Articles by: Debra Vermeer
City dweller makes home in QLD outback

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...

Posted on: September 17, 2013

The importance of believing in others

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.”

Posted on: August 20, 2013

Finding beauty and grace in prisons

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.

Posted on: July 16, 2013

A life of ongoing conversion

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.

Posted on: June 18, 2013

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...

Posted on: April 16, 2013

A simple ministry of presence and hospitality

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.

Posted on: March 19, 2013

A life devoted to deep listening

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...

Posted on: February 19, 2013

“I’ve struggled with Advent in recent years”

“I’ve struggled with Advent in recent years”

This Advent, in this Year of Grace, I can feel God’s grace stirring within. I feel stronger, more at peace, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: November 20, 2012