Network Celebrates the Past, While Looking to the Future
July 3, 2026
Standing – Toni Foley, Margaret Endicott, Marg Moore, Molly Payne, Alana Jacoby, Cassandra Prinzi, Suzanne O’Rourke, Catherine Glenister, Annette Schneider, John Rochester Ailsa Mackinnon, Libby Blom, Danielle Hayes, Micheal O’Sullivan, Marie Melville. Sitting – Alofa Lale and Theresia Tina Front – Marg Marriott
After 17 years of nurturing formation and building connection across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, members of the Mercy Mission Formation Network (MMFN) returned to where it all started in Parramatta for a final gathering in June, appropriately themed Mercy Yesterday, Today & Into the Future.
The MMFN was established in 2009 as a collaborative network dedicated to sharing resources, supporting mission leaders and building a community of practice for those involved in Mercy formation. Originally established in Australia, it grew to include members from Aotearoa New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
As part of the agenda for this final gathering were reflections on the founding stories of the Sisters of Mercy in this corner of the world. These presentations were not just important historical accounts; they provided insights and signposts for our contemporary expression of Mercy.
Presentations by Mercy Works, Mercy Ministry Companions, MercyCare, Mercy Partners, Whānau Mercy Ministries and Pathways of Mercy showcased some of the dynamic ways Mercy is being lived today, while also highlighting possible pathways for the future.
On the final day, Sister Liz Dowling provided insightful reflections on Mercy as revealed in Scripture. She invited participants to see the Mercy charism as a living force that continues to grow, transform and find new expression in a changing world.
Drawing on Jesus’ parable of the yeast (Luke 13:20–21), Sister Liz suggested that, just as yeast is hidden in dough yet transforms the whole batch, newer forms of Mercy may be unseen but are essential in enabling the charism to continue growing.
The gathering included two beautiful rituals in the Mother Mary Clare Dunphy Chapel, honouring the vision of those who established the network and celebrating the relationships and shared wisdom that have been built. At the concluding ritual, MMFN members received a badge featuring the Catherine McAuley rose, which was not only a connection to the founder of the Sisters of Mercy but also a symbol of the blossoming of Mercy in which the MMFN has played a part.
While the MMFN has now reached its fulfilment, its greatest legacy lies perhaps in the people it has formed, the relationships it has nurtured and the vibrant expressions of Mercy that continue today and will do so into the future.
Ana Pintos leads the MMFN members in a heritage walk around the Parramatta Convent.
The MMFN members offer their deep gratitude to Sisters Margaret Endicott, Ailsa Mackinnon, Micheal O’Sullivan and Caroline Thompson for their coordination and organisation of the network over many years. Thanks are also extended to the Sisters and staff of the Parramatta Congregation and the staff of Our Lady of Mercy College for their wonderful hospitality in hosting this final gathering.