Catherine McAuley Services Limited

Catherine McAuley Services Limited is an Australian nonprofit organization that advances the mission of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea, focusing particularly on ministry activities in Papua New Guinea. The organization operates to empower the local community, especially women, and to foster programs that promote care for both people and the environment within the Melanesian cultural context.

Mission and Values

The organization exists to facilitate collaborative partnerships that address key ministry concerns in Papua New Guinea. It emphasizes:

• Recognition and empowerment of women's strengths and leadership roles in both church and society.
• Respect and appreciation of the Melanesian culture, integrating this diversity into its programs.
• Commitment to core values including integrity, hospitality, respect for all individuals, and collaboration.

These commitments ensure that the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy's mission is honored and adapted to the geographical and cultural realities of Papua New Guinea[1].

Programs and Activities

Catherine McAuley Services offers theological education programs, including a Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Ministry, aimed at enhancing leadership and ministry capabilities within the community[4]. Through these educational initiatives, the organization supports the development of informed and empowered pastoral leaders.

The organization’s beneficiaries primarily include the general Australian community, children under 13 years, and youth aged 13 to under 25 years[3].

Cultural and Social Impact

By acknowledging the Melanesian culture in which it operates, Catherine McAuley Services promotes a culturally respectful approach to its ministry and outreach programs. It supports the flourishing of local populations by fostering leadership among women and encouraging the care of the earth and its people, aligning with the broader mission of the Sisters of Mercy in the region[1].

Relationship to Sisters of Mercy and Broader Ministry Network

Catherine McAuley Services Limited is a program within the wider network of McAuley Ministries, which are affiliated with the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Australia. This connection allows it to draw on the traditions, resources, and support of the Sisters of Mercy while operating with a focus on Papua New Guinea and the surrounding region[2].

Catherine McAuley Services Limited continues to contribute to social and spiritual development through education and community empowerment, deeply rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy and the cultural context of Melanesia.

[1] https://institute.mercy.org.au/mercy-in-action/catherine-mcauley-services-limited/ [2] https://institute.mercy.org.au/mercy-in-action/mcauley-ministries/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3c697116-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/38f37931-51c8-e811-a95f-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/3c697116-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [5] https://www.mercyministrycompanions.org.au/what-we-do/mercy-community-services-australia-limited/mcauley-community-services-for-women/