News & Events

'We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor...' (Chapter Statement).

Sisters of Mercy Parramatta Congregation, together with all members of Mercy International Association, accompany, advocate, educate and collaborate with others, for and on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers .

The theme for Refugee Week (16-22 June 2019) #WithRefugees is the continuing 3 year theme in Australia with the focus ‘Share a Meal, Share a Story’ to celebrate refugee stories.

 View the stories of Australia's Refugee Week Ambassadors.



Every refugee has their own story to tell. 
Whose story will you seek out and listen to this week?

Mercy Works is the name given to the organisation that supports the local and overseas relief and development activities that are part of the vision and mission of the four congregations of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Across Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Australia, Mercy Works supports communities as they seek to achieve meaningful positive change.

Twice each year, in June and December, Mercy works publishes its magazine, 'The Bilum' to share the stories of the people, the projects and the efforts undertaken to transform lives by responding to needs.

The June 2019 issue is out now. This edition focusses on the power of the voice and language, responding to the UN declaration of 2019 as the Year of Indigenous Languages. 

Read it here

'We, the Sisters of Mercy of the Parramatta Congregation, acknowledge gratefully that we are co-creators with the Divine, in an evolving "sacrament of communion" which includes everything that exists' (Chapter Statement)

5 June is World Environment Day, the United Nations principle vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment, now in its 45th year. 

Issues such as water conservation and climate challenge us all to take action to protect and restore the environment.

Our commitment to do so is expressed in our Chapter Statement which reads (in part):

'We will enjoy and celebrate Earth's beauty and bounty and her many species. We will honour our duty to love and care for her and add to her well-being wherever possible.'

Mercy Girls were joined by College staff, parents and carers, Alumnae and students from local schools in the Ailsa Mackinnon Community Centre at Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta on Wednesday 29 May for the 2019 Women in Leadership Forum.

Four inspirational Forum speakers from a variety of fields shared their perspectives on women in leadership and discussed how each of us can boldly expand beyond what we know we can be. Edwina Bartholomew - Journalist and Presenter with the Seven Network was joined by Annabelle Chauncy OAM - CEO and Founding Director of School for Life Foundation, Liz Scully - Chair, NSW Labor Women’s Forum and Chair, Parramatta Women’s Shelter and Belinda Woolford - CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Western Sydney.

“Each year the College is fortunate to have four generous, kind and confident women willing to share their career stories of successes and challenges, hopes and dreams, and diversions along the way. We know that girls learn from these narratives, particularly when the stories are told with humility and humour and the 2019 Forum speakers have been exceptional. Their consistent message of courage and service resonated with our Mercy community and inspired everyone present to consider ways they could effectively contribute to the wider community.” Marie Wood, College Deputy Principal.

There were common themes throughout the evening including the importance of seeking mentoring, backing yourself, being courageous, being true to yourself and following your passion. The Forum kicked off with an appeal by Edwina Bartholomew to “be yourself, back yourself and believe in yourself.” She reiterated that it’s important to work very, very hard to achieve your dreams. Belinda Woolford outlined three important lessons she has learnt on her journey: "Leadership lesson number 1 is give it a go. Number 2 is you don't always need a plan, you just need the courage to take risks. Lesson 3 is get a mentor."

Liz Scully paraphrased Saint Teresa of Avila, encouraging students to trust God that you are where you are supposed to be. Annabelle Chauncy also highlighted the importance of mentoring: "One of the most important things about my journey is the fact that I had a mentor. My mentor taught me to crawl before you walk and walk before you run - taking one step at a time."