Students and staff from St Jude’s Catholic Primary School recently celebrated their first Mercy Week (27-31 October), a time to deepen their understanding of the Mercy charism and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.
14 Nov 2025
St Jude’s Catholic Primary School are Walking in the Footsteps of Mercy
The week forms part of the school’s ongoing commitment to faith formation, and builds on recent staff faith formation experiences exploring the journeys of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, and Ursula Frayne, who led a group of Sisters to Western Australia, teachers used their new knowledge to guide students through a meaningful week of learning and reflection.
The week began with a school-wide introduction to Catherine McAuley’s story and the values that inspired the Mercy mission. Students were delighted to receive a special video message from Sr Maura Kelleher RSM, the founding Principal of St Jude’s and a Sister of Mercy, who shared her reflections on what it means to live with compassion and courage in today’s world.
Classes then learned about Sr Ursula Frayne, whose pioneering spirit brought the Mercy mission to Perth in 1846.
Throughout the week, each class explored the four Symbols of Mercy that included the Good Cup of Tea, Shawl of Tender Mercy, Homemade Boots, and Mercy Cross. Each session included a short explanation of the symbol’s meaning, followed by a hands-on or creative activity that helped bring the message to life. From sharing kindness and hospitality, to crafting “Mercy Cross” artworks and weaving “Shawls of Tender Mercy,” students found tangible ways to live out the spirit of Mercy in their everyday actions.
Year 1 students Shanelle and Prahbm shared:
“We enjoyed making the shawls and tea cups because it reminded us of when Sr Catherine McAuley had her last cup of tea with her friends just before she died. It reminds us of how to be a good friend and to make people feel good. Our teacher taught us lots of stuff about Mercy Week.”
Year 3 students Tasya and Alena said:
“Our favourite part was the weaving of the shawls. We learnt about the Mercy Sisters and how they cared for everyone. We read a book which taught us about how the Mercy Sisters made a school to take care of the children and we look forward to making our tea cups which reminds us that Sr Catherine McAuley asked her sisters to have a ‘Good Cup of Tea,’ which reminds us to be kind and welcoming.”
Mrs Murray, Year 1 Teacher, reflected:
“During Mercy Week, the Year 1 children enjoyed learning about Sister Catherine McAuley and her important work helping others. They explored the different Mercy symbols and took part in fun, hands-on activities to create each one. The students shared their ideas and reflections with each other and their Year 5 buddies.”
Miss Wilson, Year 2 Teacher said:
“Our students were extremely engaged and interested in learning about the history of their school. They had so many thoughtful questions about who the Mercy Sisters were and what their purpose was. It was beautiful seeing them excited when they started to spot the Mercy symbols around our school and make connections to what they mean.”
Through these experiences, the St Jude’s community continues to walk faithfully in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley and Ursula Frayne, keeping the flame of Mercy burning bright in their school.
Mrs Fonseca, Year 6 Teacher said:
“It was such a privilege to lead our senior students on a learning adventure of discovery as we stepped back in time to explore the history of the Mercy Sisters and how their journey shaped Catholic education in Western Australia. Through hands-on and digital learning experiences, students deepened their understanding of the Mercy charism, asking thoughtful questions and making connections about how they can live out these values in their daily lives.”
Assistant Principal Mr Maher added:
“Mercy Week allowed our students to see that Mercy is not just a word, it is something we can live each day through our kindness, service, and care for others.”