The Catherine McAuley school community gathered together for the Mercy Day Mass on Friday 2nd September 2022.
Mercy Day is one of the biggest days on the school calendar and is a highlight of the year for many students. It has been greatly disrupted over the past couple of years due to the pandemic so it was therefore extra special this year!
The 2022 theme, chosen by the School Captains and the Student Representative Council, was ‘Things That Unite Us’ - encompassing passions, cultures, hobbies, movies and any shared experience that brings people together.
The day on Friday, 2nd September, began with the whole school gathering together for the Mercy Day Mass, concelebrated by Most Rev. Vincent Long Van Nguyen, OFM, Conv DD STL and Rev. Father Walter Fogarty, Coordinating Pastor of the Westmead Catholic Community. The school welcomed those from the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy who were able to join us - Sr Maria Lawton rsm, Congregational Vicar & Bursar; Sr Barbara McDonough rsm, Past Principal; St Margaret Jones rsm, Congregation Councillor; and Sr Margaret Sheppard rsm, Congregation Councillor.
The Most Rev. Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM, Conv DD STL and Rev. Father Walter Fogarty, Coordinating Pastor of Westmead Catholic Community, celebrated the Mercy Day Mass.
Parramatta Sisters of Mercy with School Principal Ms Mary Refalo.
Lord Mayor of The City of Parramatta Cr Donna Davis with Bishop Vincent, Principal Ms Refalo and the new School Captains Jacinta A. and Jasmine O.
The Commissioning of the Student Leaders for 2022-2023 took place at the conclusion of the Mercy Day Mass.
The School Choir singing at the Mercy Day Mass.
The dress up theme for 2022 was 'Things That Unite Us'.
Special guests who also joined us on the day included: Cr Donna Davis, Lord Mayor, City of Parramatta Council; Mr Gary Borg, Coordinator of Westmead Catholic Community/Learning Leader; Dr Greg Elliott, Director Wellbeing Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta; Mr Mark Pauschmann, Principal, Parramatta Marist High School; Ms Lucie Farrugia, Principal, Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta; Mr Peter Stephens, Assistant Principal, Parramatta Marist High School; Mr Adam Hendry, Assistant Principal, Parramatta Marist High School; Mrs Gaye Dennis, Religious Education and Diversity Coordinator, Mother Teresa Primary School and Mrs Katherine Stennett, Acting Principal, Mother Teresa Primary School. The school also welcomed members of the Parents & Friends Association who were able to attend - Elisabeth Majnaric, President; Laila Nagwkar, Vice President; and Mrs Penelope Wallace, PRC Representative. Finally, it was lovely to have the parents and families of the new school leaders attend so that they could share in the commissioning ceremony and all other parents who were able to join us.
At the conclusion of the Mass was the commissioning of the Student Leaders for 2022 - 2023 with the Student Leaders receiving their badges in the presence of the whole school community. A morning tea was held with Student Leaders and their families after the Mass in Coolock Court, with the Hospitality students serving the guests.
Once the formalities of the day were completed the school grounds were transformed into a carnival type atmosphere as the students and staff dressed in costume to represent the theme ‘Things That Unite Us’ and the Houses opened their fundraising stalls to raise money for Mercy Works. Over $6000 was raised on the day! The day ended with a disco in Dobson Green and a parade showing all the best costumes.
School Captains Victoria C. and Zara Z. said that they felt very fortunate to be able to conduct Mercy Day in the usual McAuley tradition after a long period of time. “After being separated for so long the overarching theme for 2022 ‘Grow In Unity’ naturally led to the creation of the theme ‘Things That Unite Us’”, Victoria and Zara said.
“Once everyone was dressed in their costumes it was an incredible sight to see all the girls from our McAuley community dressed in outfits ranging from culture, to sport and beyond. We really appreciate everyone’s creativity in their costumes and participation in the stalls. This Mercy Day has proven to us that regardless of the adversities, our community is stronger than ever”.
View and download photos from this event:
Jacqui Hamilton | School Development Officer
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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