What’s spiritual direction all about?
What is spiritual direction and how does it help people? Debra Vermeer explores what it means with a few people who’ve experienced it first-hand.
Seeing the need and not passing by
At 94 and 86 years old respectively, Good Samaritan Sisters, Mary Constable and Marie McMahon say they begin each day not knowing who will arrive at their front door or...
Politics a way of giving action to faith
Newly elected Senator for NSW, Deborah O’Neill, says politics is a way of giving action to her faith, and of making a difference to her local community and to the...
How a chance meeting opened up a new ministry
While the Good Samaritan Sisters in Pakenham, Victoria say they’re helping their African friends with many aspects of life in Australia, they’re also learning a great deal from them.
Fran’s artistic and spiritual legacy
It was only when Good Samaritan Sister, Fran Nolan died that others discovered a treasure trove of her private mandala work, writes Debra Vermeer.
City dweller makes home in QLD outback
For Good Samaritan Sister Carmel Pattinson, a self-confessed extrovert who’s lived in the city for 40 years, coming to terms with the isolation of a ministry in western Queensland can...
The importance of believing in others
“I’ve always worked with the marginalised,” says Cate Sydes. “I’ve always been drawn to kids and young people in need.”
Finding beauty and grace in prisons
Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy has worked in prison chaplaincy for 19 years. “The men tell me I’ve got life without parole,” she laughs.
A life of ongoing conversion
While Penny Carroll’s experience of faith began in her childhood, she says it was a tragedy in her life that really led her to encounter God, writes Debra Vermeer.
An oasis of peace, calm and spiritual nurturing
Behind the imposing brick walls of the Mount St Benedict Centre at Pennant Hills in Sydney, just a stone’s throw from traffic chaos, is a beautiful oasis of peace, calm...
A simple ministry of presence and hospitality
A year in ministry at Santa Teresa, near Alice Springs, has been a steep learning curve for Good Samaritan Sister Anita Brennan.
A life devoted to deep listening
Good Samaritan Sister Carmel Posa is rejoicing that a cochlear implant is restoring her hearing which was damaged by Meniere’s Disease – a development which is of no small significance...