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MERCY PARTNERS 07 3267 5840 [email protected] | PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 | Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014
To contribute to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life-
giving mercy of God is experienced
A Heart for MercyMERCY PARTNERS FORMATION FRAMEWORK
Acknowledgement of CountryWe acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which
Mercy Partners Ministries are situated and pay our respects to the
elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the
traditions, the culture and the hopes of Indigenous Australia. We
give thanks for the continuing vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples and culture, and pledge ourselves to walk forward
together in solidarity for a better future.
Visit Mercy Partners website to download A Heart for Mercy: Mercy Partners Formation Framework at www.mercypartners.org.au
© 2017 MERCY PARTNERS. All rights reserved. [email protected] | PO Box 424 Banyo Q 4014 | Lvl 2 McAuley Bldg 131 Queens Road Nudgee Q 4014
Our Spiritual HeritageCatherine McAuley (1778-1841)Catherine McAuley opened the fist House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827. On the 12th December 1831 at the age of 53, Catherine made her final vows as a Sister of Mercy. Catherine McAuley’s outreach was to all in need, but she had a special regard for girls and young women of the poorer classes who were frequently exploited and rarely had access to education. She established 12 Mercy foundations in Ireland and two in England and at the time of Catherine’s death there were 150 Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy came to Australia in 1846.
Nano Nagle (1718-1784)
Nano Nagle was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1718 during the notorious penal laws which sought to subjugate the Catholic population. Nano Nagle responded to the extreme poverty of her time by opening secret schools in Cork to educate children of the poor. By 1857, she had opened seven such schools and by the time of her death had established a network of schools educating over 400 pupils. Nano Nagle also visited the sick and the elderly in the evenings earning the nickname ‘The Lady with the Lamp’. In 1784, Nano Nagle founded the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Sisters arrived in Australia in 1866 opening their first school in Tasmania.
Elizabeth Hayes (1823-1894)
Elizabeth Hayes, scholar, teacher, pioneer journalist and foundress of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, was a passionate Franciscan and a dedicated missionary. As Sister Mary Ignatius of the Franciscan Sisters, Glasgow, she travelled to Jamaica, Paris, Rome, St Thomas Island, Boston and Belle Prairie. In Belle Prairie she established schools, a novitiate and a printing press, producing the first Franciscan journal in English, Annals of Our Lady of the Angels. Elizabeth’s vision was global and she drew inspiration from Saints Francis and Clare in responding to the underprivileged and disenfranchised people of southern USA. Her writings celebrated the Franciscan way of following Christ. She founded the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1872.
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 1
MERCY PARTNERS IS A PUBLIC JURIDIC PERSON (PJP) IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH (ref. Canon 116) established with Vatican approval in 2008 by the four Mercy Congregations in Queensland to govern the Catholic ministries entrusted to its care by their founding religious congregations. Its ministries are in the fields of education, health, aged care, and community welfare. Mercy Partners has welcomed Presentation and Franciscan ministries and is now a dynamic multi-charism, multi-ministry ecclesial entity.
In particular, Mercy Partners was established to: > sponsor ministries in the name of the Catholic Church > respond compassionately and creatively to existing and
emerging formation needs within ministries > advocate in the public forum on behalf of the poor and
disadvantaged, particularly those associated with our ministries
> provide a pathway in the Catholic Church for canonical leadership of ministries by lay people.
In carrying out its purpose, Mercy Partners preserves a clear and unqualified commitment to the Catholic faith.
Compassion
Justice
Respect
Hope
Heartsfor
Mercy
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To contribute to the emergence of a world where the healing, liberating and life-giving mercy of God is experienced.
The Expression of our MissionIn fidelity to the Gospel and continuing the tradition of Catherine McAuley, our call to mission leads us to …
1. Conduct ministries in the name of the Catholic Church, that:> Offer quality services in aged care, health, education and community services, regularly
critiqued against our stated values
> Promote the wellbeing of people, encouraging them to realise their God-given potential
> Respect and reverence the interdependence of all creation.
