Public Programs
FIRESIDE READING SERIES
Join us for an evening of stimulating discussion and inspirational readings. The three part series is presented by guest speakers in the comfort of Alma Cottage, the historic home of Mary MacKillop. |
Evening 1
Guest Speaker - Elsie Heiss
Tuesday 7 June
5.30pm to 7pm
Elsie is currently Co Coordinator of the Aboriginal Catholic Church & Ministry at La Perouse, in Sydney. Elsie's work includes talks and workshops throughout the metropolitan area of Sydney and country NSW on Aboriginal Spirituality, Stolen Generation, Reconciliation and justice for Aboriginal people.
She also educates many school students who visit the Reconciliation Church to learn about these issues. In 1998 she was the only Aboriginal representative at the Synod of Oceania in Rome.
Elsie is a highly respected Elder and in 2003 she was awarded the NAIDOC Community Award for her work within the church and with health programs in the community.
Evening 2
Guest Speaker - Anna Dimo
Tuesday 26 July
5.30pm to 7pm
Anna Dimo arrived in Australia from the Sudan as a legal immigrant, with five children and another three chidlren of her relatives. These children had lost their parents. Her story is one of great pain and suffering.
The Catholic Church and Josephite Community Aid have provided assistance in the early days of her arrival. She is now working in pastoral care for the Sudanese Australian Catholic Community in Sydney.
Evening 3
Guest Speaker - Sharon Gillhooley
Tuesday 9 August
5.30pm to 7pm
Sharon is a teacher and an engaging public speaker at St Scholastica’s College, in Glebe Point New South Wales. Her passion and interest in early social history has led to her more recent research on the role of Catholic religious orders working for those in need in The Rocks area, and more directly the role of St Brigid’s (formally St Bridget’s) Church School.
The school was operated by the Sisters of St Joseph (1884-1898), and was then entrusted to the Sisters of Mercy in the late 1800s. The Sisters had a mission to provide a dignified life for all children.
Sharon’s talk at Mary MacKillop Place will provide personal stories and accounts from relatvies who were resident in The Rocks area and who attended the school in the 1930s.
Each evening includes the serving of wine and canapes on arrival
Cost per reading is $30 ($20 concession)
Cost for the Series is $75 ($50 concession)
10% discount for Friends of Mary MacKillop Place
If you would like to book for an evening or the whole series, please call the Museum on 02 8912 4878 or email mackillop@sosj.org.au.
School Holiday Program
In the second week of the July school holidays, the Museum ran a School Holiday Program for primary school-aged students.
We enjoyed a variety of activities which included taking a museum tour, exploring interactive computer activities, investigating old items from the travelling trunk and creating art and craft activities.
Calligraphy Lecture
As part of the Museum's Public Programs, a lecture on the Art of Calligraphy was presented by Heather Courtis in the Reading Room on 23 July 2009. The lecture also gave those attending an opportunity to view The Book of Heroes and Champions (featuring Mary MacKillop) produced by the Gold Coast Calligraphy Society.
