DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC IDENTITY
MERCY WEEK 2022 CELEBRATIONS
Throughout September Australian Catholic schools in the Mercy Tradition celebrate the opening of the first House of Mercy in Baggot Street Dublin in September 1827. Due to remote learning and COVID restrictions, this year was the first opportunity in two years for the college to celebrate the dedicated work of our Sisters of Mercy in person as opposed to online.
Our college aims to be true to Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, who wanted, first and foremost for her schools to live and teach the Good News revealed in Jesus Christ. Our continued commitment to Catherine’s vision inspires our schools to strive for inclusive and safe environments, excellence in learning, and student success. Central to our mission of Mercy Education is fostering young people's dignity, self-esteem, and integrity while providing them with a safe, supportive, enriching, and empowering environment. Through the example of our Sisters of Mercy locally, nationally, and globally, we can fulfil these aims. Mercy Week allows the college to show our admiration and support of our Sisters of Mercy past, present, and future.
On September 8, Fr Matthew Thomas led our Mercy Mass celebration in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This Mass honoured Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy worldwide, particularly our local Sisters: Sr Rosemary Graham, Sr Patricia Fitzgibbon, and Sr Helen Nolen. As a gesture of thanks for their dedicated work, our Sisters were each presented with a bouquet of flowers. Following the Mass, the school continued the long-held tradition of our staff and students receiving an ice-cream from the Sisters.
During the final week of Term Three, the Mercy Action Group raised funds for the Mercy Missions by baking and selling cupcakes, biscuits, and brownies at recess.
The college hosted Xavier High School Albury, a Mercy School in NSW, for an Indigenous Immersion day on Wednesday September 14. Students from both schools actively participated in a Smoking Ceremony, Boomerang and Spear throwing, Indigenous dance and painting activities. Hopefully, this will become a permanent feature of our Mercy Celebrations in the coming years.
To conclude the Mercy Week celebrations, the students enjoyed a music concert and food stalls, again raising funds for the Mercy Missions.
As Catherine McAuley was quoted as saying: 'Sisters of Mercy should be particularly kind, the kindest people on earth, with the tenderest pity and compassion for the poor.' No truer words can be said of our lovely Sisters of Mercy. We can never thank you enough.
Miss Paula Cox
Director of Catholic Identity
SENIOR MERCY WORKS REFLECTIONS
I completed the vast majority of my community service hours by volunteering to score and keep time at netball games on the weekends. Through doing this, I was able to learn about the importance of those who volunteer their time to ensure an event runs smoothly. I held the responsibility of ensuring that I paid close attention to the game in order to make sure I did not make mistakes.
I feel that I have grown a deeper respect for those who volunteer their time on more regular occasions and have learnt what volunteering truly means. That is, bringing meaning and purpose to your life while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can also relieve stress and have a positive impact on your community and relationships with others.
Miss Shelby Couch (Year 11)
For the duration of Term 2, I volunteered at my local football and netball club to help coach Net Set Go girls alongside one of my friends. For nine weeks, I was able to teach netball, something that I have enjoyed doing for the past 11 years, making this an extremely positive experience.
Challenges raised throughout the nine weeks included keeping the large group of girls engaged and thinking of different ways to teach the girls how to play netball. After the program, I found it much easier to communicate with people a lot younger than me, as well as think of fun different ways to teach the girls how to play.
Miss Millie Kuhne (Year 11)
For me, community service was an excellent opportunity to learn more about myself and the lives of others.
On August 8, I was fortunate enough to volunteer my time at the local soup kitchen. It gave me the opportunity to connect with others around the community who may not be as fortunate as I am. I was required to set up the Monaghan room, serve food and interact with the people who came in, do (just a few) dishes and then pack up the room at the end. It was so simple yet so rewarding.
It was truly inspiring to see how grateful people were. It was eye-opening to see how thankful people were for a simple meal, something that most of us take for granted every night. It made me realise that many of us, including myself, don’t realise how fortunate we really are and that there are people right here in our community that need our help.
I commend the community service program and its ability to get our students out into the community and help those who need it. Many people don’t see the poverty within our community, and I believe it is important we do so. It is necessary to recognise the help needed within our society and pitch in, so that everyone can enjoy the things we all take for granted.
I could not recommend completing part of your community service at the local soup kitchen enough. The tasks required of you are super easy to complete, and it is the best opportunity to meet new people and make connections with those in the greater community!
Miss Lily Bruhn (Year 11)
COMMUNITY SERVICE IMAGES
