Some of our Sisters participated in the National Bushfire and Climate Summit launch, which took place on 9th June 2020. This was a powerful and inspiring night that brought together experts from across Australia and the world, to unpack the challenges and solutions to...
Our News
We, Missionary Sisters of Service, keep busy in our various communities. We host and attend events, are busy with different projects, and happenings. On this page, you’ll find links to all our latest news and events, reflections and books.
Supermarket connections on a Saturday
One of our women in Hobart, Tasmania, Lorraine Groves MSS, shared this delightful story about a quick trip to the Claremont Village Supermarket on a Saturday, which resulted in a few unexpected encounters. Lorraine writes: “As I was gathering my trolley, a man, Bob*,...
Silence and solidarity for refugees and asylum seekers in Australia
Sunday 19th July marks 7 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that people seeking asylum, arriving by boat, would never be settled in Australia. Since then refugees and asylum seekers have been held on Manus and Nauru in horrendous conditions. Over...
Celebrating 76 years of mission and service
Today, 8th July 2020, we celebrate our 76-year anniversary of going out into the highways and byways of Australia, and beyond, being a presence of love and friendship to all we encounter. As is tradition, our Community of Women will gather where we can, and celebrate...
Would I sit with Homeless Jesus?
We are delighted to share this beautiful reflection, Where would I sit? by Penny Edman (pictured) who is a freelance writer based in Hobart, Tasmania. Penny has been a friend of our Community of Women since 1984, while still living in Bundaberg, Queensland. She is the...
10-year anniversary of commencement of The John Wallis Foundation
On 10 June 2020, the Missionary Sisters of Service marked the 10th anniversary of the commencement of The John Wallis Foundation, which was our initial mission entity, before we changed its structure and created our new Highways and Byways - A Community of Service in...
Warming hearts with handmade rugs
One of our Sisters, Lorraine Groves MSS, in Hobart, Tasmania has found a way to practically express love and care for members of the community during this time of COVID-19. For the past few months, Lorraine has been busy finishing off rugs to give to people who are...
MSS Consultations: Our Mission in Today’s Context
We look forward to when we can gather again... Each year our community of women gather in their various home states to take part in our "Consultation" series. Invited colleagues and friends of our community are also invited to join us for a day of conversation,...
MSS Chapter Assembly: Time to Celebrate and Reflect
Though some time has passed since our Chapter Assembly in Melbourne, we really wanted to give this story and the beautiful photos, which show the joy and sacredness of this gathering, a home on our new website. A number of our Sisters, some travelling from...
Nothing can ever be the same again; COVID-19 and the environment
Governments around the world are anxious to get their countries back to normal. But what is ‘normal’? It is claimed during China’s lockdown over the virus, the resulting cleaner atmosphere saved more lives than the lockdown. When I went on an interfaith pilgrimage to...
Latest Highways and Byways, and MSS newsletter out now
Our latest combined newsletter with Highways and Byways - A Community of Service, is out now! Highways and Byways – A Community of Service is our mission organisation that aims to strengthen communities, and support people experiencing hardship and disadvantage...
From the heart of death: a reflection
Corrie van den Bosch MSS wrote the following reflection on 6 April 2020, the Monday of Holy Week. Though Good Friday has passed, there is much richness in these words to reflect upon. Our Holy Week liturgies are muted this year. COVID-19 prevents us from gathering in...