25 Years of Mercy in Action
This year marks the 25th anniversary of MercyWorks, the development arm of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and Papua New Guinea. It’s a milestone that celebrates a quarter-century of compassionate partnership, of walking with communities in Australia and beyond to bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to life.
A Legacy of Compassion and Partnership
Since 2000, MercyWorks has been a practical expression of the Gospel call to love and justice. Through projects in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, the organisation has supported education, health, livelihood, and advocacy initiatives that empower local communities to create sustainable change.
At the heart of this mission is relationship. MercyWorks doesn’t work for communities but with them—listening, learning, and journeying side by side. This approach reflects the enduring Mercy belief that true service grows from respect and shared humanity.
OLMC’s Enduring Partnership
For many years, Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg, has been a proud and active supporter of MercyWorks. Our school community has raised substantial funds to support Mercy projects, especially the installation of water tanks in primary schools across Timor-Leste. Each Mercy Day, through our collective generosity, students and staff contribute to this life-changing work—reminding us that faith becomes real when it is lived through action.
Beyond our financial contributions, OLMC has been a strong voice for advocacy and awareness, keeping MercyWorks’ mission alive in our classrooms, liturgies, and social justice initiatives. Through reflection, service, and learning, we share in the work of building a more just and compassionate world.
We are also deeply grateful for the regular visits from Sr Sally Bradley RSM, a beloved friend of our College and a long-time leader within MercyWorks. Sr Sally’s stories and gentle wisdom remind us that every act of mercy, no matter how small, can change lives. Her presence connects us directly to the global Mercy community and helps our students see how their actions contribute to something much bigger than themselves.
Carrying the Mercy Spirit Forward
As we celebrate this 25-year milestone, we give thanks for all who have shaped MercyWorks: the Sisters of Mercy, staff, volunteers, partners, and countless supporters who have lived mercy through action.
For our OLMC community, this anniversary is more than a date—it’s a reminder of who we are and what we are called to be: people of compassion, courage, and hope. May we continue to live out Catherine McAuley’s vision with joy and generosity, ensuring that the next 25 years of MercyWorks are even more transformative than the first.
Loving and merciful God,
We give you thanks for twenty-five years of MercyWorks
for lives transformed, for hope restored,
for all who have walked the journey of mercy and justice.
We thank you for the vision of the Sisters of Mercy,
and for the ongoing work that brings life and dignity to so many.
Bless those who continue this mission in Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and here in Australia.
We thank you especially for the enduring partnership between OLMC and MercyWorks
for the generosity of our students and staff,
for our strong advocacy and commitment to justice,
and for the wisdom and warmth of Sr Sally,
whose visits remind us that mercy has a human face.
Open our hearts to see where your compassion is needed most.
Strengthen our hands for service and our voices for truth.
May our community continue to live the works of mercy
with courage, kindness, and hope.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.