Sr Anne Mayberry: Strange coronavirus times for Remote and Rural Ministry

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Many organisations which give assistance to needy people, have been affected by the COVID-19 virus, including our Remote and Rural Ministry.

The usual fund-raising stalls and Bunnings barbecues have been shelved for the present as we come to grips with these most unusual times.

My initial response to the situation was to take time to ponder the ramifications. I therefore retreated to my favourite place, the garden.

In restoring a section of garden, I laid an extensive brick path, which reminded me of ‘journey.’ Where to from here, during this time of uncertainty?

I began a huge Stock take, (without the Sale). Donated goods were resorted, wrapped, packaged, labelled and boxed. Much of the beautiful clothing given to us was taken down to the Salvos in Goulburn.

I had noticed, previously, that their racks were very much depleted. They are always so grateful for assistance.

Having seen the outcome of the January fires down south, I headed to St Mary’s school in Batlow, delivering a bag of groceries for each family.  An extra bag was included for a staff member who had lost her home in the fires.

Some of the children at the school were traumatised by the fires and extra cash would enable them to buy Hand puppets to work through their experiences in drama classes.

Tumbarumba was also affected and so the Community Church was given boxes of new clothes, books, and toys for the families who are visited by the local Pastor on her weekly rounds.

Prizes for Bingo, raffle prizes and knee rugs which had all been packed since February, have finally been delivered to an aged care facility in the Hunter.

At the same time, I was able to visit schools in Denman, Muswellbrook, Cessnock, and Merriwa, leaving behind a cheque to help with specific needs.

During these times, phone calls have been made to reliable connections, to enquire as to how we can assist, specially where people have been retrenched or where work places have been destroyed by the fires, e.g. timber mills. Around Batlow, thousands of acres of burnt trees have depleted stocks for local mills.

I have become a frequent customer to Australia Post, sending cheques, parcels, and  boxes of goods to far off places.

We journey forward with hope, joy and much gratitude for continued support, specially from our own generous Sisters of Charity.

Sr Anne was missioned as Bursar for the Sisters of Charity in March 2021.

Image 1: Sr Anny Mayberry
Image 2: A detail from the banner of Remote and Rural Ministries

 

THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
When we have so much to praise the Lord for, we must not complain.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
True affection is to rejoice in the happiness of our dear ones. Never allow a sentiment of resentment to enter into our hearts.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Pray, reflect and consult – and may the divine spirit direct all to God’s greater glory.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
May our dear Lord Jesus fill your hearts with His own love. Amen!
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We must have patience with others as He has patience with us.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Under every difficulty try to pray fervently.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
We have much to thank Him for, even for those little drawbacks on our comforts and conveniences.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Do pray that justice may be accomplished in peace and that truth may prevail.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
Go on now as steadily as you can, relying on the Divine assistance and fear not.
THE WISDOM OF MARY AIKENHEAD
What we do ought to be done well.

The Sisters of Charity acknowledge the First Peoples and traditional custodians of this land where we live. We respect, value and honour their history, culture and spirituality. We are committed to standing in solidarity and to actively working for justice, peace and harmony in this land.

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