Australian Mercy Sister Berneice Loch has been appointed to Lead the Mercy International Association - a role with a global focus on collaboration among Mercy congregations to meet the needs of today and work for justice.

The Board of Directors of the Mercy International Association announced that Sister Berneice had accepted the position of CEO of Mercy International Association (MIA) and will assume the position from March March 1, 2020.

“During January/February 2020 she will work with Sister Mary Reynolds, MIA’s current CEO, to assure a smooth transition,” the Board said in a statement on the MIA website.

Most recently, Sr Berneice completed a six year term as Leader of the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea. In this capacity she served on the Board of Members of MIA. Currently, she serves on the Implementation Advisory Group established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Religious Australia. Previously, she served in many capacities in secondary education as a teacher, consultant, and principal. She has been a member of the Leadership Team and also the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Mercy, Rockhampton, Australia and has held membership on a variety of boards.

“Sister Berneice has been involved with Mercy International Association in a number of roles since 2005,” the statement said.

“She is aware of the important challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for MIA and Mercies throughout the world as we develop an understanding and practice of Mercy Global Presence, increase the programs offered at Mercy International Centre while continuing the tradition of hospitality and operate Mercy Global Action from a single location in New York.

“She is well prepared to lead the MIA team and continue the evolution of the Association into the future.”

Mercy International Association is an organisation of the leaders of Mercy Congregations, Institutes and Federations throughout the world, founded to serve the Sisters of Mercy, their associates and colleagues in ministry. Members of the Association share the passion of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, to bring mercy to people who are poor, sick and uneducated.