Ministry Reflections:
- As a Josephite I feel and experience God’s presence in the people we serve here in the Kimberley, especially those who are disadvantaged in so many ways. I love working with the little children who are the hope of the future for Aboriginal people. I find I am not only living out the charism of our Perthville Congregation, but in some small way am helping to empower those who are marginalized and disadvantaged, especially the women who are crying out for help, and crying for their people.
- Once a week, at the Multicultural Centre in High Street, Fremantle, I take a multicultural group of adults for English. Those who come may be new arrivals, or may have been in Australia for some time. The lesson is usually a combination of talking around situations of relevance and some basic grammar and vocabulary work. They and I enjoy the time very much. I feel it is privilege to work with these people, some of whom have been through horrific experiences because of war in their homelands.
- Living and working in small Rural Communities is what gives me a real sense of being Josephite. It is here that I am enriched by the spirit of the people as they struggle to survive the elements, the bureaucracy, and even human nature. As I become part of these small communities I also become part of their struggle. It is here, and insofar as I am able to make a difference, that I become energized - that I experience God. This, I think, is what Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods were on about
- I have had the privilege of being with and in the Deaf Community for several years. During my time as Pastoral Worker with the community I have seen, been involved in, and with many and varied situations. My Pastoral work is one of being with people. Within the community there are lonely people who need a visit and also need outings, just to get out of the house. Over the years my training has led me to become an Interpreter. This allows a deaf person to have access to what we as hearing people may take for granted. I interpret at hospitals, Centrelink, church events, doctors, optometrist, shopping centres, schools, family celebrations, physios, job interviews, craft sessions, Lawyers, Justice of the Peace, making Wills, bus trips, sessions in the swimming pool and gym, the list just goes on. I may become emotionally, physically and psychologically drained at times however I wouldn’t change my ministry for anything.
- When I entered the Josephites the needs of the time was for someone to teach and much of my life was spent as a primary school teacher. In the last few years, however, I have embraced the way of an artist. This is now my ministry, my call. I take every opportunity to become more aware of situations, injustices and directions and strive to see beyond the surface of things. To nurture this ministry I have joined with a community of artists who are interested in the search for spiritual meaning. Because I developed as an artist late in life I am keen to discover the creative and artistic gifts of others. This happens in small “Art as Meditation” groups. The purpose of these groups is to let-go of control and allows the spirit to guide us. As I heard a film director say, “When you let go energies are released which put us into the arms of God.” Much of my art is inspired by scripture passages or life experiences.
