Some of the Year 9 students who attended with a statue of Catherine McAuley in the grounds of OLMC.
Ten Year 9 students represented the school at the Mercy 5 Formation Day, joining peers from across the Mercy network for a day of connection, reflection and action centred on eco justice and Mercy values.
On Wednesday, 25 March, 10 Year 9 students attended the Mercy 5 Formation Day at Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta. The day began with icebreaker activities, bringing together students from five Mercy schools: Mercy Catholic College Chatswood, Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College, OLMC Parramatta, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College Burraneer and Catherine McAuley Westmead.
Students then gathered for prayer, an overview of the day and a brief tour of OLMC, before hearing from Ms Ana Pintos, Marg Marriott (Director of Identity OLMC), Sr Marg Shepherd RSM and Sr Catherine Ryan RSM about Mercy heritage. The tour highlighted the shared history of significant local Mercy sites and stories.
After morning tea in the convent courtyard, students returned to the CM Community Room for a guided session led by Marg Marriott. In talking circles, they explored eco justice and eco spirituality, drawing on Scripture, Laudato Si’, Laudate Deum, Catherine McAuley and the global Mercy community.
Students from each school then presented their eco justice initiatives, sharing how they respond to environmental challenges and inspire change. A Q&A session encouraged discussion and ideas for strengthening existing initiatives.
Sr Sally Bradley followed with a powerful presentation on ministering mercy to those on the margins, particularly in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Through her personal experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of these communities and how we can advocate for them. In response, students worked collaboratively to identify practical ways to support an eco-justice lifestyle, including organisations such as WWF Australia and Return and Earn.
Students also explored Mercy Eco-Spirituality, recognising the connection between caring for people and caring for the Earth. Using their booklets, they reflected on key Scripture passages before taking time at lunch to pause and consider the day’s learning.
In the final session, students worked in cross-school groups to prepare the liturgy, contributing through prayers, readings and symbolic actions. The day concluded in the chapel with a calm and reflective liturgy, providing a meaningful opportunity to connect in faith and consider how to carry Mercy values into everyday life.
Year 9 Students
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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