2. Respond compassionately and creatively to existing and emerging needs within communities.
3. Advocate in the public forum on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged, in particular those associated with our ministries, so that mercy values find expression in policy and practice.
4. Provide a pathway in the Catholic Church for canonical leadership of ministries by lay people.
Core ValuesCompassion Those with compassion enter into another’s experience and are moved to respond. In the spirit of Catherine McAuley, they engage with poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people of our world.
Justice Those who are just live and promote right relationships with God, self, neighbour and creation. Upholding our human rights and accepting our responsibilities to human kind, they strive to provide fair access to the world’s resources for all people.
Respect Those with respect honour the integrity and diversity of creation. They recognise the unique dignity of every human being as created in the image and likeness of God. Empowered by the Spirit they are called to be co-creators of the new creation.
Hope Those with hope live the resurrection story trusting the transforming power of God. So they persevere through difficulties, act with integrity, and serve with joy.
compassion justice respect hope
Mercy Partners Core Values
CompassionThose who show compassion, enter into another’s experience
and are moved to respond. They engage with the poor,
vulnerable and disadvantaged people of our world.
JusticeThose who show justice, live and promote right relationships
with God, self, neighbour and creation. They uphold human
rights, accept their responsibilities to one another, and strive to
provide fair access to the world’s resources for all people.
RespectThose who show respect, honour the integrity and diversity of
creation. They recognise the unique dignity of every human
being as created in the image and likeness of God. Empowered
by the Spirit, they are called to be co-creators of the new
creation.
Hope Those who show hope, live the resurrection story by trusting
in the transforming power of God. They persevere through
difficulties, act with integrity, and serve with joy.
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 3
The Formation FrameworkThis booklet presents the Mercy Partners Formation Framework. The framework recognises that formation is much more than training and education because it is about the internalisation of values, attitudes and ways of seeing, and the maturation of faith. It is something that we do in cooperation with God. Formation seeks to develop in us sensitivity to where God is leading our lives and our mission (Curtin, 2012).
THE MERCY PARTNERS formation process takes place “… through work, understood as part of personal life, into formation (at a certain point in their careers and at the [invitation] of the organisation that currently employs them) to become more deeply aligned with the organisational mission, vision and values that are informed and sponsored by a faith based community/tradition”(Shea, 2013).
It is part of the responsibility of all PJPs to undertake formation programs for the leaders of the ministries that they sponsor so that aspects of mission and charism will develop in response to future realities (Wright 2015).
Thus, Mercy Partners Formation aims to ensure that the transforming mission of Jesus continues through facilitating the alignment of all leaders with the mission, vision and values of the organisation.
Drawing on Scripture, the person of Jesus and Church Tradition, Mercy Partners Council is committed to:
> the transformation of the world through living the values of justice, compassion, respect and hope
> mercy as a foundational expression of God’s unfailing love for all of creation
> engaging, preserving and developing the founding charisms of the Mercy Partners ministries as rich sources of values and wisdom and lived examples of the Gospel in action
> learning, formation, reflection and networking to support leaders (directors, executive and key staff) in Mercy Partners
> aligning Mercy Partners leaders (directors, executive and key staff) with the mission, vision and values of the organisation.
4 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework
Formation Principles
The development of formation programs
and resources which situate ministry
and leadership within the mission of the
Catholic Church.
The recognition that the key concepts
of Catholic identity, mission and
Catholic social teaching underpin all
formation programs.
The preparation of individuals who will
respond to the call to serve as leaders
(directors, executive and key staff) in
Mercy Partners.
The importance of understanding the
governance structures of Mercy Partners
and the responsibilities for leaders
(directors, executive and key staff) at
each level.
The importance of appreciating and
nurturing commitment to the founding
charism of ministries.
The imperative to assist leaders (directors,
executive and key staff) to grow personally
and professionally in their work through
promotion of a personal understanding of
engaging in God’s mission.
The development of a sense of Mercy
Partners identity and community
through networking and social and
professional interaction among its leaders
(directors, executive and key staff).
PHOT
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TP I
MAG
ES
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 5
Core Content of the Mercy Partners Formation FrameworkFour central elements will underpin all of the leadership programs and initiatives in Mercy Partners Formation.
