News & Events
Pope Francis' Holy Week Message
Dear friends, good evening!
This evening I have the chance to enter your homes in a different way than usual. If you allow me, I would like to have a conversation with you for a few moments, in this time of difficulty and of suffering. I can imagine you in your families, living an unusual life to avoid contagion. I am thinking of the liveliness of children and young people, who cannot go out, attend school, live their lives. I have in my heart all the families, especially those who have a loved one who is sick or who have unfortunately experienced mourning due to the coronavirus or other causes. These days I often think about people who are alone, and for whom it is more difficult to face these moments. Above all I think of the elderly, who are very dear to me.
I cannot forget those who are sick with coronavirus, people who are in hospital. I am aware of the generosity of those who put themselves at risk for the treatment of this pandemic or to guarantee the essential services to society. So many heroes, every day, at every hour! I also remember how many are in financial straits and are worried about work and the future. A thought also goes out to prison inmates, whose pain is compounded by fear of the epidemic, for themselves and their loved ones; I think of the homeless, who do not have a home to protect them.
It is a difficult time for everyone. For many, very difficult...
Watch the message in full (4:56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMJDCnmdhRg
Catholics in China: March 2020 Prayer Intention of Pope Francis
We are all invited to join with Pope Francis and his worldwide prayer network in praying this month's intention: the Church in China.
Text of video:
Today, the Church in Chinal looks to the future with hope.
The Church wants Chinese Christians to be truly Christians, and to be good citizens.
They should promote the Gospel, but without engaging in proselytism, and they need to achieve the unity of the divided Catholic community.
Let us pray together that the church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.
Thank you.
—Pope Francis, March 2020
We invite you to post a prayer or reflection in our prayer space
Mercy Girls Walking the Talk at OLMC Parramatta Open Day
Being selected to speak about their experience at the College prior to the Principal’s Welcome, both girls are very excited and looking forward to showcasing their new school.
“My experience so far has been amazing.” said Sierra. “On my first day, I was welcomed with open arms and smiles. The girls in higher grades made sure that the Year 7s knew where to go. It felt like I had been here for a few years rather than only a few days.”
Sierra is using her experience in Public Speaking and Drama to help her in preparing the Open Day speech. “I am a little nervous, but I think I can handle it. I love being up on stage and having an entire audience focusing on what I am saying.”
Both girls are not daunted by the job at hand. “I am more excited than nervous.” said London. “It certainly helps that Sierra and I are best friends – we work well together, and I know we can pull this off!”
The College opens the gates at 10:00am and invites the community to experience the contemporary, dynamic and inclusive learning environment in the tradition of the Parramatta Sisters of Mercy.
Open Day provides an opportunity to see the College in action. Guided student led tours, subject displays and first-class learning areas are some of the many attributes visitors can look forward to.
Become a scientist for a day and take part in mind boggling experiments. Sample some of the culinary delights prepared by our food technology and hospitality students or watch a debate take place as students present and counter persuasive perspectives using structured, evidence-based arguments. See how a vertical homeroom class operates and watch in awe as our hip-hop dancers from our ‘Bring It On’ dance group perform an energetic, fast-paced routine.
The 2018-2028 Master Plan will be on show. This Plan will provide the College with an opportunity to build a learning environment that will be a vibrant, dynamic and connected oasis of learning and best serve our community into the future. View a flyover presentation that will show how circulation and wayfinding throughout the College will be improved and new areas of open space and greenery will be opened. Visitors will also have the chance to see how the historic elements of the site will be enhanced.
‘Come Sit Awhile’ our aptly titled Catherine McAuley Sculpture, positioned at the western end of the Chapel, invites our visitors to get to know the Sisters of Mercy Foundress. Principal (Acting) Marie Wood invites all our visitors to “be comfortable in her presence; take inspiration from her spirituality and understand the deep connection that the College has with this inspirational woman.”
There will be two Principal’s Addresses on Open Day – 10.00am and 12.00pm. To register go to our website https://www.olmc.nsw.edu.au/
“We look forward to welcoming you on Open Day so you can experience how a Mercy Education is committed to excellence and enables every student to achieve her potential by developing her unique gifts and talents.”
Established in 1889, OLMC Parramatta is a leading independent Catholic girls’ school which provides contemporary and innovative learning in the rich Mercy tradition. As one of the oldest Catholic Girls’ schools in NSW, our rich history of excellence inspires our young Mercy women to expand beyond what they know they can be and to lead with courage and act justly, making a difference in an ever-changing world.
The College Open Day for 2020 is taking place on Sunday, 8 March from 10.00am-2.00pm.
Media Inquiries: Allison McNally - Communications Officer, OLMC Parramatta
Tel: (02) 8838 1241 or E: allison.mcnally@olmc.nsw.edu.au
Blessing & Commissioning of New School Principal at Catherine McAuley Westmead
Ms Refalo was commissioned in front of the whole school community and invited guests, including representatives from the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta and past Principal, Ms Teash Richmond.
The Opening School Year Mass was celebrated by Fr Walter Fogarty, Coordinating Pastor for the Catholic Education Precinct Westmead. During the commissioning Ms Refalo was presented with a bible symbolizing the importance of scripture within the Catherine McAuley community and our two school captains presented her with a Catherine McAuley candle which had been lit from the school candle, a symbol of taking the light of Christ into the world as Ms Refalo continues her journey at Catherine McAuley.
Our immediate former Principal, Ms Richmond, presented Ms Refalo with the Irish Crystal from the House of Catherine McAuley, symbolizing the passing on of the Catherine McAuley story and tradition and Sr Maria Lawton, Vicar of Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, presented Ms Refalo with a cross.
Hear the Cries of Migrants: February 2020 Prayer Intention of Pope Francis
We are all invited to join with Pope Francis and his worldwide prayer network in praying this month's intention: Hearing the cries of migrants.
Migrants are often victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking.
Among other causes, this happens because of corruption on the part of people willing to do anything for financial gain.
The money from their dirty, underhanded business is blood money. I’m not exaggerating: it’s blood money.
