Congratulations to Rosemary Copeland
Congratulations to Rosemary Copeland, Co-Chair of the Trustees of Kildare Ministries, on being recognised as a Wisdom Leader at the recent Catholic Religious Institute and Ministerial Public Juridic Person Victorian Network (CRMV) Annual Gathering.
The award honours ‘leaders, guides and advocates for RI/MPJP schools who have responded to the signs of the times, helped articulate a shared response to key education issues, and fostered collegiality, transparency and respectful dialogue across Catholic education in Victoria.’
This richly deserved recognition celebrates Rosemary’s many years of dedicated and visionary leadership in Catholic education, Kildare Ministries and the wider Church. It was most fitting that her dissertation was read at the gathering by Erica Pegorer, the founding Executive Director of Kildare Ministries. We are delighted to share this tribute to Rosemary’s leadership and service below.
Today we honour Rosemary Copeland, a Wisdom Leader whose long service has advanced the mission and identity of Catholic education with faith, vision and integrity. From teaching in Queensland and Victoria, Rosemary responded to changing times with optimism and tenacity, leading through the complex amalgamation of two Geelong schools and later embracing a collaborative and enriching co-principalship in Echuca.
As Secondary Consultant for the Diocese of Sale, Rosemary Copeland became a trusted guide, advocate and mentor to principals and leadership teams, fostering respectful dialogue, strong partnerships and a shared vision for Catholic education. She significantly shaped the culture of learning and teaching and promoted good governance across the seven secondary schools in the Diocese.
Service on the Brigidine Secondary Schools Council deepened this contribution to governance, leading to her appointment as a founding Trustee and later Co-Chair of Kildare Ministries. Across educational and community works, Rosemary has exemplified ethical, servant leadership grounded in respect, justice, compassion and care.
Rosemary was also a founding member of AMPJP for six years, helping nurture it into a respected National body and significant voice in the Church for Catholic ministries. As well as representing Kildare Ministries as a Member of CRMV, she was the Chair for three years and worked hard to ensure an equitable voice for all Members around the table, as well as being an enormous support to the Board of CRMV.
For decades, Rosemary has generously volunteered in parish service further reflecting an enduring commitment to mission, synodality, formation and the flourishing of others.
And now a Leaders among Leaders, we thank Rosemary Copeland for her many years of commitment to Catholic Education and its emerging governance structures and congratulate her on her well-deserved Award.
