2026 College Theme: Mercy in every moment

As we celebrate our sesquicentennial year, our 2026 College theme, ‘Mercy in every moment’, invites us to reflect on the heart of who we are and who we are called to be. Across 150 years of growth and momentous change, the spirit of Mercy has remained constant, shaping our community and guiding each generation. This milestone honours the countless moments - both ordinary and extraordinary - where compassion, courage and service have defined our story. As we look to the future, we are called to live Mercy in every moment, continuing the legacy entrusted to us by Catherine McAuley, Mother Aloysius Martyn, and the Sisters of Mercy.

The theme was launched at our Opening Mass on 12 February.

Shrove Tuesday and Project Compassion Launch

Our leaders worked with Caritas community members to launch Project Compassion within the Sandhurst Diocese. The day included cooking and serving pancakes to the Bendigo community, performing and promoting Project Compassion.

At St Mary's Campus, Mr Waterman's Year 12 Living Mercy class cooked pancakes, which were very popular with our senior students.

Ash Wednesday

On the first day of Lent, Wednesday 18 February, all students and staff gathered for Ash Wednesday liturgies. The marking of the ashes on our foreheads is a public expression of our faith and humility. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Sharing what we have, or ‘almsgiving’, is a sign of our commitment to justice and our thanks for all that God has given us. This Lenten season we continue to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion and Unite Against Poverty.