Mercy Day Celebrations

Mercy Day (24 September) celebrates the formal beginnings of Catherine McAuley’s ministry, when she opened up her house in Dublin. We also celebrate the origins of our College and the Mercy values to which we aspire.

Students enjoyed the opportunity to come together in the picturesque surroundings of the Coolock campus and the spring sunshine ensured a carnival atmosphere.

The biggest whole-school celebration of the year commenced with a liturgy before students, parents and guests. Emily Brown spoke the Acknowledgement  of Country and Troy Firebrace from the Catholic Education Office generously played the didgeridoo. A highlight was the music from the choir and the involvement of students in all aspects of the liturgy.

Sisters of Mercy were in attendance and there was a special acknowledgement of Sr Kathy Ryan and Sr Marie Bourke for forty and sixty years respectively as Sisters of Mercy.

The final part of formal proceedings was the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of Catherine Awards (previously the Mercy Day 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. They will be presented each term to students from each year level and a staff member.

Spirit of Catherine Award Winners

Following the presentations, students were free to enjoy the festivities which included carnival rides, stalls and activities, food and to run the Colour Explosion. All funds raised on the day will support the efforts of Mercy Works.

To further enhance the colour and spectacle of the day, students and staff dressed in house colours and displayed plenty of imagination and ingenuity in the design of costumes.

Congratulations to the Student Representative Council and all staff and students involved in the planning and execution of this special day in the life of our College. Thank you to J.C. Tanloden – Hay Buyers and Exporters for donating the large hay bales that were used in the Colour Explosion and supporting our Mercy Works fundraising.

Students across year levels and staff thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. This was a happy and relaxed way to celebrate the spirit of the College and wind down to the end of term.