At our national assembly in April 2006 we set our directions for the next five years:

As Presentation women we are conscious of being in a new time. Our contemplative stance draws us deeper into the mystery that is God who calls us to live in right relationship with one another and with the whole of creation. Our Presentation charism continues to challenge us to respond to the needs of these times.

We acknowledge the diminishment of personnel, resources and finances in Society – and clearly recognise both the need and desire to be connected to each other for the sake of Mission. We recognise, too, our connection with Presentation Sisters around the world and commit ourselves to the International Presentation Association.

We will continue to explore ways to nourish our contemplative hearts for mission.
We will continue to explore the implications of the evolving Universe Story for our spirituality.
We will develop processes to reflect on our Constitutions.
We commit ourselves to sustainable living in practical ways which witness to a real concern for our earth.

At this time we want to foster a growth in sistering for mission by

• providing opportunities for contemplative action together in response to the cry of those made poor and to the cry of the earth
• creatively maintaining the networks which nurture, challenge, stretch and inspire contemplative hearts in action
• engaging with and preserving the Presentation story (e.g. charism, history) for the future
• developing structures relevant to our current situations and to the identified needs of our times
• developing strategies for winding up Congregations in a life-giving and supportive way.

Congress endorses the recommendation of Plenary Council –

That a protocol be developed at Society level for use by all congregations, if they wish, in their future planning and the winding up of assets if and when necessary.

We acknowledge the complexity of our world with the interconnectedness of justice issues at so many levels.
We will maintain a justice committee as a viable means of disseminating information and instigating action on current issues of injustice.
We mandate the development of an appropriate process for justice action.
We commit to the issue Reconciliation – More Bridges to Cross.
We will promote the Millennium Development Goals.
We will find new ways to be heard as a public voice for justice.
We will work with IPA priorities.

We acknowledge and rejoice in the growth and development of the Papua New Guinea Presentation Sisters in terms of education, formation and preparedness for leadership roles.

In consultation with the Papua New Guinea sisters we build on this foundation and mandate the Plenary Council to

• continue the conversations regarding life and mission
• initiate and implement Canonical changes that will move the group towards autonomy as a Melanesian Region/Congregation of Society
• promote opportunities for theological formation for Papua New Guinea sisters to underpin the growth towards autonomy.

Click here to view some photos from Congress 2006

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In 2002, the Society Justice Committee produced The Earth Charter Principles and related Catholic Social Thought. This also formed part of the May 2002 and June 2002 newsletters.

Within Australia, Presentation Sisters are closely associated with organisations such as the Social Action Office in Brisbane, NetAct Australia in Sydney and PolMin based in Melbourne.

 

Links to other Justice sites:

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
Amnesty International Australia
Australian Catholic Social Justice Council (ACSJC)
Caritas Australia
Center of Concern (USA)
The Earth Charter Initiative
Earth Link
Good Shepherd Social Justice Network
Mercy Foundation
NetAct Australia
NETWORK - A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby (USA)
PolMin - Australian Political Ministry Network Ltd
Social Action Office - CLRIQ (SAO)