CatholicCare Tasmania’s Executive and Senior Leadership Teams recently took part in a reflective workshop at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart, deepening their understanding of the organisation’s identity and mission.
Held in May and facilitated by Michael McKenna, Director of Chancery Services at the Archdiocese of Hobart, the workshop offered participants a chance to explore the values that guide CatholicCare’s work with individuals, families, and communities across Tasmania.
The session included a guided tour of the Cathedral, which was beautifully restored in 2022. Mr McKenna highlighted the significance of the Cathedral’s many symbolic features, including its stained-glass windows, the Stations of the Cross, and various statues and artworks. These elements, he explained, reflect the richness of the Catholic tradition and its emphasis on compassion, dignity, and service.
Participants were invited to reflect on how these symbols connect to CatholicCare’s commitment to supporting people with care and respect, regardless of their circumstances. The experience offered a moment of pause and perspective, reinforcing the importance of human dignity in all aspects of the organisation’s work.
Mr McKenna also provided an overview of the Mass, explaining its origins and the meaning behind its rituals and structure. This helped participants gain a broader appreciation of the spiritual heritage that informs CatholicCare’s mission.
Julia Mangan, CEO of CatholicCare Tasmania, said the workshop was a valuable opportunity for reflection and learning. “At CatholicCare Tasmania, we embrace every individual with the care and respect they deserve,” she said. “This experience has strengthened our shared understanding of the values that guide us and the importance of staying connected to our mission.”
CatholicCare Tasmania continues to support the wellbeing of Tasmanians through services grounded in compassion, respect, and social justice.