1. MISSION
> God’s mission > Mission and the life and teachings of Jesus > Leadership for mission within ministries > The scriptural foundations of mission > Charism and mission > Mission and the engagement of the Church with the contemporary world > Catholic social teaching as a guide to mission > Service of mission as a core element of strategic and organisational planning
and development
2. CATHOLIC IDENTITY
> Exploring Catholic identities and their core elements > Leadership and Catholic identities: personal and organisational choices to
enhance Catholic identities > Understanding Catholic social teachings > Catholic identities and charism: using the vision of founders to enhance
identity > Knowledge of Church history and tradition as guides to Catholic leadership > Nurturing community which respects human dignity and the common good > Understanding the theological foundation of mission and ministry > Appreciation of Church relationships, communion and lay leadership
3. GOVERNANCE
> Public Juridic Persons (PJPs) and their emerging importance in the Church > Canonical governance responsibilities of Catholic boards and ministry leaders > Familiarity with canon law as it applies to PJPs > Sponsorship > Partnership > Mutual relationships with the wider Church > Stewardship of resources for mission > Understanding the pastoral dimension of ministry and the centrality of human
dignity, social justice and the common good
4. PERSONAL SPIRITUALITY
> The spirituality of leadership > The elements of faith leadership > Nurturing charism through personal witness and action > Honouring and supporting the spiritual dimension of every person > Demonstrating an ethical approach to organisational decisions, relationships
and strategic directions > Nurturing a common vision > Modelling reflective practice, theological reflection, prayer and worship > Building supportive and enabling communities
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6 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework
Priority Directions for Mercy Partners FormationThe diagram, Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation, outlines the priority directions for Mercy Partners Formation. The ultimate aim of formation is the development of and support for confident, effective and enabling leadership for mission.
The diagram recognises the importance of a balance of formation (head, heart and spirit) and differentiates between training, education and formation. Mercy Partners Formation aims to address these varied aspects of formation in a rich and challenging multi-modal format.
It is critical that all formation opportunities respect and are sensitive to context, individual background, cultural realities and the needs of ministries and their leadership.
In particular Mercy Partners Formation recognises leaders as experts and seeks to nurture communities of expertise, collaboration and transformation.
To this end Mercy Partners Formation has developed a ‘within ministry’ approach which recognises that each organisation within Mercy Partners has unique needs in formation. Mercy Partners will consult with ministries to organise formation support and access to regional development opportunities.
Respecting peoplesexperience and learning
Sensitivity to God’s movement
Reciprocity and mutuality
Contextual sensitivity
Organisational complexity
Needs-driven andflexible – diversity of staff
Culture and charism
Authentic engagement
Adult learning principles
Commitment to mission of Jesus
DRIVING OURANDRAGOGY
DRIVING OURAPPROACH
DRIVING OURPURPOSE
TRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATIONTRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATION
INTELLECTUAL <–> RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUALINTELLECTUAL <–> RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUAL(head) (heart) (spirit)
MISSIONCONFIDENCE
MISSIONEFFECTIVENESS
MISSION-DRIVENLEADERSHIP
MISSIONENABLING
MISSIONCONFIDENCE
MISSIONEFFECTIVENESS
MISSION-DRIVENLEADERSHIP
MISSIONENABLING
Dimensions of human growth
Towardhuman
flourishing
To beyour best –
optimise yourpotential
INTEGRAT
ION
Adapted from Bernard J Lonegan and Levels of Transcendental Consciousness by Julie Morgan,
ACU Executive Education and the Mercy Partners Formation Team 2015. © 2017 Mercy Partners.
Mercy Partners Conceptual Frameworkfor Mission Formation
Modalities of learningApproach to adult
learning and development
Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation
All formation directives in the Mercy Partners Formation Framework are grounded in these key areas:
> supporting leaders (directors, executive and key staff) in nurturing their inner spiritual resources for effective leadership practice
> fostering the Catholic identity of ministries > understanding canonical and civil
governance responsibilities > embedding mission as a core source of all
ministry activities.
