On Wednesday, students from OLMC gathered with fellow Mercy students at the Academy of Mary Immaculate for the 2026 Australasian Mercy Secondary Schools Association (AMSSA) Student Online Conference.
This year’s theme, ‘Mercy in Action – Moving Beyond Words,’ invited students to reflect deeply on what it means to live Mercy not simply as an idea, but as a courageous, justice-centred way of life.
The afternoon began with a national keynote from Sr Annette Schneider RSM, who challenged students to consider the enduring relevance of Mercy spirituality. Using the framework of Head, Heart, and Hands, students listened attentively, identifying new insights, moments of challenge, and practical calls to action.
Following the keynote, students worked together in a local workshop, engaging in a ‘Mercy Mapping’ activity. This invited them to name areas of need within their school, local community, and the wider world, while also recognising where Mercy is already at work. The conversations were thoughtful and honest, prompting students to consider where action is needed most and where their own responses might begin.
A period of guided reflection provided space for students to consider their personal response. Inspired by the example of Catherine McAuley, students were encouraged to move beyond good intentions and identify one concrete step they could take to make a difference in their own context.
The Conference concluded with national breakout groups, where students shared their insights and commitments with peers from Mercy schools across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. These conversations highlighted both the diversity of experiences and the shared commitment to living out Mercy in today’s world.
We are grateful to the Academy of Mary Immaculate, Sr Mary Moloney RSM, Principal, and staff, for their generous hospitality, and to all who contributed to such a meaningful experience. Opportunities like this continue to form our students as young Mercy leaders, ready to respond with compassion, courage, and action.
