BACKGROUND

Since it was formed in 1981, the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy, Australia has been actively engaged in ministries among Aboriginal Communities, Refugees and people in developing countries.

Mostly this engagement, which largely depended on generous financial contributions from the Mercy congregations has been through the direct service of many Sisters in such areas as education, health care, community development and advocacy.

Over time these significant aspects of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy's life were known as Mercy Overseas Aid and Cross Cultural Ministries. However in 2000, they became part of a new single entity called Mercy Works Incorporated.

WHAT IS MWInc?

MWInc is now the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy's chief means for strategically implementing the collective commitment of the seventeen congregations and its two foundations (PNG and Pakistan) to justice, human rights and development among the poor of the world.

HOW DOES MWInc 'work'?

First, it is an association made up of members. A person's membership is obtained through his or her application which must be endorsed by a current member and payment of an annual membership fee of $20 ($10 concession).

The members of MWInc have a vitally important role because it is they who approve its Constitution and any amendments. They also elect five of the nine members of the Board.

As a working structure MWInc looks like this:

All this implies that the members would understand the scope and purpose of MWInc and be personally committed to its deep values which derive from the Christian Gospel. That is to say, ideally the Members of the Association have a real sense of 'ownership' of MWInc because they appreciate its mandate to extend the mission of Catherine McAuley among some of the world's most vulnerable people, with a special care for women and children.

Members receive the MWInc Newsletter three times each year and are encouraged to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Association. Those unable to attend may arrange to vote by proxy.

Second, it is governed by a Board of Management of nine Members, five of whom, including the Chair are elected by the Members of the Association. The other four Board Members are appointed by the Institute Plenary Council (IPC). These men and women enrich and strengthen the Institute's Mission with their considerable experience, expertise and dedication.

The Institute Plenary Council (IPC) sets the broad direction for MWInc and ensures that it is communicated throughout the Institute.

The day-to-day tasks of MWInc are carried out by the Executive Officer and her colleagues who are responsible for guiding and facilitating the Mercy Refugee Service as well as MWInc projects with Aboriginal communities and in Papua New Guinea and Pakistan.

HOW IS MWInc FINANCED?

At the outset of MWInc, the IPC dedicated certain Institute funds to meet costs associated with its establishment, administration and immediate projects. However, there is need for recurrent funding to ensure its future is strong and viable. Such funding is constantly being sought from benefactors and where appropriate, government and philanthropic sources. Catholic institutions, especially schools which have a direct or historic link with Sisters of Mercy, receive promotional and educational materials about MWInc. They are also urged to participate in fund-raising activities as a way of sharing in the broader Mercy mission.

HOW TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MWInc?

As mentioned above, every Member of the Association receives the MWInc Newsletter three times a year. If you are not yet a Member of the Association, please think about joining as your prayer and practical concern would strengthen MWInc and all its endeavours.

You can also contact any of the MWInc staff on (02) 9564- 1911 or check the MWInc website - www.mercyworks.org.au for updates.