During the first-ever online National Assembly from 22-25 November, Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) elected a new Council to provide leadership, advocacy on contemporary issues and build intercongregational communion amongst its 150 Religious Institute Members over the coming year. Inspired by the theme of the National Assembly, ‘Embracing Mission – Interculturality and Prophetic Leadership’, Council will focus on Catholic leadership in religious life within a Church and society comprised of diverse people, exploring interculturality in the service of mission.
Back row L to R: Asaeli Rass SVD, Tom McDonough CP, Peter Jones OSA, Philippa Murphy FDNSC, Anne Boyd CSB, Melissa Dwyer FDCC, Eveline Crotty RSM
Fron row L to R: Trevor Trotter SSC, Mary-Clare Holland OP, Peter Carroll FMS, Patty Fawkner SGS, Paul O’Keeffe FSP, Monica Cavanagh RSJ
Peter Carroll FMS was re-elected as President and five new Religious Institute Leaders joined the CRA Council:
Melissa Dwyer FDCC, Canossian Daughters of Charity
Asaeli Rass SVD, Divine Word Missionaries
Philippa Murphy FDNSC, Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Trevor Trotter SSC, Missionary Society of St Columban
Monica Cavanagh RSJ, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart
Missing from the group photo: Catherine Reuter RSM, Council Member
They joined the current nine Council members and President:
Peter Jones OSA, Augustinian Fathers
Anne Boyd CSB, Brigidine Sisters
Mary-Clare Holland OP, Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands
Eveline Crotty RSM, Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea
Peter Carroll FMS, Marist Brothers Province of Australia
Tom McDonough CP, Passionist Fathers
Paul O’Keeffe FSP, Patrician Brothers
Patty Fawkner SGS, Sisters of the Good Samaritan
Catherine Reuter RSM, Sisters of Mercy, Brisbane
“Amidst an extraordinary two years of challenges caused by COVID, we’re delighted to have so many Leaders interested in being part of Council – it’s a testament to the work of CRA,” said Br Peter.
“I warmly welcome our new Councillors. They bring a variety of gifts, expertise and wisdom. They are joining an energetic Council and Secretariat, which continues to carry forward the prophetic voice of religious in the Australian Church and in contemporary society.”
I look forward to working with each Councillor in our capacity as servant leaders and walking together as pilgrims of the Gospel,” he added.
See Governance page for CRA National Council.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Sylvia MacRitchie-Hook | M: 0410 644 356 | E: comms@catholicreligious.org.au