Since 2023, MSS scholarships have supported four women in further study, opening opportunities for learning, leadership and service within the Church and wider community. We are delighted to share an update on Katherine Owen, Monique Saywell, Geraldine Vytilingam and Alarna Page.
Katherine Owen – Teresa Morse Scholarship
We are excited to announce Katherine Owen (pictured above) as the successful applicant for the MSS Teresa Morse Scholarship. Katherine has a background in accountancy and parish pastoral work, and currently works with the National Centre for Pastoral Research, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ research wing, located above the MSS office at the University of Divinity.
With support from MSS, together with a University of Divinity scholarship, Katherine began her Doctorate in July, researching the role of women and leadership in the New Testament. Katherine and her husband have four adult children, and she is excited about the years of study ahead—an opportunity she had thought would not be possible without financial support. She has expressed her deep gratitude to MSS for helping make this opportunity possible.
Monique Saywell and Geraldine Vytilingam
Monique Saywell and Geraldine Vytilingam (pictured right) were the first two recipients of MSS Masters scholarships, in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The two are pictured together in Melbourne on 20 March 2026, shortly before Monique’s graduation at St Paul’s Cathedral. Monique and her husband, Jeremy, travelled from Adelaide for the occasion.
Monique has since begun working with the Archdiocese of Adelaide as Parish Formation Projects Officer. Her husband and mother encouraged her to apply for the position, particularly given her studies over the past two years on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’. Geraldine continues her work as Youth Mission Formation Lead in the Diocese of Broken Bay, Sydney.
Alarna Page – First Nations MSS Scholarship
Alarna Page, recipient of the First Nations MSS Scholarship, continues her work as Principal Aboriginal Consultant at Catholic Care Tasmania and will recommence her Masters studies next semester, having deferred her studies during the first semester of this year.
Alarna has also contributed a chapter to Hope: Unfinished Business, a collection of reflections from 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women exploring themes of faith, identity, healing and hope. A collaboration between Catholic Mission and Australian Catholic University, the book was launched in Sydney on 27 May 2026. In another special moment, on 2 June in Rome, Peter Gates, National Director of Catholic Mission, presented Pope Leo with a copy of Hope: Unfinished Business.
Congratulations to Alarna on this wonderful achievement, and to Katherine, Monique and Geraldine as they continue their studies and work.