2022 Mercy Day celebrations a welcome return to tradition

After a 3-year hiatus, our CMC community had eagerly anticipated gathering in person for the annual Mercy Day celebrations. Thankfully, the celebrations went ahead and Mercy Day was a happy and relaxed way to celebrate the spirit of the College and wind down at the end of term. The rain kindly held off until the afternoon, just after the senior students were on the buses heading back to St Mary’s.

All year levels gathered at Coolock on Friday 16 September for the Mercy Day Liturgy and announcement of the Spirit of Catherine Awards, as well as fun fundraising activities and yummy food stalls.

Students and staff made a huge effort with their house-coloured costumes and outfits, enhancing the colour and spectacle of the day.

International Mercy Day is on 24 September and celebrates the formal beginnings of Catherine McAuley’s ministry when she opened her house in Dublin. CMC Mercy Day also celebrate the origins of our College and the Mercy values to which we aspire.

At CMC, Mercy Day is the biggest whole-school celebration of the year. It commenced with the liturgy, led by College Captains and other student leaders in the presence of students, staff and invited guests.

The final part of formal proceedings was the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of Catherine Awards. As a Mercy community, we strive to live by the values and teachings of Catherine McAuley. The Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise members of our community who epitomise the Mercy values of Compassion, Justice, Respect, Hospitality, Service and Courage, and demonstrate Living Mercy in their words and actions.

Following the presentations, students gathered in the houses for a combined morning tea; they were then free to roam with friends around the student-run mission marts, activities, food stalls, inflatable carnival rides and Rock in the Quad. All funds raised on the day will go to support the efforts of Mercy Works.

The running of the traditional Chariots of Junortoun at the front of the school brought the day to a close. Races were run at each year level, with two participants from each house. The fun and camaraderie were a fitting end to the welcome return of the Mercy Day tradition.