Faith & Mission

Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage 2023 Speech 

As the Year 12 students approach their final examinations and graduation, it is apt to reflect upon their six year journey of Mercy education and what might lie ahead.

While for the students their ATAR will loom very large over the next couple of months, there are less tangible attributes and dispositions that they have developed over the past six years that will have far greater impacts.

To illustrate this point, I want to quote at length from a speech that Ruby Hoare, our 2022 College Captain gave to the Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage earlier this year. The topic of her speech related to her involvement with Young Mercy Links. 

“Ever since I was young I have always had the passion to make a difference, and I have always been interested in volunteering and learning about the many social injustices prevalent and what I can do to fight against inequality. Social justice groups in high school provided me with the opportunities to volunteer within the wider community as well as widened my understanding of the many issues facing our society today, such as gender inequality.  

But then after 2022, there was no school, and honestly, this new reality was very daunting. Maintaining my drive to make the world better and preserve the fire in my belly which motivates me to make a change in the lives of others was up to me. Where would I find my new place, where I could continue to grow and live within the cornerstones of mercy.

Joining Young Mercy Links introduced me to a like-minded community, that allows me to continue my passion for social justice beyond high school. We collaborate to work towards the common goal to make change for the better in society. Leading with the mercy spirit, passionately we discuss relevant and interesting topics such as Indigenous culture, discrimination and the multitude of issues impacting the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. We empower each other to actively volunteer and be in the community making an impact on the lives of many. We support one another, to be our best selves, always encouraging each other to find Mercy from within. It is very humbling when you're welcomed into the global mercy community, conversing with sisters of Mercy and hearing their life stories and outlook energises you to continue a life led by service.

When I reflect on what Mercy means to me, it is the recognition that mercy is simply a way of life. It is what guides me to treat others with the utmost respect and kindness. It gently directs me to adopt self-awareness and with acceptance and compassion listen to others' needs as well as myself. On the contrary Mercy at times can be uncomfortable, when we are confronted with the stories of those subjected to discrimination and racism it can be challenging and hard to accept the errors in reality that we cannot control.

To be involved in Young Mercy Links is to be part of the modern and impactful movement of mercy. I have been involved in some projects, and eager for the many to come. I attended the Feast for Freedom earlier this year at the Mercy Hub, which provided me with an opportunity to chat and indulge in diverse cuisines whilst raising money for the Asylum Seeker resource centre.  This December I am partaking in the Cambodia Immersion, alongside members from both YML Victoria and South Australia. We’re putting the mercy value of service into action and finding the power in unification to work together to build houses for those impacted by the Cambodian landmines. I am nervous but primarily excited, to live mercy and radiate it to our global community.

I believe mercy at heart is the small and collective consistent actions that we do both intentionally and unintentionally in our daily lives. Recognising the intrinsic and authentic warmth within us that calls us to be young mercy leaders in our community and broader society points us to thoughtfully lean into the importance and powerful impact of listening and learning from others' stories and perspectives, as well as the rippling effects that actions driven by kindness and empathy have on others and the community. To be doing Mercy is to walk passionately alongside each other and with empathy amplifying their voices to empower people, communities and the wider society to live meaningful and joyful lives. "

Year 12 Graduation Mass 

This is a thank you to the many people who helped to make this year’s graduation mass a celebratory and joyous occasion. Father Peter Varengo continues to assist our College in such a generous and spirit filled manner. The Year 12 Student Leadership Team did a great job in preparing the readings and prayers for the mass. Ms Kerri Ruff and the College Administration Team helped put together the mass booklets and the symbols and decorations.

For me, the opportunity to play music with such a talented group of musicians and singers is a personal highlight. Thanks are due to Ms Mirelle Morris, Ms Alison Hocking, Ms Marsali Slocombe and Ms Bianca Montagner for all their work in the preparation and presentation of the music for our mass.

Finally thanks to all parents and teachers who joined with this very special class of 2023 to celebrate their:

Mr Mark Hyland

Director of Faith and Mission