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Our Faith and Mission program provides opportunities for students to realise and explore issues of social justice in our local and global communities. Students are encouraged to be aware of the needs in our community and for our environment, working together to create a just world in the true spirit of Mercy.

Catherine McAuley College is built on the Mercy Charism inspired by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy and is actively engaged in the community of the Sandhurst Diocese. Like Catherine, the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels inspire us in our words and actions and support the Mercy Values of service, courage, compassion, hospitality, respect and justice.

The Gospel values and teachings are fundamental in the integrated programs of Veritas and Virtues, which support students in developing a greater understanding of issues and the connection to all areas of the curriculum. Outreach, community service and awareness of the needs of others is an integral part of the program undertaken across all year levels.

Students are supported in developing a meaningful, contemporary connection to their faith through social justice activities, prayer, liturgies, community service and Mercy in action. Inspired by Catherine McAuley’s courage and determination to educate, empower and serve the poor, students are offered opportunities to engage in activities to support both local and global projects, including the Winter Sleep Out, Seeds of Justice conference, leadership days, Bendigo Foodshare, Mercy Works and the Caritas Challenge.

The 2024 College theme is In Mercy we serve. The College theme serves to live our Mercy Charism, with the aim of students developing a deeper sense of self, others and God.  An education in the Mercy tradition invites us to take up a challenge. One that encourages us to develop fully our own God-given talents. At the same time, it enkindles within us a desire to assist others, so that they too ‘may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10).

Through engaging activities, thoughtful discussions and service projects, we aim to inspire our learners to understand the profound impact of showing mercy to others. Throughout this year we will explore the notion of Mercy and how it impels us to serve.

Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ underpins our reGEN program, which encourages students to care for our environment, reduce our carbon footprint, minimise waste, save energy and water, promote biodiversity and reduce our impact on climate change. Many challenges and activities to support the reGEN project will be implemented by the student leaders.

“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”

(Laudato Si’, Paragraph 14)