Articles by: Debra Vermeer

Good Samaritan Sisters’ Blue Mountains ministry comes to an end

The Good Samaritan Sisters have been lovingly farewelled from the Blue Mountains, NSW, with people turning out in numbers to thank them for their decades of presence, faith and service.

Posted on: September 17, 2025

Former convent to provide a place of healing and recovery

A redeveloped former convent will soon throw open its doors to women and children who are transitioning from crisis support to longer-term support to help them heal from family violence.

Posted on: September 17, 2025

Bacolod community takes practical steps towards ecological sustainability

Good Samaritan Sisters in the Philippines are partnering with local and Australian groups on a raft of practical initiatives aimed at supporting ecological advances in their neighbourhood of squatter settlements.

Posted on: September 17, 2025

Sister Tokarerei Matiera SGS makes her First Profession of Vows

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan celebrated recently when Tokarerei Matiera made her First Profession of Vows in a joy-filled liturgy in her home country of Kiribati, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: August 20, 2025

An unexpected turn in a spiritual journey

For Suzanna Kingsland, becoming a Good Samaritan Oblate was an unexpected turning point in a spiritual journey that has touched on a variety of traditions and practices, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: August 17, 2025

Refugee Week shines a light on areas of humanitarian need

The Good Samaritan Sisters marked Refugee Week 2025 by hosting events that shone a light on people living in Gaza and highlighted the precarious situation of refugees and asylum seekers.

Posted on: July 16, 2025

Mission conference ‘nourishing, challenging and reflective’

About 15 members of the Good Samaritan community attended the Mission: One Heart Many Voices conference in Sydney recently, which explored the theme ‘Choosing Hope. Trust yourself to its leading’.

Posted on: July 16, 2025

Newly elected MP Sarah Witty has a passion for helping people

After a long, anxious wait, the new federal MP for Melbourne, Sarah Witty, is now ready to take up the challenge of making a difference for the people she represents.

Posted on: July 13, 2025

Sister Sarah Puls new National Executive Officer for ACRATH

Good Samaritan Sister Sarah Puls has been appointed as the new National Executive Officer for ACRATH, one of Australia’s leading grassroots organisations working to shut down human trafficking and slavery.

Posted on: June 18, 2025

Sister Mary O’Shannassy receives Papal Cross of Honour

After more than 30 years of walking alongside the residents of Victoria’s prisons, Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy has retired from her senior chaplaincy role with CatholicCare’s Prison Ministry Team.

Posted on: June 13, 2025

WATAC Honorary Lifetime Membership for Sister Anna Warlow

Good Samaritan Sister Anna Warlow was recognised recently for her long-standing commitment to supporting and encouraging women when she was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership of Women and the Australian Church.

Posted on: June 10, 2025

Sister Hiro Kageyama cherishes her time with the Bacolod community

The people of Bacolod City in the Philippines hold a special place in the heart of Good Samaritan Sister Hiro Kageyama after her many years of ministry in the country.

Posted on: May 21, 2025