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SR SUE COCHRANE TO SPEND TIME WORKING IN BOTSWANA
On Monday 1st February, Sr Sue Cochrane left Australia to spend 3 months working with Ursuline sisters in Botswana. Sue, who is part of the Ursuline community of the Sunshine Coast, is a pysiotherapist who works with children in Special Schools in the Sunshine Coast area. In Botswana she will be continuing her ministry in a similar situation, working in a centre which provides support for children with physical disabilities.
Sue was also looking forward to experiencing the cultural differences which are part of living in other countries. Her visit is part of the Roman Union Ursuline Exchange 2010 program. She will return to Australia in May.
SR AMY CALDWELL FAREWELLED FROM MITCHELL
Recently, Sr Amy Caldwell was farewelled by the Mitchell Parish, in western Queensland, having spent 12 years there as Pastoral Leader. What follows is from the address delivered by Donna Bourke, Chairperson of St Columba's Parish Leadership Group, as members of the parish and the local town community gathered to celebrate Sr Amy's contribution and to say good-bye to her.
It seems like only yesterday that St Columba's was coming to terms with the idea that we would no longer have a resident priest and pondered what might lie ahead. Around the same time, late in 1997 Sr Amy Caldwell walked into the office of the then Diocesan Director of Pastoral Vision, Sr Monica Cavanagh, and asked her did she have any interesting jobs in the Diocese as she was looking for something to do. Sr Monica told her that St Columba's Parish at Mitchell was looking for some help as they were about to become a parish without a resident priest but they wanted to retain their identity as a parish. Instantly, Amy responded "I'll give it a go"; she was subsequently appointed Pastoral Leader by the Bishop and the rest is history.
When Amy arrived she quickly embraced our rural environment, the church, the school, and the wider community. The way in which she adapted epitomizes her tremendous foresight and vision and faith in our abilities. She brought the community together; we shared a sense of belonging. She entered our lives and reached out to us with a warm and gentle heart as we embarked on a new journey. The community took her into their hearts and she has been a highly valued and respected member of our community.
It could be said that Amy is a person ahead of her time. The church is going through challenging and changing times, there is a rising of a new church out of the ashes of the old. As the scripture says "I will be your God and you will be my people". In recent times we have seen an increased number of people being received into the Church. In this community there has been a reaching out to others and the embracing of the ecumenical spirit. Amy has been a leader in this area connecting the Christian faiths and empowering us.
... We are indebted to the Ursuline Order for their outstanding contribution by allowing the presence of Amy in this community to prepare us to lead our parish in new ways. Your commitment demonstrates the vision and forward thinking of the Order to develop new and better ways of sharing in the mission of Christ.
... Amy you have exceeded ouor expectations in every way; you have more than achieved the task you set for yourself 12 years ago. ... You have guided us through changing and challenging times and made us believe in ourselves; you have showed us we can do it. As a community we have been dearly blessed by your presence, leadership and faith. We thank God for the many selfless years of service that you have given in your ministry. You have been blessed with great strength and gentleness; we have been enriched by your Christian example and inspired by your vision. ...
Amy, together we have laughed, we have cried, we have struggled. We have shared joys, our stories, the good and the bad. We have prayed, we have been nurtured and we have grown. It has been a journey, you have touched our lives and warmed our hearts. You have shared your deepest self and encouraged us to grow and dream, to reach our star, you have given us so much, you have made a difference. No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship we share. Amy, you are leaving a footprint on our hearts and our faith has been strengthened. ...