Mary moved to Grenfell 5 years ago and immediately immersed herself in community life, engaging with many organisations where she could actively support a range of people providing astonishing physical, educational, cultural and spiritual guidance both formally and informally in and around Grenfell.

Mary is deeply involved in St Joseph’s parish and school community. She chooses to willingly share her expertise, building connections, and providing deep pastoral care.

Mary has been actively involved in the local parish of St Joseph’s. As part of a team, she organises a monthly church service at the MPS where she also does a lot of visitation work. Mary is chairperson of the parish council and organises the liturgical feasts and celebrations. She guides parents through baptismal preparation. She instigated “coffee club” after mass for a group of elderly parishioners. She was spiritual advisor for a women’s Cursillo for the archdiocese last year. She also runs a discussion group for anyone interested in spiritual growth.

Mary is an integral part of the St. Joseph’s school community. She visits regularly, catching up with students and staff, continuing her pastoral work. Working with a teacher colleague, she helped coordinate the sacramental programs for first reconciliation and communion and confirmation. Mary supports school activities, attending Mass with the students.

On Mary’s return from the Catherine McAuley pilgrimage to Ireland, she shared this knowledge of Catherine McAuley and the Mercy foundation with both staff and students, and as a result a new award was started: the Catherine McAuley medal which Mary presents at the monthly school assembly.

Sr Mary is also committed to and highly instrumental in the Men’s Shed, Palliative Care Service, Grenfell Ukestra, Grenfell Probus, CEF of Grenfell, in fact, Sr Mary makes sure she is present wherever a helping hand is needed.

Sr Mary has made a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the residents in the Grenfell community; Mary has an empathetic and caring nature. Everything she does is 100% plus. She puts others needs before her own constantly. She is a wonderful friend, citizen and example of how to “love your neighbour as yourself”.  There is a belief locally that the world is a better place because of Sister Mary’s presence, direction, support and hard work.

Thanks to Margaret Carey for the original write-up.