Communio Calling

In this episode, GSE shares the special presentation ‘Liturgy of the Hours and the Psalms’ by Sisters Elizabeth Brennan sgs and Elizabeth Murray sgs. Originally presented at the Mission Leaders Conference, this powerful session provides insights into the Prayer of the Church, the communal prayer that plays a vital role in the spiritual life of Benedictines and many others.The presentation launches ‘The Psalm Project’ developed by Gabrielle Sinclair and Elizabeth Brennan as another tool of communio, that we may sing in one voice.

For our first episode of 2024, we are in captivating dialogue with Sr Aquinata Böckmann OSB. With our host Gabrielle Sinclair, Aquinata graciously shares her compelling narrative and profound insights. Together they reflect on the essence of Holy Audacity, with a specific focus on the themes of Hospitality and Peace.Aquinata Böckmann OSB, a distinguished member of the Benedictine Missionary Order of the Sisters of Tutzing, stands as an esteemed academic, author, and educator. Notably, she achieved the milestone of becoming the first female professor at Sant’ Anselmo in Rome, Italy. 

In our final episode of Communio Calling for 2023, GSE delegates discuss their whirlwind South American adventure to this year’s BENet Conference and visit to Chile's lay Benedictine Manquehue Community.Hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in October,  about 180 representatives from 16 countries gathered to share their insights as educators in the Benedictine tradition On route to Rio, the GSE group spent time with the Manquehue community in Santiago, Chile, forming deep connections while exploring another expression of Benedictine education and community.

Following the success of the 2022 program, GSE’s Prophetic Voices student forum initiative returned in 2023 and was expanded to consist of three online student sessions that culminated with a two-day in-person gathering at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre in Varroville, NSW, in July. In this episode, host Gabrielle Sinclair chats with four GSE students who participated in the program  to reflect on their experiences and the process they undertook to create their final position statements on the three issues chosen for the year:First Nations: Country, Connection and CustodianshipHomelessness: Encounter beyond financial aidDiversity: Human dignityYou can find more information on Prophetic Voices and the final student statements on our website: https://goodsameducation.org.au/prophetic-voices/ 

Special guest Carmel Posa, lecturer, author and Good Samaritan Sister, shares her wisdom and insights on St Scholastica in the lead-up to the release of her new book due in 2024, ‘The Lost Dialogue of Gregory the Great: The Life of Scholastica’.In this conversation with host Gabrielle Sinclair, Carmel walks us through the process of shaping this new hagiography of the life of Scholastica. Many people have asked "Why don't we know more about Scholastica?"; Carmel answers this question and more as she walks with and reclaims the voice of Scholastica.

Good Sams Anne Dixon and Grace Marcello, sit down with host Gabrielle Sinclair to share stories of their ministry work in the Philippines in Bacolod on the island of Negros.Set up in the 1980s by two Japanese Good Samaritan Sisters, the Bacolod community and Good Samaritan Education continue to have a strong partnership, with student immersions to the region set to return in 2024.

In this episode of Communio Calling, host Gabrielle Sinclair is joined by Rosebank’s Dean of Ministry, Paul O’Shea, and GSE’s Fran Vella to discuss the life and works of John Bede Polding.Together, they discuss the legacy of Polding as the first Archbishop of Sydney and co-founder of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who's teachings live on in our mission today. 

It is said that It is in the sharing of story with others that the deep meaning of pilgrimage takes root, both in the pilgrim and the community.In this episode of Communio Calling, host Gabrielle Sinclair is joined by Natasha O’Donoghue, Alan Ibbett and Rita Armen to reflect on their recent pilgrimage experience. The GSE Benedictine pilgrimage followed in the footsteps of St Benedict, St Scholastica and John Bede Polding across England and Italy. Our pilgrims came from staff and governance leaders from our GSE community and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, all participating in this life-changing adventure. 

In our latest episode of Communio Calling, host Gabrielle Sinclair is joined by two of our GSE school’s principals, Iris Nastasi of Rosebank College Five Dock  and Tony Fitzgerald of St Mary Star of the Sea College Together, they unpack our new Schools of Welcome statement and share their reflections on its conception and impact on the GSE community.

