Sr Helen Clarke: A varied ministry of service
PrintI first came into contact with the Sisters of Charity when I commenced teaching at St Mary’s in Liverpool in the 1960s. Impressed by the Sisters’ commitment to the disadvantaged and marginalised people, I felt called to become a Sister of Charity and to commit to their charism with my life.
After profession, I returned to the classroom, then moved to the administration of four Sydney schools and then as a consultant with the Sydney Catholic Education Office. During this time, I gained a Counselling Diploma and furthered my university studies.
In 1990, I was elected Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity of Australia which was a term of six years.
After leadership, I studied Natural Therapies for two years then, with the support of a group of Congregations, set up a Holistic Health Centre to support disadvantaged people and members of religious congregations, people in aged care facilities and women prisoners.
With a background of teaching, natural therapies and retreats, I was able to conduct wellness days and days of reflection. This included supporting women in far Western New South Wales with retreats each year.
After serving on a number of Health and Education Boards, I was appointed a Trustee of Mary Aikenhead Ministries in 2012 for a six-year term.’
My current ministry is mentoring Clemente students at Australian Catholic University, and as a Pastoral Supervisor, supporting people in ministry.