Holy Cross Services Open Day
8 September 2026, Brisbane
On 8 September, Mercy Partners Board Director Cath Bartolo, together with staff from Mercy Partners office had the pleasure of visiting Holy Cross Laundry and meeting with the Holy Cross team, who proudly continue a 130-year legacy of providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability and those experiencing barriers to employment.
The Open Day featured a behind-the-scenes tour of the laundry operations that support healthcare and aged care providers across the state, along with live laundry demonstrations, cultural displays and dancing. Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy a community sausage sizzle and taste an impressive array of cultural dishes lovingly prepared by staff, celebrating the rich diversity of the Holy Cross family.
2026 Archdiocese of Brisbane Reconciliation Dinner
11 September 2026, Brisbane
Mercy Partners Board Directors had the pleasure of hosting a table at the annual Archdiocese of Brisbane Reconciliation Dinner on 11 September, joined by representatives from our Brisbane ministries. The evening provided a valuable opportunity to gather, connect, learn, and celebrate the rich gifts, culture, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the Archdiocese.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from Aunty Denise Proud, who shared her powerful and deeply personal story of truth-telling, history, and reconciliation, drawing on a remarkable lifetime dedicated to leadership, education, and advocacy.
The event also marked the launch of the Archdiocese of Brisbane’s 2026-2028 Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, representing an important milestone in the Archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to advancing reconciliation.
Guests also enjoyed First Nations market stalls, cultural performances, and live entertainment, creating a vibrant and inspiring evening of culture, storytelling, connection, and shared purpose.
NCEC Catholic Education Leaders Forum
14-17 September 2026, Canberra
The National Catholic Education Commission’s Catholic Education Leaders Forum provided an opportunity for Catholic education leaders from across Australia to come together in Canberra in September and engage in discussion on key issues shaping the future of the sector. Conversations focused on areas including funding, advocacy, access and strategic growth, while also exploring opportunities to strengthen Catholic education’s response to the evolving needs of students, families and communities.
Dr Lee Anne Perry, Deputy Board Chair of Mercy Partners, attended the Forum and valued the opportunity for collaboration, shared learning and collective leadership in advancing the mission of Catholic education across Australia. The insights gained and discussions shared with sector leaders will help inform and support the ongoing work of Mercy Partners as it continues to serve its ministries and communities.
St Patrick’s College Mercy Day Mass
15 September 2026, Townsville
In the spirit of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, the St Patrick’s College community came together to celebrate Mercy Day, reflecting the values of compassion, service, justice and mercy that are at the heart of the College’s identity. Mercy Partners Board Director Cath Bartolo joined students, staff and families for the occasion, witnessing these values in action across the College.
The day began with a Mercy Day Mass, celebrated by Bishop Timothy J Harris and assisted by Fr Sylvester. The College was also honoured to welcome many Sisters of Mercy to this special celebration. Mercy Day commemorates Catherine McAuley’s opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827 and is celebrated by Mercy communities around the world.
It was a joyful day of connection and celebration, with students continuing to live Catherine McAuley’s legacy through Mercy Works activities and acts of service.
St Patrick’s College NAIDOC Community Celebration
16 September 2026, Townsville
The St Patrick’s College community came together for its NAIDOC Community Celebration, bringing together students, families, staff, and friends to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The evening provided an opportunity for the community to gather in the spirit of respect, learning, and connection, while enjoying traditional food, cultural performances, dancing, and market stalls.
Mercy Partners Board Director Cath Bartolo was delighted to join the celebration and share in this special occasion. The event highlighted the importance of recognising and celebrating First Nations cultures, fostering greater understanding, strengthening relationships, and advancing reconciliation within the College community.
All Hallows’ School Mercy Day Mass
18 September 2026, Brisbane
The All Hallows community came together to celebrate for a Mercy Day Mass on 18 September.
The day was an opportunity to give thanks for the school’s 165-year history; for the vision and love of Catherine McAuley; for the Sisters of Mercy who followed in her footsteps; and for the school community who continue to bring Catherine’s vision for God’s loving mercy to life today.
Click below to see some of the school’s Mercy Day celebrations.
Holy Cross Services Mercy Day Celebrations
24 September 2026, Brisbane
To celebrate Mercy Day, Holy Cross Services hosted a series of celebrations to recognise and honour the outstanding contributions of employees across the organisation. Staff from both the laundry and cleaning divisions, spanning locations from Springfield to the Sunshine Coast, were acknowledged for their commitment, dedication, and service throughout the year. At the Banyo laundry, a special celebration highlighted the innovation, teamwork, and excellence demonstrated by staff whose efforts continue to advance the mission of Holy Cross Services.
Mercy Partners Board Director Cath Bartolo was delighted to attend the Banyo celebration and join in recognising those employees whose dedication and service have made a significant contribution to the organisation. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact of staff and thank them for their ongoing commitment to supporting the work and values of Holy Cross Services.
Mercy Community’s Mercy Day Celebrations
24 September 2026, Brisbane
On 24 September, Mercy Community celebrated Mercy Day with residents, staff, Mercy Partners, the Sisters of Mercy and members of the wider Mercy community. Marking the anniversary of Catherine McAuley’s opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827, the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values of compassion, dignity, service and practical support that continue to guide Mercy ministries today. The celebrations also welcomed John McVeigh in his first Mercy Day as Board Chair, alongside Cath Bartolo, Mercy Partners Board Director and other guests from across the Mercy network.
A highlight of the day was the recognition of staff who bring Mercy values to life through their everyday work, with Belinda Bray (Compassion), Scott Bourke (Integrity), Jeanette Ash (Dignity) and Nestor Kangudia (Empowerment) receiving the Living the Values Awards. Long Service Award recipients were also acknowledged for their dedication and lasting contribution to Mercy Community and the people and communities it serves, demonstrating that Catherine McAuley’s legacy continues to thrive through the commitment of staff, volunteers, leaders and partners.
Mater Convent Chapel 100 Year Anniversary
24 September 2026, Brisbane
On Mercy Day, Mater celebrated a remarkable milestone, the 100th anniversary of the Mater Convent Chapel in South Brisbane.
For a full century, this beautiful sacred space has been the spiritual heart of Mater, witnessing countless moments of prayer, reflection, gratitude and hope. It stands as a lasting testament to the vision, courage and unwavering commitment of the Sisters of Mercy, whose legacy continues to inspire and shape lives today.
Mercy Partners Board Director Les Jones and Director of Formation Kate Garrone were honoured to join the centenary celebrations, led by Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, commemorating not only the Chapel’s rich history but also the enduring spirit of Mercy that continues to flourish throughout the Mater community.
Our Lady of Mercy College Graduation Day
25 September 2026, Parramatta
Mercy Partners Board Director Jon Anderson was delighted to join in the Graduation Day celebrations for the year 12 students from Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC).
The day was a memorable and emotional occasion as the OLMC community came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. Filled with pride, reflection, and joy, the day marked the culmination of years of learning, growth, and commitment. Surrounded by teachers, families, and friends, the graduates reflected on the memories they had created, the challenges they had overcome, and the friendships that will remain long after they leave the College gates.
The Graduation Ceremony honoured not only the accomplishments of the students but also the unwavering support of the teachers, families, and friends who have guided and encouraged them throughout their journey.
