The Trustees recently approved the Whānau Mercy Ministries Identity Statement, affirming a shared understanding of who we are, why we exist, and the distinctive contribution we make through our ministries.
We encourage all those involved in our ministries to take time to read and reflect on the statement, and to use it as a resource for personal and communal formation. More than a document, it is an invitation to deepen our understanding of our Mercy identity and to reflect on how our values and purpose are lived out in our everyday work and relationships.
The document can be downloaded as a pdf below. The statement reads:
At its heart, the identity of Whānau Mercy Ministries flows from the understanding that our ministries exist to make visible the mercy of God in today’s world, especially among those most in need.
Whānau Mercy Ministries is a Ministerial Public Juridic Person in Aotearoa New Zealand, formally entrusted by the Catholic Church to carry forward the mission of Jesus Christ through the Mercy tradition founded by Catherine McAuley. The Mercy tradition is expressed as a ‘charism’ – a way of being Catholic, a gift to the Church and the community.
As a lay-led entity operating under both canon law and civil law, Whānau Mercy Ministries Trustees and directors exercise responsible autonomy for the particular ministries entrusted to us. The heart of Whānau Mercy Ministries is found in the living out of this identity, in ways that remain faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Our identity shapes what we do, why we do it, and how we do it. This is given expression through the work of our ministries in responding to the Gospel call to love and serve the poor and vulnerable, to seek justice, and to uphold the dignity of every person. Inspired by the Holy Spirit to live out the Mercy charism, the Mercy whānau responds to the cry of the poor and the cry of Earth with compassion, courage and practical action, contributing to the flourishing of individuals, communities, and the whole of creation.
Our ministries are governed by the values of aroha (love in action), whanaungatanga (right relationship and community), and kaitiakitanga (faithful care of people and resources). These values shape our relationships, our decision-making, and our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, acting as faithful stewards within the whole community of creation.
Those entrusted with governance share responsibility for the faithful, sustainable and accountable stewardship of the identity. We seek to be attentive to the signs of the times and to pursue the common good, leading with wisdom, humility and a generous heart for Mercy. All who serve within Whānau Mercy Ministries, whatever their personal faith identity or commitment, are expected to align with our values and respect and contribute to our mission with works of mercy, responding to what God’s mercy is doing in the world. This is fostered by active participation in ongoing formation appropriate to their role. In this way, we nurture identity as a culture of welcome, respect and shared purpose, grounded in the expression of the Mercy charism.