Sr Colleen Noonan celebrates her Diamond Jubilee
PrintMotto: “Hidden with Christ in God” Colossians 3:3
Where did it all begin? It began the day of your Baptism when you became a follower of Jesus. As your faith matured you desired to give more which was ritualised on July 2, 1958 entering the Novitiate to become a Sister of Charity.
After your Profession in January 1961 you spent a number of years in the ministry of Education teaching Infants and you were Principal of St Francis School Paddington. Then it was time for some Renewal which you did through the National Pastoral Institute in Melbourne.
Your education in many areas of need prepared you to give general support where needed. Some of those areas where you have been “extensively useful” are with the disabled both physical and intellectually, pastoral care, domestic violence with the Outreach Program and Parish Ministry.
You have people with special needs in your mind and you are always looking out for them. I admire the love and energy you put into your ministry over the years. At the margins, going outside your gate, reaching out to youth on the streets, afflicted by drugs and alcohol and rarely thinking of yourself. I acknowledge your many health challenges that never seemed to stop you. I remember when you received that special call to the Outback through the VISE program supporting isolated families who could not access education. You have been generous to a T.
You are committed to be the Sister of Charity presence at functions and celebrations no matter where they are being held. Whatever you do it is with deep love as a Sister of Charity urged on by the love of Christ, and that includes care of the Sisters in your community and those you live with now at Paddington.
- Sr Clare Nolan rsc