Articles by: Debra Vermeer

An earthy faith and strong love for social justice

Catholic Health Australia CEO Suzanne Greenwood didn’t set out to have a career in the Church or the health sector, but an earthy faith and a strong love for social...

Posted on: August 15, 2018

“Because of her, we can!” rings true for Theresa

Culture, faith, family and education are chief among the driving forces in Theresa Ardler’s life, and she credits the strong women in her life for planting the seed and nurturing...

Posted on: July 18, 2018

“People teach you so much if you just sit still for a minute”

When Sister Kath Bourke entered the Good Samaritan Sisters she envisaged life as a teacher, but instead, decades of accompanying people with disability has shown Kath that she is the...

Posted on: June 20, 2018

Joys of being neighbour in suburban Melbourne

For nearly 25 years, Sister Mary Zita Duffy has found joy through providing food for people in need in suburban Melbourne and helping the disadvantaged break out of their “high...

Posted on: May 16, 2018

Ready to take the next step in their Good Samaritan journey

Two young women from Kiribati, Kawi Arebonto and Tenta Maritino, will make their first profession as Sisters of the Good Samaritan next month and both say they are feeling excited...

Posted on: March 21, 2018

The privilege of influencing young women

Looking back on her vocation and her work, Sister Joan Sexton says it has been a great privilege, particularly to be able to influence young women and “to promote their...

Posted on: October 18, 2017

Combining a love of theology with her business skills

Natalie Acton, Mount St Benedict Centre’s newly-appointed Director, is brimming with hope and enthusiasm for the Centre and its ministry.

Posted on: August 16, 2017

Learning to listen vital for cross-cultural ministry

When Sister Geraldine Kearney arrived in Australia with her migrant family at age four-and-a-half, she couldn’t have known that the culture shock she experienced would play a key role in...

Posted on: June 20, 2017

“Lucky to have been influenced by strong women”

Former Mount St Benedict College student, Julie Knutsen, now an academic, educator, researcher and artist, is hoping to introduce a program to Australia which improves children’s literacy through art.

Posted on: April 18, 2017

Going inward in order to go outward

Marie Milne says her life as a Good Samaritan Oblate underpins all areas of her life. “For me, it’s about going inward in order to go outward,” she says.

Posted on: December 13, 2016

“It has been absolutely privileged work”

Looking back, Sister Catherine Slattery recalls that her vocation and her work, both as a teacher and in promoting the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism in schools, is a long way...

Posted on: November 15, 2016

A safe haven for women and children: 20 years on

“It’s so aptly named The Good Samaritan Inn,” says Mary O’Donohue, “because it is reaching out to people in their most vulnerable moments, and caring for them and making sure...

Posted on: October 18, 2016