by their confidence, their passion for sharing the faith, their apparent understanding of religious mysteries and the fact that they seemed to have a really privileged role in helping other people deepen their faith. That kind of life excited me somehow. As I grew older, I began to ponder my faith more deeply, and along with that came a more explicit thought: ‘I wonder if God wants me to be a priest?’ That thought remained with me, off and on, throughout my final years of secondary school and my time at university studying Science. But mostly during this time it remained a fairly vague idea about something that may happen ‘sometime in the future.’ Following university I signed up for a year with the National Evangelization Teams (NET). This was an experience that brought the idea of priesthood much more into focus for me. During that time I shared with other young people on my team about my faith and the thought that I might be called to priesthood. And it was their support and affirmation that really spurred me to start listening to God’s call more intently. I finally made the decision to enter the seminary 2 years later, largely because I decided I couldn’t ignore the call any longer and that if I wanted to know for sure, I just had to give it a try. Having been ordained now for a bit over two years, I can say that it has certainly been the right decision for me. My earliest attractions to the vocation of the priest have evolved and matured, but they have basically remained the same: the deepest call of this life for me is still a passion for drawing others to a deeper faith in Christ and standing in a privileged role as Christ’s representative in the sacraments. The range of work I do as a priest in the parish is broad: celebrating the Eucharist, hearing people’s confessions, working with other parishioners on pastoral councils and other groups, visiting the sick, burying the dead, baptising new members of the church, and visiting schools are just some of the many ways in which I live out the call to act in persona Christi – in the person of Christ. I deeply hope that many more young men in our diocese will see the blessedness of this life and respond courageously to this call. It’s sometimes a hard call to hear in the ‘noisiness’ of our secular world, but I have no doubt God is continuing to give it to people. For me personally, I am simply grateful that I have heard it, thanks to the blessings I’ve received from so many people and experiences in my life.

Sr Sandra Hopkins RSJ

Sr of St Joseph

My journey into religious life was via the long road. Not necessarily by choice, more so by circumstances, I guess. That being said, I see the journey now as an extended Novitiate rather than anything else. I was born and raised in Rockhampton the eldest of twelve children. I have two sisters and nine brothers. My primary education was with the Sisters of St. Joseph and secondary with the Sisters of Mercy. The first part of my working life was in clerical and administrative positions and I have always had a deep interest and involvement in matters Church. Most of my contemporaries in Religious Life have been there since their teens or early twenties, but as is becoming more commonplace, I was in my mid-forties before my formal journey as a Sister of St. Joseph began. I had been a Josephite Associate for many years and it was a passing conversation with the then Congregational Leader, Sister Mary Cresp, and her later ‘invitation’ that finally brought me to where I am today. I began my Novitiate in Sydney the year that Pope John Paul II visited and elevated our foundress, Mary MacKillop, to Blessed and on her way to sainthood. I am sure it was Mary’s very down to earth Australian character and her dream of educating, and giving a future to the children of the not so wealthy and those in isolated country areas that spoke so very loudly to me. Mary’s practicality and desire to be of service and to provide for the battler and outcast, and willingness to go to where the need was greatest is summed up in her words – “Never see a need without doing something about it”. Prior to my Novitiate I completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in Sydney, and after my First Profession I returned to Queensland and lived in a community which provided hospitality and a place of rest to tired and worn-out carers (mostly mums). I also worked in our Aged Care Hostel in Brisbane caring for our senior sisters. During this time I completed a second unit of Clinical Pastoral Education part time. Following Life Vows in 2001, I had a change of ministry and returned to Rockhampton to take on the role of Co-ordinator of Pastoral Care and Mission at Bethany. I had come almost full circle as I had been working in administration at Bethany prior to joining the Sisters of St. Joseph. God works in mysterious ways as I neither expected to end up back in my home town, much less working once again with the Sisters of Mercy. I have been asked why a Sister of St. Joseph? Why work with the Sisters of Mercy? Good questions! There is and always has been something that has drawn me to the Josephites. We are all striving to bring the Good News, to be God’s Messengers. I feel a distinct ‘at homeness’ within the Josephite family, and I am enriched through the privilege of ministering to the aged at Bethany. To walk with so many in the last days, hours, minutes of their earthly journey brings me closer to a greater understanding, of the wonder and awe of God, and the promise of Life Eternal. The way I live my life impacts on the way I arrive at the finish line at life’s end. But really, life here is just the beginning, and the vessel that I travel this part of the journey in happens to be as a vowed Sister of St. Joseph. Vowed for the Kingdom! For anyone considering Religious Life or Priesthood…..don’t think too long. Life is too short!!

Br Vince Connors Christian Brother My name is Vince Connors and I have been a Christian Brother for sixty years. I am the oldest of six children born to working class parents in Maryborough, Queensland in November 1932. I attended school at the local Sisters of Mercy Convent and the Christian Brothers. I was very much a run-of-the-mill boy of perhaps a little above average academic ability which I failed to use as well as I should have. I came from a fairly strict but essentially happy and love-filled home. I was by no means overly pious but, like many of my peers was a regular altar boy, and in my final year before entering, attended Mass most mornings. My mother was most likely the single biggest influence on me and my spirituality but the Brothers impressed me greatly also – especially one man whom I greatly admired. The thought of being like them grew on me and has been part of me ever since. My ongoing call is to be faithful to the vows I took all those years ago. The most significant change for me is the shift from a very controlled centered, permission required, strictly regimented way of life to a much freer, personal responsibility direction. This I find both liberating, but at the same time a challenge. My ministry has taken me to Melbourne, Adelaide, Townsville, Charters Towers, Maryborough, St. James (Brisbane), St Laurences (Brisbane), back to Charters Towers, Nudgee College, Indooroopilly, Bundaberg, Clayfield, Ipswich, Oxley and back now to South Brisbane. I have always been involved in school ministries or ones associated with schools in some way. This is the major work of our Congregation, though some brothers are involved in working with very disadvantaged youth, running youth camps, orphanages, boys’ homes, hostels, etc. As a seventy-five year old, and the leader of my present community, I attempt to be a secure presence for the mainly elderly members, and give an hospitable and welcoming experience for our many visitors who need to stay with us for various reasons. This is very much in the spirit of our founder, Blessed Edmund Rice. The key values of our Congregation are • the evangelization of youth especially or mainly through a good Christian education • being a presence ( brother) to all especially those most in need • striving for a more just society and living in such a way as to help to make that a reality. • A faith-filled life centered on God and trying to see Him in everyone we meet and have dealings with.