Queensland Associates Planning Gathering St Joseph ’ s Province House Nundah 2012

1. Twenty years ago at an Associates Gathering in Penola, I came across John Shaw Neilson’s poem The GentleWaterBird used during areflection. In this beautiful poem John Shaw Neilson uses a courtly crane as both the Christ figure and to evoke images of the sense of God’s gentle presence in the world and nature. Queensland Associates Planning Gathering St Joseph’s Province House Nundah2012

2. My love of cranes ( and brolgas in particular) has somehow merged into a fascination with building construction cranes - symbols which always remind me of certain attributes and images of God.

3. Cranes remind me of: God’s powerful presence, trustworthiness, majesty and ability to construct great things using the ordinary. I encounter that presence in many manifestations of the same Love. As part of my preparation for the Associates gathering, I naturally started to think about walking in the Josephite way in terms of building construction cranes.

4. Prayer My prayer and intentions make a differencebeyond my immediate worksite. Turning the ignition activates my relationship with God .

5. Friendship Helping Supporting helping Relating Working together Sharing special moments Celebrating

6. Service Contributing to the overall plan of helping to build the kingdom through service… Noticing what needs to be done “on site’…..

7. Arriving at Nundah Village on Saturday morning I noticed cranes forming an impressive backdrop to the traffic lights. The red light invited me to stop, be still ,knowing that God would surely be with us during our gathering and deliberations.

8. Our gathering was facilitated by Sr Monica Cavanagh who guided us with much wisdom and expertise. Together we unpacked the notions of: • A sense of unity and purpose • Connectedness-sharing the stories • Vision / Mission -living out one’s commitment • Prayer, friendship , service - the Associates' way of life • Future directions-Where are we now, in 2013, 2016, 2020 and beyond? • Affirming the journey- walking in the Josephite way with Mary MacKillop

9. One obvious link we all shared in common was that each of us had been nurtured on our journey as Associates by Sr Joan Finucane. • Her credible leadership , generosity, faithful presence and constant support has sustained the Associates Movement for over two decades. • She has kept us grounded and at peace… • As an inspirational tour guide par excellence, Sr Joan has been a tremendous witness to what it means to walk in the Josephite way.

10. After morning tea we spent time sharing our local/regional experiences as Associates. • Representatives from throughout Queensland painted a picture of their story to date – practicalities, meeting formats, resources, activities (past , current and ongoing) • It became clear to me that whilst on the surface the paintings were produced using a variety of media, each group was working with the same textured canvas - that of living out one’s commitment to the Associates way of life in prayer, friendship and service.

11. This was no ordinary show and tell……

12. As I gazed upon the many sheets of A4 paper on the display board and samples of resources I realised that I was not looking at simply a catalogue of events, activities, ideas and resources alone. • The items on display merged into an impressive and vibrant statement which had translated into an animated calendar of Mary MacKillop’s thoughts and sayings . • Associates in Queensland were clearly touching the lives of others in ordinary and loving ways. They were busy trusting in God’s love and providence - doing what they could and leaving the rest to God.

13. After lunch we were invited to “listen to the whisperings of God to our hearts” as we reflected on the influences shaping our spirituality and involvement as Associates. We selected an image from the many inspirational photos that spoke to us about the associates movement today and beyond. There was a sense that, like the Gentle Water Bird, we had “caught the glow - even in the gentle rain” .

14. Inlooking to the envisioning of our future with the Josephite spirit we explored current and emerging issues that might impact on the sustainability or changing face of the Associates Movement in terms of : • Demographics • Financial constraints • Succession planning • Ways in which we might keep the vision and dream alive • Ways of “supporting one another and making a difference in our local and regional area and so furthering the reign of God ” (Associates Mission Statement)

15. Following the session input and a brief talk from members of the Core Group, we formed small groups and were issued with butcher paper and marking pens- perennial signs that it was time to get down to business. In light of a particular time frame ( 2013, 2016, 2020), we listed challenges to be addressed and suggested actions that might need to be taken now in order for the Associates Movement to continue and unfold as meant to be. The feedback from the small group deliberations provided a solid base for further food for thought.

16. This was a very productive exercise that raised issues to be considered: • The possibility of self governance • The training of group leaders • The changing role of the Core Group • The transition to independence • Greater use of online resources( Mary MacKillop ENews, www.sosj.org.au, www.marymackillop.org.au • Greater involvement in contributing to web based resources and communication • Updating of the Associates Handbook • Active Associate involvement in conference planning and implementation

17. We were very fortunate and grateful to have Sr Moya, Provincial Leader with us for the first session. Sr Moya paid tribute to all that has been in the journey of the Associates and called us to envision together for the future sustainability of the Associates. Srs Stella and Lyn (Qld Province Team) and Janet (CEO-MCSQL and Core Group member) were also present with us during the sessions. They reassured us that , as associates, we already have the gifts and ability to facilitate and adjust to any necessary changes in the future. Their insights, shared wisdom and contributions were especially invaluable during the group work. Special thanks also to: • Sr Rita (from the Qld Province Team) and some of the Sisters from Nundah who joined us for lunch and welcomed us in true Josephite style. • The Sisters and Associates who provided such delicious food throughout the day.

18. The closing ritual invited us to go forth with a spirit of gratitude that we can be involved in God’s vision of love and unity in our land and in our world. • Using the rich symbols of life- giving water and light which figure prominently on our Associates Badge, we prayed for blessings for each other through our friendship, service and prayer, in the name of Jesus and the Spirit of the Charism.

19. As I left the gathering, to head back to the Gold Coast, I came once again upon my construction crane at the lights in Nundah Village. That morning I had been invited to stop and pause a while at the red light. Now I sailed through the green light …. on my way moving forward right to go….

20. Reflecting on my experiences at the Associates Gathering during the following days, I looked around at two of my three prized plants in my garden- my Flame Flower and Mary MacKillop Callistemon.. The Flame Flower has always reminded me of the burning love of the Trinity and the buds of love and life that grow from that Love. The Callistemon is so Australian- resilient and hardy , attracting birdlife and making a difference

21. I noticed that, like my Mary MacKillop Rose, these plants are growing so well because they matter a great deal to me. They have a special place in my heart and receive extra TLC I make the effort to make sure they are watered and nourished and I position them in right relationship with the rest of the garden , in terms the sun and shade. …a bit like the defining features of my being an Associate , I guess…..