Community at life’s centre

July 22, 2024

Sister Vivienne Goldstein.

At 76, Sister Vivienne Goldstein has discovered a whole new lease on life in an unexpected place … a retirement village.

Not only did she find a new calling at the neighbouring primary school, but as importantly, she experienced a renewed sense of community.

Convents, once pivotal to religious life, have evolved over the years, with many closing their doors and nuns living independently in suburbia.

Located just minutes from bustling Marrickville, the Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s Patrick Minahan Village offered her a real sense of peace in one of the most popular residential districts in Sydney’s inner west.

She not only enjoys the company of three other Marist Sisters but also a community of like-minded people within the village.

“I honestly love it here for so many reasons, but mostly for that real sense of community we’ve got, it’s beautiful,” she said.

“Even though it’s a retirement village, none of us sisters actually retire; we make sure we always keep ourselves busy.

“On Mondays, we gather to say prayers, and some of the residents join us. And on Fridays, we celebrate Happy Hour, spending time together.

“There’s such a lovely feeling here, and it’s so inclusive. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are from, everybody is welcome.”

In addition to her life at the village, Sr. Vivienne has been adopted by the neighbouring Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School and twice a week, she spends time with the teachers, students, and their families.

“Before I came here, I wasn’t quite sure what type of work I was going to pick up, but I love the school and being with the kids,” she beamed.

“I’m just so happy and feel I’m exactly where God wants me to be.”

Village Liaison Officer, Retirement Living Sydney, East & South, Jane Hurst, said that Patrick Minahan Village offers the best of what the culturally diverse inner west has to offer.

‘Residents enjoy local opportunities, including a variety of bars, restaurants, and eateries, all with the city just 10 minutes away,” she said.

“And the incredible part? You can buy a studio apartment for under $250,000. Not bad for a chance to live in what was recently declared the tenth coolest neighbourhood in the world.”

To find out more contact Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) on 1800 870 426.