The New AMSSA Constitution Approved

Following 18 months of discussion and consultation with key stakeholders, the AMSSA Executive is pleased to announce that the new AMSSA Constitution has been approved by the Chairs of the three Mercy Public Juridic Persons (PJPs): Mercy Ministry Companions, Mercy Partners, and Whānau Mercy Ministries New Zealand.

AMSSA worked closely with its advisers, Mr Pat Mullins of Mullins and Associates in Brisbane and Mr Anthony Lochiavo, CEO of Mercy Ministry Companions, to rewrite the Constitution. The revised Constitution recognises the transition of governance from the Congregations of the Sisters of Mercy to the three Mercy PJPs. The AMSSA Executive extends sincere thanks to Pat and Anthony for the exceptional time, expertise, and support they contributed throughout this process.

The Executive also acknowledges the Chairs of the three Mercy PJPs—Margaret Bounader, Gerald Scanlan, and Ricki Jeffery—and thanks them for their ongoing support of AMSSA.

The following is taken from the beginning of the new Constitution.

Purpose and Character of the (AMSSA) Constitution

AMSSA is an unincorporated Australasian association dedicated to strengthening Mercy spirituality, formation, and collaboration in secondary education. It is a missional and professional network, not a governing or canonical authority.

Perspective of Australian Mercy Secondary Schools

• Membership is open to sponsored, co-sponsored, and affiliated Mercy secondary schools, exercised primarily by principals or nominated senior leaders.
• Schools collectively govern AMSSA through member meetings, with decisions made by simple majority and full participation required for valid governance.
• Schools elect the President, Executive Committee, and regional representatives, ensuring a strong Australian and regional voice.
• The Executive Officer supports schools by providing administration, coordination, conference planning, and financial record keeping.
• Schools contribute funds only as collectively resolved and retain full financial and governance autonomy.
• AMSSA supports collaboration, formation, and shared resources but does not direct or govern schools.

 Perspective of the Public Juridic Persons (PJPs)

(Mercy Ministry Companions, Mercy Partners, Whanau Mercy Ministries)

• All canonical, civil, and governance authority over schools and ministries is fully reserved to each PJP.
• AMSSA holds no delegated authority and cannot bind PJPs legally, financially, or canonically.
• PJPs receive annual reporting through a jointly appointed Leaders’ Representative, preserving oversight without operational control.
• PJPs accept no financial responsibility for AMSSA.
• Any constitutional amendment requires the written approval of all PJPs, safeguarding canonical integrity.

From Left;

Gerald Scanlan Whanau Mercy Ministries NZ, Margaret Bounader Mercy Ministry Companions and Ricki Jeffery Mercy Partners