Sister Kathy’s Journey of Faith and Service
Sister Kathy Kettle’s (Class of 1981) story is one of faith, courage and an enduring commitment to service. Since graduating from Santa Maria College, her path has taken her from Perth to the East Kimberley, Kenya, Malaysia and now Zambia, where she continues to work alongside women and communities with compassion and purpose. In this Q&A, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her vocation, the people who have influenced her along the way, and the Mercy spirit that continues to guide her life.
Tell us a little about your journey since graduating from the College?
After my time at Santa, I completed a business course and worked for a chartered accounting firm in West Perth for four years. I later fulfilled a dream of visiting the Holy Land, and while in Israel, I had a deeply spiritual experience on the Sea of Galilee that stayed with me.
Back in Perth, I began exploring my spirituality and religious vocation. Before entering the Sisters of Mercy, I had a fairly adventurous life. I started my own business as a computer consultant, enjoyed time on the Swan River in a runabout boat, bought a motorbike, travelled overseas, and made the most of life. Yet in all of that, I still felt something was missing.
Eventually, I entered the Sisters of Mercy and began my novitiate, a time of prayer and reflection to discern whether I was called to religious life and to this particular community. After further study and ministry in hospitals, schools and social welfare, I had the opportunity to spend time in a refugee camp in Malaysia, which I loved.
Later, I ministered in the East Kimberleys among Indigenous people. That was one of the most sacred periods of my life. The women welcomed me warmly like a daughter and taught me so much about culture, pride and belonging. After becoming very ill and returning to Perth to recover, I moved into Catholic education for 17 years across two dioceses. During that time, I became involved in outreach immersion programs to Kenya, which led to a 25-year connection with that country.
In 2014, I took long service leave to work full-time in Mukuru, Nairobi, and absolutely loved it. I was later seconded there full-time and spent six years working with Sr Mary Killeen at the Mukuru Promotion Centre. I returned to Perth during the pandemic, and now I have begun a new ministry in Zambia.
What inspired you to pursue religious life and become a Sister of Mercy?
I wanted to help marginalised people who find themselves in situations not of their making. I was looking for a life with purpose, one that might enrich the lives of others. It was never about being a goody two shoes. I genuinely care about humanity.
For a time, I volunteered at the Anawim Centre in Northbridge and saw how some women were treated with such degradation. That experience caused me to reflect more deeply on what I wanted to do with my life.
The Sisters of Mercy were not my first choice, as I had been in contact with a few other Orders during my discernment. But when I began praying with the Sisters of Mercy, I felt very much at home. Over the years, my understanding of God’s mercy has deepened, and so too has my vocation to mercy. Religious life has given me the freedom to respond to many different needs in many different places. When I reflect on God’s mercy, it truly amazes me.
Was there a particular moment or experience that influenced your decision?
There was not one single moment. It was more a deep void that compelled me to explore religious life further. The whole process was gradual, and as I spent more time in prayer, in community and in ministry, my discernment became clearer.
I began preparing for the novitiate in 1988, just weeks after my father died. That was difficult, especially being away from my family in New South Wales at the time. But it also became a precious and rewarding period of my life. As the Kenyans say, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.”
Did your time at Santa Maria help shape your values and sense of purpose?
My years at Santa Maria reinforced my parents’ belief in the value of a Catholic education. There were many Sisters teaching at Santa at the time, along with wonderful lay teachers who complemented their mission.
Santa’s motto, Gloria Deo, is something I still say to myself in difficult moments. If I can honour and praise God in my daily actions, then I am a happy person.
What brought you to Zambia, and what does your current role involve?
I had been giving presentations for Catholic Missions when I was invited to meet a Zambian priest visiting Perth. He explained that his bishop was interested in having someone work with the women in his diocese. After many emails and letters, I arrived in Zambia in late April.
I now live in community with sisters from the Philippines and the Congo, and I serve as the Diocesan Coordinator for Women’s Social Programs in the Catholic Diocese of Solwezi. My role focuses on helping women develop income generating activities that can improve their livelihood and dignity.
Many women are interested in raising broiler chickens for sale, so I am currently learning quite a lot about chickens, which is something I never expected. That is part of what makes life so interesting. Even small efforts can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What have you learned from the women and communities you work alongside?
Everyone wants a happy life in whatever form that takes. I recently met with women from different parishes, and one of them said, “You have just opened our minds to other possibilities.” I was delighted by that.
What strikes me most is the simplicity and genuineness of women who want a brighter future for their children. Their faith is alive in all they do, especially in the face of challenge. I am not totally sold on the four hour liturgies though.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your role?
The most rewarding part of my 36 years of ministry has been the privilege of serving God’s people, always with the support of my congregation. I could never have done even a quarter of what I have done without that support.
In Malaysia, I learned the ministry of presence. I could not change the reality of life in the refugee camp, but I could listen, smile, play basketball, and simply be there. Later, some of the young people told me that my smile at the gate each morning lifted their spirits. I had no idea such a small thing could matter so much.
Another unforgettable moment was meeting Pope Francis in 2015 after Sr Mary Killeen addressed him about life in the Mukuru slums. That experience will stay with me forever.
What has living and working in rural Zambia taught you about yourself?
It has reminded me that the small things matter most. Good friends make life bearable, and striving to be the best version of myself for others is deeply rewarding. I have always found more joy in being other centred rather than me centred.
It has also taught me that I can still be impatient, especially when technology does not work.
How has your faith influenced your work and approach to service?
My faith is my greatest gift, and everything in my life is grounded in living out God’s mercy. I do not always succeed, but I keep trying to do better each day, as Catherine McAuley encouraged her Sisters to do.
Jesus’ message is very simple. Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, comfort those who mourn, forgive others, and pray. They are all verbs, and they form the core of my ministry and my life.
Are there any experiences from Santa Maria that have stayed with you throughout your life?
When I attended Santa Maria, there were many Sisters of Mercy involved in teaching and administration, along with several wonderful lay teachers and librarians. No one single teacher stood out. Rather, I had a well rounded education that combined faith formation with intellectual, sporting and creative learning.
I really enjoyed my education at Santa Maria, especially that view!
Through a life dedicated to faith, service and education, Sister Kathy has embodied the values that have shaped generations of Santa Maria women. Her legacy lives on not only in the many lives she has touched but also in the enduring Mercy spirit that continues to guide our College community today.
We extend our sincere thanks to Sister Kathy for generously sharing her memories and reflections.
- Catholic Education Perth, Catholic vocation, community development, Faith and Service, Featured, Gloria Deo, Mercy ministry, Mercy Values In Action, Santa Maria College alumnae, Sister of Mercy, women in Zambia
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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