Developing young women of Mercy
At St Mary's College, our Catholic character is woven into every facet of our college life. The Special Character programmes that we offer draw deeply on the values of the Gospel and the spirit of Mercy.
Mercy Value 2026
Each year St Mary's College students and staff focus on a Mercy Value to guide our work. Our Mercy Value for 2026 is Te Āwhinatanga - Service.
Our Catholic Character – the teachings and values of Jesus
As a Catholic school we are founded on Church teachings and the values of Jesus, as seen in the gospel. We exist to support the mission of the Church – which is to teach people about God’s love and vision for us all, as modelled in the person of Christ.
We are a Mercy school where the values of love, compassion, care for the poor and vulnerable, justice and respect are shown in all aspects of school life. Our Mercy charism is a pathway for your daughter to know more about Jesus.
Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy, and Cecilia Maher, who established the Mercy order here in New Zealand, are two very powerful role models for our students. As the oldest Catholic girls’ school in New Zealand, we stand on the shoulders of strong Mercy women.
School Masses
School Masses are held on Thursdays at lunchtime in the school chapel. We are a community of faith, and this is expressed through our liturgies and Masses. These lunchtime Masses are prepared by junior classes and their RE teachers. In addition, Masses are prepared by senior year levels, the Young Vinnies students, and our Servant Leaders. Parents, friends, and families are all welcome to attend.
A whole-school Mass is celebrated three times a year. Our Gathering Mass is held in the school gym, while our Mercy Day Mass and Thanksgiving Mass are celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral. We are blessed to have a close connection with the Cathedral.
Sacramental Programme – a ten-week faith formation
A Sacramental Programme is offered to students in Year 8 and above who wish to become Catholic or who wish to complete the Sacraments of Initiation. The students undertake a ten‑week faith formation programme together in Term 2.
During this time, they develop an understanding of the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Holy Communion. Families are warmly invited to be part of the sacramental liturgies, which are held in the school chapel. It is a privilege to see the students grow in their Catholic faith.
Retreats – an experience of God
During the year, each year level participates in a retreat facilitated by the LOGOS Marist Retreat Team, the National Evangelisation Team, or staff from St Mary’s College. The aim of our retreat programmes is to step away from school for a day in order to deepen students’ relationships with God and themselves, support their spiritual growth, and help them feel part of our Catholic community.
Each retreat has a different theme, but all include prayer, meditation, team building, and creative responses.
These retreats give students the opportunity to reflect, learn, share, and pray in a relaxed, supportive environment. Our senior retreats also offer opportunities for service and leadership formation.
Strengthening faith through acts of service
Students are encouraged to live out our Catholic character through participating in groups such as Young Vinnies or Servant Leaders, becoming Liturgical Representatives or Mission Promoters, serving as Altar Servers or Eucharistic Ministers. The focus is on strengthening the faith of our students through acts of service.
We are privileged to engage with other Catholic schools through events such as the Pompallier Shield, Quest, Praise and Pizza, the Mercy Cup, and Diocesan Youth Masses. Music is also a form of prayer, and our Liturgical Band, Gospel Choir, and wider music groups provide opportunities for students to worship and to share their gifts and talents.