Mercy in Action
Living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching forms part of the learning programs at St Aloysius College. As a Catholic school formed within the charism of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, each student is inspired to live out our Mercy Education Values of service, courage, hospitality, justice, respect, and compassion.
One way we continue Catherine’s vision and embrace the Gospel message is through our Mercy In Action program. This program is a whole-school approach to putting into action the values and mission of what it means to be a ‘Mercy Student.’
The Mercy In Action program encourages our students at St Aloysius College to commit to community service and outreach, displaying the Mercy Education Values. The program is facilitated for the Year 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 cohorts, where students complete a personal portfolio of their efforts, setting a Mercy In Action goal to instill a sense of compassion, hospitality, justice, courage, service, and respect towards others in the wider community. Guided by their Religious Education teachers and assisted by pastoral leaders, these goals are recorded on the students’ profiles on our Learning Management System (SEQTA) as ways in which students are encouraged to display the Mercy Values in the College community as well as within their wider community.
Examples of students’ Mercy In Action activities include volunteering their time at College events and programs, such as helping at the College Musical as ushers. Other activities include visiting Mercy Place, spending time with the residents, or participating in social justice projects such as The Long Walk, Clean-Up Australia Day, and the Winter Sleep Out.
Students are also encouraged to complete their Mercy In Action hours by participating in community groups and organisations or their own initiatives outside of the College. These may include volunteer work at their local parish or community center, assisting the needy within their community, such as helping elderly neighbors with household tasks, or involvement in charity groups.
Mercy In Action is about making a serious effort to explore practical ways to express God’s mercy, being true disciples of Jesus Christ, inspired by the life and work of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.
Michael Chesser
Director, Catholic Mission & Mercy Ethos