The Institute's Specific Issues Committee, Indigenous Concerns, reflects on the progress of reconciliation and the impact of discrimination. Committee member, Anne McGuire RSM asks: how is it that we are comfortable with a lack of human rights for Aboriginal people while so insistent on the immediacy of our own human rights?

The Institute Specific Issues Committee, Eco-Justice, calls on people to extend their awareness of climate change issues and get involved in ecological fasting during Lent and the global Earth Hour on March 27. Although the ‘switch off their lights’ campaign commenced in Sydney, it is an event supported by millions of people across the globe. Will you take the challenge and join millions of people showing their commitment to the environment?

At a recent Institute Justice Network meeting in Sydney, the Institute Specific Issues Committee, Women and Poverty, aware of the chronic national shortage of adequate public housing, decided to focus their attention on the issue of housing and homelessness across Australia. In this first backgrounder, Sally Bradley RSM (Melbourne) highlights the issue of basic human rights and is calling readers to action and to work for systemic change. This call to action is even more critical since we are in an election year.

Helen O’Brien RSM (Adelaide), the first leader of the national group of Sisters of Mercy of Papua New Guinea, died in Adelaide on March 3. Following a Vigil on March 8, Mass was celebrated on March 9 at the Passionist Monastery in Glen Osmond. A number of sisters from across the Institute who had ministered with Helen in PNG attended, including Theresia Tina RSM (Leader, PNG Sisters of Mercy) and Claudia Apelanda RSM. The eulogy, delivered by long-time friend Teresa Flaherty RSM (Adelaide), can be downloaded here.

A memorial prayer service will be held in Sydney on Sunday March 28 at 2:30pm to celebrate the life of Helen O’Brien RSM (Adelaide), who died last week. The prayer service will be held at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, Parramatta, in the Catherine McAuley Rooms. Afternoon tea will follow. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Helen Law RSM via Mobile: 0411 891 117 or Email.

US Sister of Mercy, Rosemary Sabino RSM, writing in the new international e-journal Mercywords, says: "Nearly twenty years ago, Sister Ginny Bertschi and the Ministry Committee she chaired told the Sisters of Mercy in the Dallas, Pennsylvania Regional Community (USA), 'We do not do our ministry alone, but with others, and increasingly those others are not Sisters of Mercy'. What are the implications of this reality for us in 2010, and beyond?"

Marie Fitzgerald RSM, newly elected leader of the Perth Sisters of Mercy, reflects on the vision statement that delegates endorsed at the congregation’s chapter held between November 28 and December 3, 2009.

Adelaide Mercy candidate, Elizabeth Young, is encouraging “Mercy Matters” readers to learn about and support two campaigns that promote compassion and peace among the world’s religions: the Charter for Compassion and Arms Down!, an initiative of "Religions for Peace". Thanks to Elizabeth for alerting us to these campaigns!

Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy celebrated the jubilees of nine of their sisters on January 23. Present with the sisters were many family members who travelled from Ireland, interstate and other Queensland centres. “Congratulations and sincere wishes to these nine jubilarians,” writes Joanne Molloy RSM, “who, over many years, have generously enriched the life of the congregation and the wider community.”

Veronica Lawson RSM (Ballarat East) offers a reflection on the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent (Year C). To access this reflection, click on "MORE" and then click on the picture of the Bible where you can read the Scripture as well as the reflection.