In this episode, host Gabrielle Sinclair is joined in conversation with three company members within our GSE schools; Leonie Keaney, John Driscoll and Elizabeth Delaney sgs.This conversation is a great reflection on the important role of a company member in a GSE school. Hear the insights, and in and outs of the role and their stewardship of the charism.

Communio Calling is back with our first episode of 2023, where we unpack Good Samaritan Education’s Formation Cycle theme, A Year of Neighbour. In conversation with Geraldine Kearney sgs, we explore what it means to be neighbour and to truly embrace the ‘other’.

Host Gabrielle Sinclair talks with Mary McDonald sgs in a wide-ranging conversation, from sharing her story of growing up in the family Pub in Northern Queensland to her love of education. Mary is the author of the GSE history - Journey to Good Samaritan Education – and shares her insights on the challenges of today and the fundamental essence needed to be held onto into the future. 

Communio Calling guest Patty Fawkner sgs, congregational leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, shares her leadership journey and the insights she has gained along the way, from acknowledging her gifts and weakness to empowering others. This a great conversation for all seeking to develop their leadership skills, particularly in the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism.

After a short break Communio Calling is back with Prophetic Voices.Host Gabrielle SInclair chats with Jen Petschler of St Scholastica's College and Students from six of the GSE schools regarding their experience of Prophetic Voices.The inaugural Prophetic Voices – Student Form was held in conjunction with the 2022 Triennial Conference on Friday, July 22, hosted at St Scholastica’s College Glebe. Prophetic Voices was established to provide an open platform for students to articulate causes, projects, and issues they are passionate about and embody Good Samaritan Benedictine values. Each school is invited to pitch one issue or idea that formed the content for cross-school dialogue and discernment. The initiative culminated in a two-day event, firstly a student forum, with the second day requiring students to participate in the Triennial Conference, presenting their common voice on issues they want to raise with the whole GSE community. 

This episode's conversation is with two of the superstars of the GSE community, Sue Lennox, Principal of St Patrick's College Campbelltown and Kate Rayment, Principal of St Scholastica's College Gelbe, as we have a look at GSE's Philosophy of Education. The Good Samaritan Education  Philosophy of Education sets the bar high as we seek to create, sustain and nurture communities of learning enriched and inspired by the Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition. 

There is no doubt that the word 'obedience' has a lot of baggage to the modern ear. Today we will broaden our understanding through the lens of St Benedict.Join host Gabrielle Sinclair and guest Christine Manning as we reclaim obedience helping to provoke some helpful reverberations in our community and society, if we live it well, inclining ourselves toward the other, through Christ loving example. 

Good Samaritan Education's Formation Cycle draws us into a Year of Lectio. In our conversation today Elizabeth Brennan sgs and Pat O'Gorman help us navigate what we mean by Lectio Divina and how the regular practice can provide a rhythm for deepening our relationship with God and all of creation if we attend with the ear of the heart. 

Continuing the celebrations of Good Samaritan Education's 10 year anniversary we reflect on where we have come from and a look into the future regarding the continual challenge and necessity of being alert to the signs of the times. Join host Gabrielle Sinclair with guests Sr Clare Condon and Moira Nadjecki for our final full episode for 2021. 

In this bonus episode, we will hear from a few familiar voices as we celebrate the feast of All Benedictine saints. Guests were asked to share about a favourite or perhaps lesser-known Benedictine Saint, so sit back for some reflections on others that have traced the path of Benedict before us. Featuring:Elizabeth Brennan sgsChristine Manning sgsPat O'GormanClare Condon sgsand Moira Nadjecki

In conversation with Catherine Slattery sgs and Frank Pitt we take a look at the foundational Good Samaritan Education document - The Statement of the Voice and Experience of Women in Leadership.We take a look at the realities that shape this document and the accountability it calls us to. It is a unique and living document that challenges and informs the necessary social critique to be attentive to the signs of the times and claim our voice.