On Sunday, October 27, the centenary since the arrival of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (OLoM) to St Joseph’s Charlton was celebrated. 

Nine sisters of OLoM and four Mercy Sisters were welcomed to Charlton by Fr Gerry. At the end of the 10.30 Mass Sr. Catherine, the Provincial, presented a slide show giving a brief history of their time in Charlton.

 In 1924 the sisters were invited by the parish priest, Fr Cornelius Kelly, to take charge of St. Joseph’s School. The pioneer sisters were Mother Mary Obedience, Sisters De Sales, Madeleine and Jude. As a temporary residence they used the former presbytery. 

School was taught in St Joseph’s Hall, partitioned into two classrooms. 

In 1930 a new convent, including boarding facilities, was blessed and opened. In 1959 a new school of four classrooms was built. 

Achievements 
St Joseph’s School was well known for its academic achievement, prowess on the sports field, its music program and other endeavours. Sr. Catherine then read some memories and examples of past pupils who had brought honour to their old school.

In 1968 the Sisters withdrew from Charlton as they focussed on reclaiming the international missionary character of their order. The Ballarat Diocesan Journal “Light” reported that the Sisters “going at the year’s end was an extraordinary testimony of affection and gratitude as the parish gathered to bid them farewell… they (the Sisters) had set high standards of strong faith and their cheerful self sacrifice had done much towards moulding the spirit of the place.” 

Sisters at Charlton at the time of the farewell were Mother M. Thomas who taught in Charlton for 24 years, Mother Paul (17 years), Sr. Darerca (12 years), Sister Odo (11 years), Sister Camillus (3 years) and Sr. Mary Jude (28 years as Directress of Music).

Today
Today the Sisters of OLoM are involved in ministries of education and social ministry responding to emerging needs in 22 countries. In Australia the sisters continue involvement in Parish Life, Advocacy Groups and Spiritual Accompaniment. 

Charlton young ladies who joined the Sisters of OLoM congregation were: 1924 Mary Murphy; Kathleen Murphy; Eileen and Mary Mulcahy; 1945 Ina Lane; 1964 Margaret Spain. Margaret spent 30 years doing Missionary work in Senegal but now lives in Perth where she is involved in the ongoing formation of Asian Sisters, especially with English language learning. Margaret currently has two young sisters from Vietnam with her. 

Wonderful Day
After Mass the visitors were joined by the parishioners at a delicious luncheon in the school multi-purpose room. Thank you to all who helped make this a wonderful day – St Joseph’s Catering team led by Naomi Fitzpatrick; Rae Heenan for the cake; people who arranged the flowers, prepared the grounds, and many others behind the scenes.

The Sisters visited St. Joseph’s School on Monday, sharing their history and the current work they do all around the world. A presentation of framed information and photographs was presented to the school. A delicious morning tea was enjoyed before the Sisters journeyed back to Melbourne.