Mercy Zoomers International Reach
December 4, 2024
Mercy Associates Online Commitment Ceremony in November 2020
Since 2020, a unique group of Mercy Associates called the ‘Mercy Zoomers’ has been meeting solely online. Its membership extends from Ballarat in Victoria to St Petersburg in Russia.
In March 2020, most Australians were familiar with the stories of Covid-19 and its impact around the world, but suddenly the reality of this deadly virus hit home. Workplaces, schools, churches, and other places of public gatherings were closed. Once busy cities became ghost towns. Families were forced to isolate; masks were mandatory; and fear and anxiety began to increase.
But that same year also saw a rise in the innovative ways that people sought to connect. Families held dinner parties using platforms such as Zoom. Church services went online. People met in parks, talking to each other outside and at a safe distance. Businesses found new ways to operate – the surge in online shopping is a testament to this.
It was during this year, that two women – Natalia and Mandy – expressed their desire to undertake formation training as part of their journey to become Mercy Associates. Annette and Anne O’C, at the request of the then Mercy Associates Victorian Network Facilitator, Anne P, agreed to be their sponsors. There was only one problem. These women were separated by thousands of kilometres. And so, probably for the first time in the history of ISMAPNG, formation training and the subsequent Commitment Ceremony, was held online via Zoom. The story, however, did not end there. Those who were part of this training and ceremony, became such firm friends that the group continues today.
The experiences of these four women are detailed below.
Natalia – St Petersburg, Russia
On November 26th, 2020, at the Online Commitment Ceremony I received a rich blessing of the Lord and a great encouragement for my Mercy journey. I was uncertain how it would all ‘work’ for me being a Russian Orthodox lady living in St Petersburg, Russia. But thanks to Annette – my sponsor – it became smooth and joyful. Starting from that time up till now I am learning with my Mercy Zoom group members not only to get knowledge and understanding of mercy but also to bring about a recognition of our talents to be more aware how to become a more ‘merciful’ person. I am thankful to God for this opportunity to develop myself in this direction! Because of the online communication it became an opportunity for me to follow Catherine McAuley’s way together with my sisters in Christ in Australia!
Anne O’C – Ballarat, Victoria
I was asked to accompany Natalia and Mandy on their formation journey. Annette and I already knew each other as we had met while on a pilgrimage to Dublin. We were also both members of the Mercy Associates Leadership Group (MALG). I think this connection made the online meetings, especially in the early days, a little easier. I really enjoy our monthly online meetings. They are a great time of prayer, reflection, and discussion, as well as being an opportunity to encourage (and be encouraged by) others. At times the Zoom technology has been a challenge, but we all seem to get it to work in the end!
Annette – Gladstone, Queensland
“If we open ourselves as much as we can to the Friendship of Jesus and the warmth of human love, we will grow in personal maturity, in the serenity and grace of our womanhood. This growth is ultimately, God’s transforming work within us.” [Catherine McAuley].
When I was asked to be a sponsor for Natalia I was initially concerned – what did I have to offer a woman so intelligent and experienced in so many different ‘ways’ to me. Then to have to have zoom meetings, WOW – how would I cope with the technology. But as the quote above says, “If we just open ourselves to the warmth of human love [as shown by others], we will grow, learn and change.” Zoom gatherings can be personal, supportive and freeing. Each of us is a “gift’ to each as we share our experiences as Mercy Associates and our personal stories. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “we can be the change we wish to see in the world.”
Mandy – Adelaide, South Australia
I have been part of the Mercy Zoomers group now for approximately 4 years. I have a disability, so I find it easier meeting with my fellow associates online from the comfort of home. I must admit I had doubts about my ability to feel connected with others online but have found that is definitely not the case. The Zoomers have provided me with special friends who I can discuss my deepest spiritual thoughts with, and who I can talk openly and comfortably with when discussing personal feelings in relation to my faith. The warmth and friendship that I receive from the group is very special and sincere.
Anna – Mt Egerton, Victoria
Anne P left the role of Network Facilitator in early 2024. In March, 2024, I accepted the role of Network Facilitator and soon after joined the Zoomers group as it is now called. I had wondered how the members would feel about this newbie joining their group, but all of them have been so welcoming – it feels like I have always been a part of this group. I always find myself buzzing spiritually after our meetings and eagerly look forward to the next one. As I consider the various fears and concerns each of us have had, I cannot help but think they are no different to what Catherine must have faced in her ministry. The ability to pivot – to change how things are done and embrace a new way of doing is a strong characteristic of the Sisters of Mercy. It is my belief that in moving forward, we will need to continue to look for ways to be innovative and to not allow ourselves to be held back by our fears and insecurities.
Anna McGookin, Network Facilitator Mercy Associates Victoria and South Australia
Find out more about Mercy Associates – https://institute.mercy.org.au/become-involved/become-a-mercy-associate/