Who We Are
CANONICAL STATUS
Mary Aikenhead Ministries was granted canonical status as a public juridic person of pontifical right by the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life on 25 April 2008. The accountability once exercised by the Congregational Leader and Council of the Religious Sisters of Charity were handed to the Trustees as Canonical Stewards. In becoming the Canonical Stewards of Mary Aikenhead Ministries, the Trustees accepted the transfer of stewardship of the Apostolic Works of the Sisters of Charity from the 1 July 2009.
This has required a distinct ecclesial ministry of leadership of the Public Juridic Person, calling many individuals to faithfully fulfil their civil and canonical responsibilities for the greater glory of God. Mary Aikenhead Ministries continues the mission of Jesus Christ when it assumed responsibility to further the health, aged care, education, and some welfare ministries. This is reflected in the crest of Mary Aikenhead Ministries which acknowledges our heritage, tradition and values, while being innovative and visionary in supporting our mission for the future.
STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship is the formal relationship between Mary Aikenhead Ministries and the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which is entered into to sustain the ministries of Jesus, through health, education, and welfare.
Stewardship of ministries is a formal relationship between an authorised Catholic organisation and a legally formed system of health or education entered into for promoting and sustaining Christ's healing, pastoral and teaching ministries to people in need.
Stewardship of ministries involves promoting and assuring the healing mission of Jesus. Those who steward are responsible for the continued viability of the health care ministry, promoting its ongoing mission, and animating its life. Trustees act publicly on behalf of the Roman Catholic Church and have been entrusted to serve the church by guiding and overseeing a specific institutional ministry in a formal and public way.
ETHICAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Ethical accountability was established in the rights and responsibilities encapsulated in civil and canon law. To understand stewardship is to view it in relation to Catholic identity and Mission. The Christian call is to connect to God’s mission, and Baptism invites all to take part. Maintaining fidelity to the mission and its heritage was partnered with the emerging role of the laity since Vatican II. Essential to the growth of sponsorship in Catholic health and education, is anchored in the vibrant call and response of the laity and in the commitment of sponsorship to the service of the ministry.
Vision of Mary Aikenhead Ministries
Caritas Christi Urget Nos
Mary Aikenhead Ministries is inspired by the vision of Jesus for communities that offer life to the full. We are committed to loving service of all people, especially those who are poor, marginalised and vulnerable.