Each year, Term 3 concludes with the annual celebration of Mercy Day, when the whole school gathers at Coolock in house colours and costumes to honour the legacy of Catherine McAuley.

This year, the day began with a student-led liturgy, ably guided by our student leaders and lifted by the College choir and musicians. This year, the Gospel reflection was sung by our outstanding soloists, under the direction of Mrs Deb Ross. A highlight of the liturgy was a musical rendition of Catherine’s own prayer, ‘The Suscipe of Catherine McAuley’. At the end of the liturgy, Sr Anne Cossar addressed the students, thanking them for their reverence and attention and reflecting on how proud Catherine would be of the way they lived Mercy.

Mercy Day Liturgy

Following the liturgy, the Term 3 Spirit of Catherine Award recipients were announced, recognising inspiring members of our College community and their dedication to the values of Mercy.

Spirit of Catherine Award Winners and Gallery

Fortunately, the morning rain eased, and for the rest of the day, students enjoyed the carnival and mission marts, with games, inflatable rides, food and entertainment. The Chariots of Junortoun made a welcome return on the O’Keefe Oval and were hotly contested, while this year’s Rock in the Square performances were of a high standard and drew the crowd.

Students and staff embodied the spirit of the day in colourful and creative costumes while helping to raise funds for our Term 3 fundraising effort, Mercy Works. All funds raised will go directly to support the Remote Laundry in the West Arnhem community of Gunbalanya, in partnership with the Adjumarllarl Aboriginal Corporation.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone for making our Mercy Day Celebration such a successful end to the term for our community.

Mercy Day Carnival