Our Faith and Mission program provides opportunities for students to realise and explore issues of social justice in our local and global communities. Students are encouraged to be aware of the needs in our community and for our environment, working together to create a just world in the true spirit of Mercy.

Catherine McAuley College Bendigo is built on the Mercy Charism inspired by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, and is actively engaged in the community of the Sandhurst Diocese. Like Catherine, the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels inspire us

in our words and actions and support the Mercy Values of service, courage, compassion, hospitality, respect and justice.

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. The Gospel values and teachings are at the center of the Religious Education program at Catholic McAuley College Bendigo. The subject supports students in developing a greater understanding of issues and connects to all areas of the curriculum. Outreach, community service and awareness of the needs of others are integral parts of the program undertaken across all year levels.

Students are supported in developing a meaningful, contemporary connection to their faith through social justice activities, prayer, liturgies, community service and Mercy in action.

Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s courage and determination to educate, empower and serve the poor, students are offered opportunities to engage in activities to support both local and global projects, including the Seeds of Justice conference, leadership days, Bendigo Foodshare, Vinnies, Mercy Works and Caritas Australia Project Compassion.

In Mercy we serve is the College theme for 2024.

For Catherine McAuley, ‘In mercy we serve’ was a call to embody the spirit of mercy in every aspect of life, particularly in the service of others. It encapsulates the transformative nature of mercy and the commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of these who are less fortunate. This theme seeks to inspire each of us to be inspired by the Gospels and to follow Catherine’s legacy to engage in compassionate and practical service to the world.

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”

(Laudato Si’, Paragraph 14)