'God's presence seems to follow me everywhere and makes everything I do, or wish to do, a prayer,' (Mary MacKillop 1870). We are invited through the writing of Colleen O'Sullivan rsj to explore the idea of pilgrimage and to ask ourselves 'How aware am I- as Mary was- that God is a faithful, loving companion on my life's pilgrimage?'

'Mary MacKillop and Her Early Companions', the fifth book of Mary MacKillop's letters compiled by Sheila McCreanor rsj, was launched in Penola on Friday May 30, 2013. The book focusses on the years between 1866 and 1870, the early days of the Congregation.

Mary MacKillop International, the aid and development organisation of the Sisters of St Joseph, is seeking a country manager based in Dili to lead our team and programs in Timor-Leste.

The 2013 Good Grief Conference in October on the theme WELLBEING "Growing through Change and Loss" includes a wonderful program of speakers presenting within a learning workshop framework. Through attendance at the conference, broaden your understanding of the impact of change, loss and grief on individuals and the ways in which our programs are able to respond.

The commitment of the Sisters of St Joseph to standing in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples has been seen in various ways this past month: joining with Concerned Australians in the campaign to raise awareness about increasing numbers of Aboriginal children in out-of-home care, in promoting Sorry Day and the new initiative Recognise, and, in partnership with the Australian Catholic University, bringing together a rare collection of Indigenous Art from the Warmun community in the East Kimberley for Exhibition in Sydney.

The poet Mary Oliver asks us, ‘tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ This question is equally apt for us as we celebrate World Environment Day this week: ‘tell me what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious world?’

The Association of Josephite Affiliate Secondary Schools (AJASS) held their annual conference in Hobart on 16 and 17 May this year with twenty four Principals and their delegates from Josephite Secondary Schools across Australia gathering at places important in the Tasmanian Josephite story.

Take a moment now to enjoy the reflection on the Sacred Heart provided by Jill McLoughlin rsj of Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Important dates for your calendar including: 2013 Peruvian Winter Warmer Event at Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, East Melbourne (13 June), Guided Meditation at Mary MacKillop Place (17 June), Evening Prayer at Mary MacKillop Place for for the vigil of St John the Baptist (23 June).

Sr Elizabeth Crilley will present a series of Guided Meditations at Mary MacKillop Place on June 17th and 24th, September 2nd and 9th, December 2nd and 9th starting at 11:00am and concluding at 1:00pm. Contact (02) 8912 4861 for details.

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