Sr Noelene Simmons, a Marist Sister. Photo: Supplied.
For many religious sisters and clergy, community life is central to their vocation.
However, as traditional convent living has declined and more religious now live independently in the wider community, sustaining a strong sense of communal connection remains important for them.
At Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT)’s Marsfield Retirement Village, that shared spiritual life has been beautifully enriched, creating a warm, supportive environment where faith and friendship flourish. Here, religious live alongside lay residents – a partnership many describe as a match made in heaven.
Affectionately known as the “Little Vatican”, the village is home to around a dozen sisters and a priest from various orders, including the Marist Sisters, Good Samaritan Sisters, Presentation Sisters, Mercy Sisters and a retired Diocesan priest from Broken Bay.
Together they enjoy a vibrant sense of community in a village which offers a peaceful setting and where residents enjoy companionship, independence, and the reassurance that daily living is well supported.
Among them is Sr Noelene Simmons, a Marist Sister who continues to work full time while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with village living. Knowing that everything from the gardens to the grounds to general maintenance is taken care of allows her to focus fully on her ministry and daily responsibilities without the pressures of home upkeep.
Sr Noelene also serves as the General Bursar for the International Marist Sisters Congregation and is an active member of the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans committee, roles that require frequent interstate and overseas travel.
One of the greatest comforts of living at Marsfield Village, she says, is knowing that while she is away fulfilling her commitments, everything at home is completely looked after. She returns each time to a safe, well‑maintained and welcoming community.
“Due to my work I need to travel frequently to Rome and other places and knowing I can do so at short notice and not have to worry about things at home really is marvellous,” she said.
“It’s such a lovely community here where I feel very safe and comfortable, knowing I have my privacy but also that someone is just a knock on a door away if I need anything is very reassuring.
“Everything from the gardens to general maintenance is looked after so I don’t have to worry about a thing.
“Every few weeks we have wine and cheese afternoons, many with interesting guest speakers on lots of topics of interest to us, and then there are barbecues and other social events, you really can do as little or as much as you like.”
Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) is inviting the wider community to experience this lifestyle firsthand at a Community Open Day on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, from 10am to 12pm, at 14 Vincentia Street, Marsfield.
Guests will have the chance to discover what retirement living can look like when comfort, connection and convenience come together.
Guests will hear from Donna Heagney of Going Places Sydney, a trusted expert in downsizing, alongside Sara Adderley from Southern Cross Care’s Support at Home team. Visitors can tour beautifully renovated units, explore the village facilities, meet residents and enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming community setting.
Marsfield Village looks forward to welcoming visitors and showing why so many have found it the perfect place to call home.
To learn more or register, call 1800 632 314 or visit sccliving.org.au.