Editorial

Dear Friends of Kildare Ministries,

Celebrating new beginnings brings so much joy…. a new life, a new relationship, a new Principal, a new EO …and in Kildare Ministries a new theme for a new year – Compassion. How will we be with this theme together?   

Social media and virtual meeting platforms have kept us in touch with one another, and at times allowed quite a few to gather in the one space. Who can forget the magnificent music of the virtual choirs, orchestras, as well as the talent of theatre productions? However, it is a joy to see so many people from our ministries back together face to face year. There has been laughter, the joy of interaction, refreshing of friendships, as well as times of sadness and sorrow. The joys and the sorrows are rich spaces for thinking about how we are as humans, how we treat Creation, and how we exercise compassion in the way that Jesus did.

We acknowledge and congratulate all ministries on the way you have dealt with COVID. The leadership of Boards, Principals and Managers in the Ministries during this time has been outstanding. It is not over yet, and leaders continues to face the future. The flame of Kildare Ministries logo reminds us of our work together in leadership. 

We acknowledge, congratulate, and thank our Kildare Ministries Team who have continued to work creatively and diligently during the last couple of years providing support and care for Ministries. We extend a very warm welcome to Peter Houlahan, the new Executive Officer of KEM, and to Anne Marie Cairns, new Principal of St. Joseph’s College, Echuca. May you be blessed in these early times.

Trustees meet twice yearly with Board Chairs, Principals and Managers – those meetings, which are underway now, shape relationships which help us walk together as Kildare Ministries. Trustees gain an ‘on the ground’ picture of each of the Ministries and we celebrate the compassionate leadership that is exercised for the good of staff and students in our Colleges and Community Works. We celebrate the compassionate leadership of the community works whose strong and determined actions help to improve life for women, for asylum seekers, for those who cannot get ahead because of poverty. We know that so much of the damage caused to people is systemic. So many voices cry out for compassion to authorities and organisations that could make life more dignified. We can all do something!   

Walking with and having empathy for all helps us understand compassion. It throws up challenges and calls us into wonderful lifegiving spaces. So many people and so much of creation calls out for our compassion. Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan, SE Queensland, Northern NSW, and people in some areas of WA affected by drought and fires – as we were some years ago.

“We are people of listening hearts

We cannot cease from journeying,

May we, like Brigid, Daniel and Nano

…hear the ancient blessings

…as we create the path ahead

with its signposts of compassion and hope."

Rosemary Copeland  and Kathy McEvoy

Co-Chairs, Kildare Minstries