Mercy Day recognises the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, St Catherine McAuley. Students and staff at McAuley Catholic Central School, Tumut joined together to celebrate the Feast Day of their Patron Saint.

Mercy Day commenced with a joyful mass, led by Fr George Ogah and school leaders, with many past students and community members joining in the celebration. The students’ singing filled the Church and there was a beautiful Mercy Day reflection sung by Russell Guppy from Year 7 and Year 10 student, Tatenda Muwandi.

Fr George spoke of the honour and pride felt by the school in being named after a woman with such vision. “St Catherine McAuley lived by the values that we should all strive to follow; mercy, justice, excellence, integrity, courage and hospitality.” Fr George also reflected on the atmosphere of care, respect and joy shared by McAuley staff and students.

After mass, the atmosphere on the oval was electric as Kindergarten to Year 10 students competed in a host of fun-filled activities. Students and staff enjoyed traditional games like egg and spoon races, sack races, three-legged races and dress-up relays. Later, the whole school shared a barbeque lunch.

“McAuley's Mercy Day was fantastic! I have been at McAuley since Kindergarten and understand the importance of our Mercy heritage. I really loved supervising the dress up relay, which was lots of fun!” said Year 9 student Genevieve Mason-Elliott.

The day was a wonderful opportunity to honour and acknowledge the McAuley identity and history.