Our Journey
Daylesford, Victoria was the first foundation of the Grey Sisters, established in 1930.
Here women and children had a holiday away from the stresses of daily life.
A Mother & Child Care Centre was opened at Surrey Hills and the first Catholic Mothercraft Training school was begun in 1933.
“Mountfield” at 6 Mont Albert Rd. Canterbury became the Congregation’s ‘Mother House’ in 1947.
This was the home of George Taylor and his family who immigrated from England. George’s sister, Frances, became a Catholic and founded the Poor Servants of the Mothers of God (in the UK). Interestingly, their principal work was the visitation and nursing of the poor in their own homes.
“Mountfield” and part of the land was sold in 2006 to the Anglican Girls Grammar School.
A flat on the 10th floor of a 20 storey building was home for the Family Care Sisters for approx. 14 years. The Sisters lived and worked in the area,supporting women and families.
In 1987, we (The Family Care Sisters) purchased a home in Bendigo. Here, mothers and their young children could come for a short break, away from the stresses of daily living.
We lived and worked here for 13 wonderful years.
O’Connell Family Centre – the first Catholic Mothercraft school established by Maude O’Connell, continues today as an Early Parenting Centre.
It is now managed by Mercy Health. For further information re services provided, visit www.mercyhealth.com.au
Phone: 03 8416 7600
Croydon, Victoria – “Kewn Kreestha”, a Gaelic word meaning the ‘Quiet of Christ’ has been our Wholistic centre offering rest, care and nurturing to women.
This Ministry was begun in 1940 and over the years has been changed and adapted to meet the emerging needs of women.
However, just prior to COVID, the number of women accessing the service was lessening and post-COVID it continued to decline. Hence, the Ministry was closed at the end of March 2023.
Over the past 82+ years (1940-March 2023) many women have accessed the services at Croydon and have greatly benefitted from the various programs offered.
Following the Rituals at “Kewn Kreestha” and a Mass of Thanksgiving at Sacred Heart Church, Croydon, the facility is now closed.