A Smile and A Hello
June 25, 2025
Sisters Helen Kennedy, Rita Savage, Margaret Hart (standing) and Kate McCarthy (sitting).
Sister Margaret Hart is a Sister of Mercy living in Young, a town that she has called home for the past five years. She arrived in south-central New South Wales ‘well and truly at retirement age without a job’ which meant rediscovering ways of living out her vocation, having spent many years of more formal ministry in teaching, foster care, pastoral care and parish work.
“For me I am continuing some of the work I have been doing for years like taking communion to people and visiting them in their homes,” Margaret said.
“This is really where I feel my Mercy charism can be expressed. Walking with these people and being present. I also enjoy having a bit of a yarn to them. It is important for both them and me. Everybody gives me something whether that might be a new insight, a laugh or even just a good feeling. I never walk away empty handed. Hopefully they are also getting something from me.”
Margaret also views the connection that she has with other local sisters as an important part of her Mercy life.
“There are six sisters in Young. Two live in aged care and the four of us who don’t, meet every Wednesday for a meal. During the week, we are often at Mass together as well as catching up on Sundays at Mass. While we don’t live together under the same roof as we may have in years past, we still maintain a real sense of community and support.”
Margaret says the past few years have shown her that there are many small ways people in their senior years can to continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
“We can only do what we can do and Catherine asked us to visit, remember people and to always smile. Sometimes it is as simple as walking down the street smiling and saying hello to people as you see them. I may not be able to get out and see lots of people, but I can do that,” said Margaret.
Sisters Rita Savage, Helen Kennedy, Margaret Hart and Kate McCarthy