Mission Partnership
Good Shepherd Mission Partnership
The story of partnership in the Good Shepherd mission begins in the 17th century with the challenging words of Madame Madeleine Lamy to St. John Eudes:
“Where are you going? I suppose to the church to mumble your prayers before the statues; and then you will be highly pleased with yourselves thinking you are very devout. You would do better if you would build a house for these poor girls who will be lost for want of direction and resources.”
It was this prophetic challenge that led St. John Eudes to found the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge in 1641. From that moment, the mission has always been shaped and strengthened by partners—lay people who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Sisters.
In the early years, the mission found strong allies in people like Count Augustin de Neuville, who purchased the Mother House in Angers for 38,000 francs, fulfilling his mother’s ardent dream, and Countess Geneviève d’Andigné, whose generosity and vision sustained the work. These early benefactors remind us that partnership is woven into our foundation.
Today, this heritage continues. As the Constitutions remind us:
“We promote the continued development of new forms of association with the Congregation.” (Constitutions 1.1)
First Good Shepherd Asia Pacific Partnership Gathering
Kuala Lumpur – 15 th – 19 th June 2008
Amongst the 72 Good Shepherd people who journeyed into the heart of Good Shepherd charism and the spirit of St Mary Euphrasia and came back transformed were Sr. Maria Rose (Province Leader), Sr. Christine Pinto, Sr. Deanna Pereira, and five lay partners—including Mrs. Sashirekha Natarajan, alumna and dedicated volunteer. This historic participation marked the beginning of a new era of co-responsibility, where Sisters and lay collaborators journey together, sharing the Good Shepherd charism in service and compassion.
The 2009 Congregational Chapter in Angers, France was a decisive moment, strongly affirming the development of Partnership for Mission. In her report Threads of Good Shepherd Partnership, Sr. Sabina Pathrose, then a member of the Congregational Leadership Team, quoted Pope Benedict XVI:
“The laity must no longer be viewed as collaborators, but truly recognized as co-responsible for the Church’s being and action.”
This powerful affirmation laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between Sisters and lay partners. In the same year, Mrs. Sashirekha Natarajan was appointed to the Asia Pacific Partnership Committee, opening a vibrant new chapter of lay involvement in the Province and beyond.
Partnership in India
Neuvillites Day, a day dedicated to celebrating mission partnership, honouring the early partners Count Augustin De Neuville and Countess D’Andigné, has been an annual event since 2015, where the Sisters and Partners come together to rededicate themselves for the mission through a solemn ceremony.
Who is a Partner-in-mission?
Partners-in-Mission are staff, volunteers, benefactors, board members, associates, companions, etc., who choose to accept co-responsibility to work collaboratively to forward the mission.
Principles of Full Engagement of Partnership
Principles of Full Engagement of Partnership
We acknowledge that our shared experience of the mission drawsus together and creates a sense of belonging. We are, therefore, parts of the same body, complementing each other, with our gifts and talents; enriching and encouraging each other forward in mission. We understand that ‘vocation for mission’ is shared by anyone who feels drawn to accept co- responsibility for fulfilling it. We ensure that the charism, values and heritage remain at the heart of the mission. Partnership is mission-centric and value-based.
Guidelines that Support Full Engagement of Partnership
- We invite and engage all who share life-giving beliefs through our mission and values.
- We move together on a transformational journey; embracing an expanded and evolving understanding of our mission relevant to our times.
- We provide adequate orientation and leadership needed to equip people to work in a partnership model for the mission.
- We encourage participation, inclusion and transparency in our work.
- We work from our core values in a consistent way and hold ourselves accountable for our actions and behaviors.
- We learn and struggle together and tend to the health of relationships.
- We see conflict and tension as opportunities for growth and creativity.
How to become a Partner-in-Mission
Invitation & Exposure
Encountering the Good Shepherd mission through engagements in the ministries.
Formation
Learning about spirituality, charism, and mission through gatherings, retreats, and reflection.
Commitment
Making a personal vow or promise, in the presence of the community, to live as a Partner-in-Mission.
Neuvillites Anthem
I heard a call that stirred my heart
To be a shepherd and guide His flock
To be a part of His mission
That fulfills our Mother Foundress’ vision.
Let us rise up unite with zeal, with zeal
There’s a world that we need to heal, to heal
O what joy, great joy, will be our reward
As we transform the world with His love.
We pledge today, dear Neuvillites
That with courage we will serve the Lord
We hold our hands in our journey
“Do well all that you do”
With honesty and tenacity,
To show compassion to the vulnerable.
