After completing their Novitiate Formation in the Philippines Srs Cathy and Celina made their First Profession as Marist Sisters in November 2011.  They are now continuing their formation in Australia.

As part of their ministry each week they spend time at two centres for the homeless.  In describing their experience at one of these centre Sr Celina writes: “One centre is mainly a drop-in centre. They also have a few rooms to cater for people who could be on medication or requiring counselling.  We go to this centre on a Thursday.  On this day a delicious dinner is served for everyone who comes including the volunteers.  After dinner Mass is celebrated by the priest who happens to be rostered for that week.  Our ministry is mainly being a presence among the people by being part of the community.  The ministry is challenging but it also brings us joy and is a very good experience for us as we continue our formation as young Marist Sisters.”

Sr Cathy describes their time at the second facility they visit.  “On Sundays we attend Mass with the men who are the clients at the centre. Then we serve morning tea and have conversations with the men over our cuppa. In the afternoon it is general Pastoral Care. This is a time when the men do whatever they want to –  computing, table tennis, Bingo, music, reading, sleeping, etc. We just keep an eye on them, over see things and if anyone wants to talk to us then we are there to listen. We find this ministry very challenging but also rewarding.”