FROM THE VOICE OF CATHERINE MCAULEY-FOUNDER OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY

Coming editions of our newsletter will feature inspiring quotes from Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy.  As a Mercy School, we are inspired by the passion and commitment of the Mercy sisters in their work at St Joseph’s School from 1875. Following on from the last newsletter, below is a brief description of the establishment of the Sisters of Mercy in Stanthorpe (Source: Fr Brian Connoly, Stanthorpe Border Post 2016).

The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Stanthorpe on 9 Feburary 1875, represented by Sisters Mary Agnes, Emilian, Muredach and Malachy. The first school was formerly the Globe Hotel which was located where the presbytery now stands. In 1907, the old hotel building was replaced with a new school, which was added to in 1919 when the old church was moved and converted into classrooms. Compared to modern standards, the living conditions of the Sisters were very basic and they made many peronal sacrifices to provide a Catholic Education for the children of the Granite Belt. As well as teaching the academic and religious subjects, the Sisters of Mercy also made a major contributon to the cultural life of the Granite Belt through music, speech and drama. 

Image: Photo taken of Sisters in 1967 (Source: Stanthorpe Border Post) 

"We must strive to do ordinary things, extraordinarily well."

Catherine McAuley