Scope of Mercy Partners Formation Framework
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 7
Scope of Mercy PartnersFormation Framework
logo
GOVERNANCE
PER
SON
AL
SPIR
IT
UALITY
CATHO
LIC IDEN
TITY
MISSION
Pilgrimage
Retreats
Prayer
Reflection
Faith leadership
Leadership forCatholic Identity
Leadership for Mission
Partnership
Mercy
Charism
Sponsorship
Canonical Responsibilities
Civil Responsibilities
Succession Planning
Mentoring
Leadership and Governance
Respecting peoplesexperience and learning
Sensitivity to God’s movement
Reciprocity and mutuality
Contextual sensitivity
Organisational complexity
Needs-driven andflexible – diversity of staff
Culture and charism
Authentic engagement
Adult learning principles
Commitment to mission of Jesus
DRIVING OURANDRAGOGY
DRIVING OURAPPROACH
DRIVING OURPURPOSE
TRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATIONTRAINING <–> EDUCATION <–> FORMATION
INTELLECTUAL <–> RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUALINTELLECTUAL <–> RELATIONAL<–> SPIRITUAL(head) (heart) (spirit)
MISSIONCONFIDENCE
MISSIONEFFECTIVENESS
MISSION-DRIVENLEADERSHIP
MISSIONENABLING
MISSIONCONFIDENCE
MISSIONEFFECTIVENESS
MISSION-DRIVENLEADERSHIP
MISSIONENABLING
Dimensions of human growth
Towardhuman
flourishing
To beyour best –
optimise yourpotential
INTEGRAT
ION
Adapted from Bernard J Lonegan and Levels of Transcendental Consciousness by Julie Morgan,
ACU Executive Education and the Mercy Partners Formation Team 2015. © 2017 Mercy Partners.
Mercy Partners Conceptual Frameworkfor Mission Formation
Modalities of learningApproach to adult
learning and development
Mercy Partners Conceptual Framework for Mission Formation
Mission is at the heart of all formation in Mercy Partners.
MISSION
8 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework
For Whom?The Mercy Partners Formation programs are provided for the following groups
MERCY PARTNERS FORMATION recognises that people will enter into the program at different stages of their life journey and from a variety of backgrounds in our socially and culturally diverse society. While explicitly Catholic, the program welcomes those from other faith traditions and no faith affiliation. Mercy Partners Formation honours all participants as experts in their field and key resources in developing communities of practice.
The formation program is flexible and multi modal allowing connection to a wide range of people inside and outside of Mercy Partners. Individual formation planning and formation targeted at specific groups within a ministry are available in consultation with the Mercy Partners Formation Director and leaders (directors, executive and key staff of ministries).
The formation program is flexible and multi-modal allowing connection to a wide range of people inside and outside of our ministries.
Stewards, Mercy Partners
Council members,
Sisters from participating
congregations, leaders
(directors, executive and
key staff) of Mercy Partners.
People invited by Mercy
Partners Council, Boards
or Congregational Leaders.
Other leaders in key areas
of ministry or related
organisations.
Emerging leaders
nominated by CEOs,
Board Chairs or Mercy
Partners Council.
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 9
What We OfferThe Mercy Partners Formation Framework is flexible and adaptable to the needs of individual ministries and leaders. Mercy Partners is committed to within-ministry support and the provision of resources to support leaders.
Board induction and ongoing
formation support for
directors and Board chairs
Online courses
Modules
Conferences and gatherings
Pilgrimages
Resources
Website
Support
Retreats
and
reflection
days
Seminars for
ministry groups
External courses through partner organisations
networking
accessibility
flexibility
identity
10 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework
Light of Christ, flame of our hearts,
lead us kindly
that we may lead others kindly.
Catherine McAuley, lady of light,
hold high that flame on the road
before us.
Nano Nagle, lady of the lantern,
remind us to shine our own
lanterns into those places
from which we would prefer to
turn away.
Elizabeth Hayes, light of words,
guide our footsteps in the way of
peace, gentleness and love.
May we be true leaders
as we take the light
forward with Mercy Partners.
