Sister Carole lands at Hutt St Centre

Although I have been a Daughter of Charity for nearly 46 years I have never been placed in South Australia. I am learning my way around this beautiful city and experiencing the generosity of some amazing people who give their time and donations to Hutt St Centre.

I come from a nursing background and have worked in a variety of ministries. My recent placements have included Marillac House, VIC, a residential school for girls with intellectual disabilities, then mission work in Roebourne, WA, supporting Aboriginal people of the Pilbara, and also in Moree, NSW, working with the Murri people. I have very fond memories of my time spent in these communities. In Moree, the Daughters had set up a clinic, pre-school, and Pius X Church in the mid-1960s, which after 30 years was handed over to the Aboriginal Corporation to manage, so we moved into the town to be a support and work in Pastoral Care. It was here that I was called “Carole Ray” - our little Ray of sunshine.

I was then asked to develop the Creative Art program for the clients of Urban Network, a work of the Daughters of Charity. This included an Art Show where clients could sell their works.

Next I became Spiritual Animator for the Young Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul Society WA) and visited all the state Conferences and organised the Annual Retreat for members. This led me to the USA and Sydney where I studied in the healing ministries and trained as an Art and Sandplay Therapist.

For 7 years prior to coming to Adelaide I worked in Art and Sand Therapy with people who suffered from drug abuse, homelessness and domestic violence, at Caroline Chisholm Centre in Mt Druitt, South West Sydney.

I have only been at Hutt St Centre for a short time, but I love being part of the group of dedicated staff and volunteers who are imbued with the Spirit of those who have gone before us. My role here is in the area of Pastoral Care, Art and Sandplay Therapy, and on the Hutt St Centre Board of Directors.

Sister Carole Jones DC