Opening Mass 2024

The annual Year 7 and Year 12 procession marked the beginning of our 2024 Opening Mass on Thursday 1 February. The procession continues our tradition of “bringing in” the newest members of our community. A new feature was the location – the stadium at the Mercy Junortoun Sporting Centre. This allowed us to include all year levels and staff, together with parents, carers and guests.

This beautiful celebration reminds us of who we are as a faith community and is a fitting way to officially launch our 2024 school year.

Many of those present had a lump in their throat as they watched the newest members of our community – our Year 7s, process alongside their Year 12 buddies – the Class of 2024. The entrance procession was enhanced by the organ fanfare, played by Dr Paul Taylor, Director of Music and Organist at Sacred Heart Cathedral (and a former student of our College).

We were blessed to have Bishop Shane Mackinlay celebrate the Mass along with concelebrant Father DJ Suguitan.

The Student Leadership Team played an active role in the Mass with the Mercy Cross and College Candle carried in by Faith Captains Mery Ku and Norene Cuadra respectively, the College Banner by College Captains Ella Hargreaves and Jack McMahon and the readings undertaken by various members of the student leadership team.

Our choir, under the leadership of Ms Stephanie McCorkelle and accompanied by Ms Deb Ross and Dr Paul Taylor, sounded amazing and added such depth to our experience. The choir and student soloists greatly enhanced our worship by leading the singing of the parts of the Mass.

During the Mass, the 2024 College Theme, In Mercy we serve, was announced. It encourages us to live our Mercy charism, with the aim of our community developing a deeper sense of self, others and God. An education in the Mercy tradition invites us to take up a challenge. One that encourages us to develop fully our own God-given talents. At the same time, it enkindles within us a desire to assist others, so that they too ‘may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10). Throughout this year we will explore the notion of Mercy and how it impels us to serve.

New Mercy values banners were launched at Opening Mass and these will be permanently on display at both campuses as a daily reminder of our Mercy Education values of Respect, Justice, Compassion, Hospitality, Service and Courage.

Bishop Shane’s homily elaborated on the Gospel passage from Luke ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, inviting us to consider the neighbours in our community; not only our geographic neighbours, but also those in our school, broader community and faith community.

Thank you everyone for your respectful participation in Opening Mass and to Bishop Shane and Father DJ who led the celebration.

At the conclusion of Mass, we were joined by graduates from 2023 and their families for the Laureate Presentation, to reward and celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of the Year 12 Class of 2023.

Read about the Laureate Presentation and view Award Winners

Mrs Cara Pawsey, Assistant Principal, Faith, Mission and Community