Gabrielle McMullen
On 12 February, the Catherine McAuley College community gathered for the College’s beginning-of-year Mass in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo. This special occasion was also the first event in a year of celebrations marking 150 years since the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Bendigo and began their education ministry there. Sisters of Mercy attending included Mercy Ministry Companions (MMC) Formation Coordinator, Dr Annette Schneider RSM. The MMC Trustee Directors were represented by Tony Goad and Gabrielle McMullen AM.
Mass was preceded by the traditional procession of Year 12 students bringing Year 7 students into the Cathedral behind their house banners to welcome them into the College community. Principal Brian Turner welcomed those gathered to the Mass, reflecting on the legacy and inspiration of the pioneering Sisters. The Mercy Address was then given by Sr Annette. In line with the College’s 2026 theme of ‘Living Mercy’, she considered what this might look like in a community which follows in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley and the early sisters. During the Mass, Year 12 leaders were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers. A highlight of the morning was the liturgical music delivered by the College choir and musicians from the Cathedral gallery. We congratulate Catherine McAuley College Bendigo on this significant anniversary for its community.
(Photos used with the approval of Catherine McAuley College, Bendigo)
