RELIGIOUS EDUCATION LEARNING AREA

During Week 8 of Term 3, we celebrated Mercy Week, a time dedicated to remembering and honouring the life and achievements of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Catherine McAuley was a visionary who devoted her life to serving the less fortunate, and her legacy of compassion continues through the work of Mercy Care.

At St Joseph’s College, we held a special Mercy Mass on Thursday 5 September to commemorate this occasion. During the service, we also bid farewell to Sr Patricia Fitzgibbon RSM, the last remaining Mercy Sister in Mildura, who has served the community for many years. Sr Patricia left us with a heavy heart, and we wish her well in Melbourne. Below is a brief background story of our dear Sr Patricia:

'After completing my education at Sacred Heart School and St Joseph’s College in Mildura, I entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy at Rosanna in 1960. In 1963, I completed my teacher training at the Mercy Teachers’ College, followed by teaching roles in Newtown, Geelong, Mildura, West Melbourne, and Euroa.

 

In 1975, I qualified as a Teacher-Librarian at Melbourne State College. From 1976 to 1982, I held library positions at the Academy of Mary Immaculate in Fitzroy and Sacred Heart College in Yarrawonga.

 

After a Spirituality Year in 1983, I began working at the Catholic Education Office in Bendigo, where I established and coordinated a Religious Education Resource Centre for the Sandhurst Diocese. I returned to Mildura in 2001 and worked in the Haenen Library until 2008, except for two years during which I was my mother’s carer.

 

I am now retired and happily volunteer with the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Adult Migrant English Program.'

Below are some photographs of our Mercy Mass. 

In Term 4, St Joseph’s College RE classes and our dedicated RE Staff participate in the annual St Vinnies Christmas Appeal Project. 

We are passionate about making a difference in our local community by donating gifts that will be given to children in need, helping to bring smiles to their faces this Christmas.

Inspired by the charism of Catherine McAuley and the tradition of the Mercy Sisters at St Joseph’s College, we are committed to giving back to our local community and spreading the spirit of joy and happiness during the festive season. 

I would also like to thank the 2024 Religious Education staff for their contributions and their inspiring dedication towards making a difference in our secondary students' education. Religious Education inspires students to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world and their role in it, preparing them for both personal growth and social engagement.

Many Blessings to all!

Mrs Nella O'Brien 

Religious Education Learning Area Facilitator