We believe in the light.
We are called by the fire.
We share the one flame.
Amen.
Mercy Partners Prayer
Adapted from the Gathering Prayer by Mary Wickham rsm
12 | Mercy Partners Formation Framework
Board of DirectorsMater Health
Services, Brisbane
Executive Office
Board of Directors
All Hallows’ School
Board of DirectorsSt Patrick’s College,
Townsville
Board of Directors
MH&ACCQL
Board of DirectorsMater Health Services NQ
Board of Directors
St Rita’s College
Board of Directors Mercy Community
Services NQ
Formation Committee
Finance Committee
Structure of Mercy Partners
MARKETING & PROMOTION/IMG/MODELS/MP STRUCTURE_VSN 4 ©2014 MERCY PARTNERS
Board of DirectorsSt Ursula’s College,
Yeppoon
KEY HOLY SEE STEWARDS PJP COUNCIL
EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES MERCY PARTNERS MINISTRIES FUTURE MERCY PARTNERS MINISTRIES
Board of DirectorsMt Alvernia
College
Board of DirectorsMercy Community
Services SEQ
PJP Council> five appointed by
Stewards> four appointed by
Councillors
Holy See
Stewards
()
Structure of Mercy Partners
Mercy Partners Formation Framework | 13
THE MERCY PARTNERS THEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK will enable all in Mercy Partners to:
> grow in understanding of our identity as we appreciate our roots and core values
> appreciate the Mission we are called to in the light of scripture, Church teaching and God’s ongoing revelation in our world
> inspire us for mission through reflection and prayer > understand our place in Church through exploring
the role of ministerial PJPs.
The Mercy Partners Theological Framework is a rich source of inspiration, reflection and challenge for all in Mercy Partners to promote and nurture mercy in our world.
The Theological Framework is divided into four sections:1. A Theological Framework for Mission2. The Experience of God’s Mercy 3. The Relation of Mercy Partners to the Mission of the Church4. Living Mercy in Partnerships: Towards a Spirituality
It is important that the Theological Framework not gather dust on the bookshelves of our offices and boardrooms. It is a living document which defines Mercy Partners identity and it has been developed for discussion, reflection, debate and prayer.
Mercy Partners Theological Framework
In 2015 the Council of Mercy Partners commissioned
Dr Christiaan Jacobs-Vandegeer to work collaboratively with
them to develop a theological framework for their mission
statement within the context of Catholic tradition.
References Code of Canon Law. 1983Fr Steve Curtin SJ: Formation in Ministry. Province Express. 2008.
Sr Mary Wright IBVM. Address to Mercy Partners Leadership Seminar. 2016.Mercy Mission Formation Network. Mercy Network for Mission Formation. 2014.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THEOLOGY
Pope Francis reminds us of the importance of a theology which is grounded in everyday life and the Gospel call to love, mercy and compassion when he wrote:“Theology is the expression of a Church
which is a ‘field-hospital’, which lives her mission of salvation and healing in the world … Teaching and studying theology means living on the frontier, one in which the Gospel meets the needs of the people to whom it should be proclaimed in an understandable and meaningful way … We must guard against a theology that is exhausted in academic dispute or one that looks at humanity from a glass castle. You learn so as to live; theology and holiness are inseparable … Without mercy, our theology, our law, our pastoral care run the risk of collapsing into bureaucratic narrow-mindedness or ideology, which by their nature seek to domesticate the mystery. Understanding theology is understanding God, who is love.”
Pope Francis: Letter to the Theological Faculty at the Catholic University of Argentina, On the Occasion of Its 100th Anniversary,” March 3, 2015 (L’Osservatore Romano, March 13, 2015)
Let’s make the Mercy Partners Theological Framework a document that gives us a language, vision and imperative for our shared mission.
For further support and information contact Mercy Partners Director of Formation
Dr Caroline Thompson on [email protected] or 0432 692 601.
For resources and support documents go to www.mercypartners.org.au. Mercy Partners offices
are at McAuley Building, 131 Queens Road, Nudgee and can be contacted on 07 3267 5840.
