With tears of gratitude, the Blue Mountains community marked the end of an era as the local Sisters of the Good Samaritan (SGS) concluded nearly a century of humble service.
On Sunday 31 August, parishioners filled Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson to honour the Sisters at a special Mass and community gathering: Sr Jacinta Schailer SGS, Sr Monica Armstrong SGS, Sr Maree Nash SGS and Sr Veronica Griffith SGS. The assembly was welcomed by Lawson community member, Leonard Blahut, on behalf of parish priest, Fr John McSweeney and the Lawson community.
A community overflowing with gratitude
Sr Catherine McCahill SGS, Congregational leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, attended the gathering and acknowledged the collaboration that always made their work possible: “Thank you to all of you.”
Former Parish Priest Fr Paul Slyney reflected on how deeply the Good Samaritans shaped both the parish community and his own priesthood.
“We need, and have had, in our parish, women who don’t walk by. You’ve made this place a gentle and gracious place,” Fr Paul said.
Former parish priest Fr Paul Slyney speaks during the farewell celebrations for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The occasion also drew civic leaders, including Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, NSW Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle MP, and Deputy Mayor of Blue Mountains Council, Romola Hollywood. Each praised the Sisters for their compassion, strength, and presence in community life.
(L-R) Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman MP, NSW Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle MP, and Deputy Mayor of Blue Mountains Council, Romola Hollywood during the farewell celebrations for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Afterwards, the gardens echoed with hugs, tears, and shared memories of the quartet, before a joyful chorus of rang out in tribute: “For they are jolly good lassies…”
Laurie Woods, a parishioner from the Upper Blue Mountains Parish – which incorporates Lawson, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba and Blackheath, reflected on the enduring mark the Sisters – affectionately known as the “Good Sams” – have left in the Blue Mountains, while a few remain elsewhere in the Diocese.
“We have seen in you, and those who have gone before you, that Good Sam spirit of ‘See a need, do something about it’,” said Laurie.
Parishioner Dr Laurie Woods speaks during the farewell celebrations for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“All this flows from the Benedictine spirit of presence, gratitude, hospitality and service.”
“We can best honour their commitment and contribution to the Blue Mountains by being, in our own way, Good Samaritans.”
Memories of faith and service
Sr Monica Armstrong grew visibly emotional as Elena Cole, a Grade 2 teacher at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary, Lawson, pulled her into a warm embrace.
“With Sr Monica the word ‘hospitality’ comes to mind … she’s a legend!” Elena exclaimed.
For 24 years, Sr Monica taught at St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood. In 2020, she stepped down from her role as Family Liaison but continued to serve, volunteering at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary, Lawson – a beautiful full-circle moment, working alongside a teacher who had once been her pupil.
She recalled, eyes moist, the guard of honour that farewelled her at the end of Term 2, and her trademark encouragement to struggling students, “You can do it!”
Elena Cole (left), Stage 2 teacher at Our Lady of the Nativity, Lawson, with Sr Monica Armstrong SGS during the farewell celebrations for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
When asked her favourite part of teaching, she didn’t hesitate.
“The smiles of achievement of those who struggle.”
Sr Carol Tomlinson SGS fondly remembered her laughter-filled days as a boarder at Santa Maria Convent Boarding in the 1950s. Operated by the Good Sams from the 1920s until 1971, the boarding house was founded to support students from the local parish school. In later years, it became the Santa Maria Holiday Centre for people with disability (1983–2003), extending the Sisters’ outreach to those most in need.
It was that same spirit of care that inspired Sr Carol to join the religious order in 1963.
“The Sisters were so friendly and down-to-earth. They laughed a lot,” Sr Carol recalled.
“I followed in their path. Now, I’m a Good Sam trying to be good.”
Asked about her greatest takeaway from those years, she placed a hand over her heart.
“I’d say being human – it comes from here.”
Lives of care and hospitality
The tributes also shone a light on the Sisters’ lasting legacy of outreach and pastoral care in the Blue Mountains these past 90 years.
Sr Marie O’Shea SGS, who lived at the convent in Lawson between 1988 and 1995, recalled the joy of opening a sensory walk and the placement of a braille plaque in the memorial garden to honour Sr Helen Micellef SGS.
“They’re thanking us, but we’ve got so much to be thankful for,” Sr Marie said.
The Sensory Walk, created by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan on the grounds of Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Longtime volunteer Cindy Walker also remembered that era, sharing her perspective as a lay companion.
She spoke warmly of trips with the Faith and Light Group (or Foi et Lumière), an international ecumenical movement that brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities, along with their families, friends, and carers, for monthly gatherings of prayer, celebration, and friendship.
“The Sisters are fantastic. I’ll miss them,” Cindy said.
A legacy that lives on
Whether from the pulpit or across the back fence, the Sisters will be remembered as a steady presence; ministers, companions and friends woven into daily life.
For longtime neighbours Lourdes and Spencer White, the Sisters’ presence was just as personal. Living alongside them from 1992 to 2015, they described the Good Sams as spiritual guides.
“Enriching our family, giving us a moral compass for daily living … helping us to see the beauty, grandeur and wonder of the universe.”
The Sisters’ legacy in the Blue Mountains has been captured in a new 60-page book, titled Good Sams Leaving the Mountains: Reflections and Tributes, compiled and edited by devoted parishioner Allan Walsh and his companions.
‘Good Sams leaving the Mountains: Reflections and Tributes’ by Allan Walsh and companions. Image: Supplied
A joyful send-off
Four Good Samaritan Sisters may be leaving the Blue Mountains, but their legacy of faith, humour, education, and service will continue to ripple through the community for generations.
As Sr Catherine Slattery SGS reminded Catholic Outlook, the heart of their Benedictine way is simply to listen – to God, to neighbour, to creation. That listening presence is what the community celebrated and what will remain, inspiring others to “go and do likewise.”
Historical images seen during the farewell celebrations for the Sisters of the Good Samaritan at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Allan Walsh’s book on the Good Sams is available from Blue Mountain Education and Research Trust.
View the photos of the farewell gathering on Flickr.
Good Samaritans in the Blue Mountains – Timeline
1919 – Sisters arrive in Lawson, first home at Cabra
1928 – Cardinal Cerretti lays foundation stone for Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Lawson
1929 – Richard Denis Meagher gifts Dalmeny estate → becomes Santa Maria Convent & school
1932 – Santa Maria pupils in Conservatorium exams (The Catholic Press)
1938 – Popular Garden Fete at Santa Maria draws crowds (Catholic Freeman’s Journal)
1941 – Tennis court re-opens at Lawson Convent (The Catholic Press)
1950s – Santa Maria thrives as a boarding school for girls
1974-1982 – Santa Maria hosts retreats, youth camps, women’s groups, and prayer/leadership gatherings
1971 – Boarding school closes after four decades
1983–2002 – Santa Maria Holiday Centre for people living with a disability serves local community
2003-2013 – Santa Maria Conference Centre open for retreats and hospitality
2009-2025 – Santa Maria Novitiate in Lawson became a place of formation for women entering the Good Samaritan Sisters, welcoming novices from Australia as well as overseas, particularly Kiribati and the Philippines
2025 – Community farewell Mass at Lawson marks Sisters’ departure after nearly a century
