In 2009, the Holy See, following a petition from the Sisters of Charity of Australia, established an incorporated entity, Mary Aikenhead Ministries, to oversee, carry on and expand the various health, aged care, education and social service ministries.
The new entity was created partially in response to changing realities for the Congregation (fewer and ageing sisters) and partially in response to the demands and increasing complexity within the ministry works. Above all was the desire to ensure that the works of the Sisters continue, grow and flourish through the enhancement of lay leadership.
Mary Aikenhead Ministries' official commencement date of 1 July 2009 was chosen to commemorate the 151st anniversary of the death of Mary Aikenhead, the founder of the Sisters of Charity. This followed Mary Aikenhead Ministries being granted canonical status as a Public Juridic Person (PJP) of pontifical right by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on 25 April 2008.
In the words of Sr Elizabeth Dodds rsc, Congregational Leader at the time of Mary Aikenhead Ministries' establishment:
"Our Congregation's spirit and our inheritance is the gospel privilege of serving others, especially the poor. Our story is one of innovation, courage and conviction. It is our hope that this will continue. We are confident that through Mary Aikenhead Ministries the spirit of service will flourish in new and progressive ways, always alive to the spirit of the times."
To find out more please visit the Mary Aikenhead Ministries website.
Sisters of Charity Schools
Today there are four secondary colleges under the trusteeship of Mary Aikenhead Ministries. The Mary Aikenhead Education Australia Advisory Council was established to provide support to the Trustees and the Colleges and to further the educational philosophy and vision in our schools. Our Colleges are:
- St Vincent's College, Potts Point, New South Wales
- St Columba's College, Essendon, Victoria
- Catholic Ladies' College, Eltham, Victoria
- Mt St Michael's College, Ashgrove, Queensland
Each college demonstrates a strong commitment to educating young women of faith, integrity and compassion in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity.