Our recent Kildare Ministries 10th Anniversary Conference brought together trustees, leaders and staff from all Kildare Ministries’ schools and community works across the nation.  Over 1300 people gathered together both in person and online across five hubs located in Melbourne, Geelong, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide for the momentous three day gathering themed ‘Crossing New Seas – Encounter, Dream, Do’.

The Conference, a testament to the unity and shared vision of Kildare Ministries, served as a nexus where minds met, ideas blossomed, and aspirations soared.

The theme ‘Crossing New Seas – Encounter, Dream, Do’ encapsulated the essence of the conference, beckoning participants to venture beyond the known, to dream boldly, and to translate dreams into action. From the opening liturgy, which served as a beacon of hope and unity, to the thought-provoking discussions and presentations by esteemed speakers, every moment was infused with a sense of purpose and possibility.

Day One, themed ‘Encounter’, ushered participants into a space of reflection and introspection. In each hub the Conference commenced with a poignant Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by a local indigenous elder.  An Opening Liturgy, which celebrated and honoured our Brigidine and Presentation foundation, was imbued with our shared core values of Compassion, Courage, Hope, Hospitality, Justice and Wonder. This together with the official Conference Opening by Kathy McEvoy and Rosemary Copeland, Co-Chairs Kildare Ministries Trustees, lay the foundation for the days ahead, inviting attendees to embrace and delve into the transformative vision of the Kildare Ministries Living Justice Living Peace Charter.

Day Two, ‘Dream’, provided participants with the opportunity to hear from and engage with highly regarded presenters including Professor Ann Pattel-Gray, Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs, Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO, Fr Richard Leonard SJ, Dr Elissa Roper and Francis Sullivan AO.  ABC radio presenter and journalist, Dr Meredith Lake, facilitated panel discussions with the presenters, which challenged attendees to envision the future of the church and the ministry they are part of over the course of the day.

A wide range of workshops, led by guest presenters and staff from across Kildare Ministries, followed.  From Kilbreda, Jane Ward led a workshop on ‘Incorporating the Principles of the Living Justice, Living Peace Charter’ into the curriculum and Leah Cristiano led a workshop which introduced participants to the benefits of drum therapy as part of a school’s wellbeing program. It was also wonderful to have past pupil of Kilbreda, and well-known author, Vikki Petraitis present on ‘True Crime Podcasts and the Quest for Justice’.

Through the presentations and discussions, new connections were forged, ideas were exchanged, possibilities explored, and new horizons illuminated.

On Day Three, themed ‘Do’, our attention shifted to action and implementation. We heard from student leaders across Kildare Ministries’ ten schools, and representatives from our three community works. Throughout the day we were challenged to discuss and consider the following: 

Catholic education can be a force for justice and peace. What actions can we take, as members of Kildare Ministries, to make this a reality?

Our collective reflections were captured and will be instrumental in shaping the direction of Kildare Ministries in the years ahead.

The final liturgy, a poignant moment shared across all hubs, underscored the spirit of community and connection that pervaded the conference. Each ministry was gifted a Kildare Ministries cross as a symbol of shared experiences and aspirations, and as participants departed, they left with hearts full of hope, courage and purpose.

The Kildare Ministries 10^th Anniversary Conference was not merely an event; it was a milestone—a celebration of a decade of collaborative formation and shared commitment to excellence in education and justice and peace in our world. As we look back with wonder at what has been achieved and look forward with anticipation and hope to the future, one thing remains clear: the journey of Kildare Ministries is a testament to the power of a shared vision and mission, and the positive impact that collective action can have in our community and world today.

Anzac Day

Yesterday, as a nation, we paused to acknowledge Anzac Day which marks the day of the Gallipoli landings in 1915. On this day we commemorate all Australians who have served and died in military operations. It is also a time to remember the devastating effect of war and to pray for peace and unity in our world.

A prayer of remembrance and for peace in our world this Anzac Day

Lord of Peace,
Let us remember.
Let us remember the human cost of war.
Let us remember the sacrifice of those who fight because their country calls them to.
Let us remember the death and destruction that results when people take up arms against one another.
Let us remember those who have lost their life as a result of hostilities, both soldiers and civilians.
Let us remember the wounds and scarring that so many carry having been involved or caught up in conflict, whether they be physical, emotional or psychological.
Let us remember the lasting impact upon people, families, regions, countries and cultures in the aftermath of war.
Let us remember the reasons that have led to war.
Let us remember the peace-makers who have worked, and still work, to prevent war and conflict.
Let us remember the joy of peace and the power of reconciliation.
Let us remember the way of the Christ which leads to peace.
Let us remember all these things, that we might yet learn
And that we, as humanity, may yet find a way to end conflict that leads to fighting and war.
Let us remember.
Lest we forget. 

Amen.
(Jon Humphries)

We Pray For

We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:

Steven Clough
Husband of Tammy Cox (Staff)

We pray that our loving God hold him gently in the palm of His hand.

Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal