What is Mercy Charism?
In past reflections we have explored the charism of the Marists. Notre Dame College is a dual charism school that takes its unique guiding values from both the Marist and Mercy traditions.
Why is Notre Dame College connected to a Mercy charism?
Notre Dame College is the amalgamation of Sacred Heart College and St Coleman’s College. Sacred Heart was established in 1902 by the Sisters of Mercy and St Coleman’s in 1951 by the Marist Brothers. The two Colleges joined in 1984 to become Notre Dame College.
Being a ‘Mercy’ school
The term "Mercy Charism" refers to the particular spiritual gift or grace associated with the Sisters of Mercy, a religious congregation founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. The word "charism" comes from the Greek word "charisma," which means "gift" or "favour.”
The Sisters of Mercy follow the charism of their founder, Catherine McAuley, who dedicated her life to serving the poor, sick, and uneducated. She established the congregation to provide care and education to marginalised individuals, particularly women and children, and to address the various social issues of her time.
The essence of the Mercy education charism revolves around a few key principles:
Compassion and Service: Mercy education is grounded in a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to serve those in need, following the example of Jesus Christ and Catherine McAuley.
Respect for Human Dignity: The charism emphasises the inherent worth and dignity of every person, fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment.
Empowerment: Mercy education aims to empower individuals through knowledge, skills, and values, enabling them to become responsible and compassionate global citizens.
Social Justice: Inspired by the Gospel, Mercy education seeks to address systemic injustices and work towards building a more just and equitable society.
Spirituality and Prayer: The Mercy education charism incorporates spirituality and prayer into the educational journey, fostering a deeper connection to God and a sense of meaning and purpose.
Notre Dame College has continued to integrate these principles into the Religious Education curriculum and outreach work within the Shepparton community. Our Marist and Mercy traditions are central to the education of our students, helping them thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually while being encouraged to make a positive difference in the world.
Jason Giuliani
Deputy Principal - Faith & Ministry
