Articles by: Debra Vermeer

New book aims to recover the missing life and voice of St Scholastica

A new book by Good Samaritan Sister Carmel Posa uses the ancient method of hagiography to recover the missing life and voice of St Scholastica of Nursia, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: July 15, 2024

Good Samaritan Sr Juniko Toaua makes her Perpetual Profession

There were joyful celebrations in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati earlier this month when Sister Juniko Toaua SGS made her Perpetual Profession as a Sister of the Good Samaritan.

Posted on: June 19, 2024

Spiritual direction and mentoring are key elements of SAM Program

Participants in the Good Samaritan Study and Mentoring (SAM) Program said among the reasons they were drawn to apply was the opportunity to receive both spiritual direction and professional mentoring.

Posted on: June 19, 2024

The Good Oil Writers’ Workshop encourages and inspires

A room full of readers, writers and word-lovers came together in Sydney last month for The Good Oil Writers’ Workshop, where they explored the theme, Words Matter, writes Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: June 19, 2024

Kinder School in Bacolod celebrates 20th anniversary

The Good Samaritan Kinder School in Bacolod, the Philippines, established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan to serve poor families of the squatter district, has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Posted on: May 15, 2024

Author Michael McGirr brings his experience to Writers' Workshop

For author Michael McGirr, writing has always been an integral part of his life. “Writing is very close to my spiritual practice, and always has been,” he tells Debra Vermeer.

Posted on: May 9, 2024

Good Samaritan Study and Mentoring Program goes from strength to strength

More women than ever before are taking part in the Good Samaritan Study and Mentoring Program, with 10 women receiving full scholarships and another eight receiving support with their studies.

Posted on: May 9, 2024

Life Membership for Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy JP

Good Samaritan Sister Mary O’Shannassy, well known for her ministry as a prison chaplain, has been recognised for her 30 years of community service as a Justice of the Peace.

Posted on: April 17, 2024

Good Samaritan Sisters’ ministries are flourishing in Kiribati

When Sister Michelle Reid visited Kiribati, she was struck by two things: the vulnerability of the land due to rising sea levels and the ministry of the Good Samaritan Sisters.

Posted on: April 17, 2024

Author and educator Ann Rennie: 'I thank God for whatever the day holds'

Melbourne-based author and educator Ann Rennie is now at a stage in her life when saying Yes to unexpected invitations is opening up a range of new experiences and adventures.

Posted on: April 14, 2024

Meet the Members of Council: Sisters Michelle, Kathleen, Ann-Maree and Meg

In this edition we meet the four Council members who will assist and advise Sister Catherine McCahill in her role as Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

Posted on: March 20, 2024

Benedicta House a place of prayer and ongoing mission

Nine Sisters of the Good Samaritan living in Melbourne have moved into a brand new built-for-purpose residence called Benedicta House, a name that pays tribute to the Sisters’ Benedictine spirituality.

Posted on: March 20, 2024