Faith & Mission
Gospel Breakdown - Luke 24: 46 - 53
Week beginning 01 June
1. Text: What does it say? He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
2. Message: What is Jesus’ message? The gospel talks about hope of the resurrection and the joy that is coming. The ascension of the Lord was a new beginning of His presence and for His disciples. Before He departed, He promised that he would always be with them and send the Holy Spirit who would anoint them. The disciples were not left in sorrow, but they were filled with joy and great anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
3. Response & Image: What is being asked of us? It is our mission to spread the good news and to proclaim that Jesus never abandoned and left us in this task, for the risen Lord is always with us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ursula Frayne: 140 Years On
This year marks the 140th anniversary of the passing of Mother Ursula Frayne, and as I’ve delved deeper into her life and legacy, I’ve found myself deeply moved, not just by what she did, but by who she was.
Ursula Frayne was a woman of grit, heart and unwavering purpose. She didn’t take no for an answer when it came to helping others, she was a woman who refused to stay silent. Upon arriving in Australia, she faced choppy seas, nowhere to sleep, and only a handful of students. Yet through these challenges, she found her people, built her community and began the Mercy mission that still touches lives today.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learnt from Ursula is the importance of uplifting young women. She believed in the potential of girls to change the world and we see that same spirit alive in our students every day. Her story reminds me that achievement is not about age, something I have become more wary of approaching a milestone birthday this year. By the age of 20, she was a religious sister; by 35, she had already made her way across the world, opened schools, made a Superior of a Mercy foundation and influenced countless lives. This dedication to taking life by the horns, and accepting every opportunity and challenge, without the fear of imposter syndrome, is imperative for lasting change.
Her compassion was her greatest strength. Ursula is remembered not only for the institutions she built, but for the way she treated others with dignity, kindness and fierce love. In a world that often moves fast and values output, she teaches us that how we care for people is what lasts. Ursula was also practical. She knew that to serve the community well, you needed resources and she was a masterful steward of money and land. Her ability to manage funds and invest wisely gave her the means to open schools, orphanages and community hubs across Victoria and Western Australia.
And in the background of her mission stood Bishop Goold, her quiet but faithful supporter. He visited her daily and left if she wasn’t in (after eating lunch with the other Sisters of course). Everyone needs a cheerleader like that - even Ned Kelly wanted an audience from her, she was quite a remarkable woman, beloved by all.
Most of all, Ursula’s legacy teaches us not to stay in our lane. She never settled for just one task or title. She explored different ways to serve: schools, homes for the vulnerable, places of learning and hope. She responded boldly to what her community needed and perhaps that is the invitation for us, too.
As we reflect on her life 140 years later, may we walk with that same courage, compassion, and commitment to empowering others especially the young women in our care.
Ms Hannah Hale
Director of Faith & Mission