Mercy Celebrations
Throughout the year, Saint Joseph’s College celebrates and honors its rich Mercy heritage in a variety of ways, with special attention given to Mercy Day, Mercy Week, and other significant moments related to our College history and Mercy Tradition. These celebrations invite our community to learn more about the legacy of Catherine and the Sisters of Mercy, reflect on the values that continue to shape our College, and put Mercy into action through service, prayer, reflection, learning, and community-building. Together, they remind us that Mercy is a living tradition that calls each of us to recognize the needs of our world and respond with compassion, courage, and love.
Mercy Day
September 24
What is Mercy Day?
Mercy Day, celebrated on September 24, marks the anniversary of the opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1827. It is especially fitting that the Catholic Church also celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy on this day.
Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, devoted her life to serving those who were poor, sick, and uneducated. Today, we continue her legacy of compassion, service, and care for others in the spirit of Mercy.
Each year, Saint Joseph’s College celebrates Mercy Day with a week of meaningful programming, reflection, service, and community-building, honoring the enduring legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.
Mercy Week
September 20-26, 2026
An opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the ways that we can #MakeMercyReal
“We should never forget that God’s love and mercy are infinite, and that we are called to share that love and mercy with others.” – Catherine McAuley
2026 SCHEDULE
Create your own “Shining Lamp”
Monday, September 21, 11AM-1PM | PEARSON’S CAFE LOBBY
Stop by the Pearson’s Cafe Lobby before lunch and learn about Mercy Week while you create your own “Shining Lamp” to display and remind yourself and others that “We should be as shining lamps, giving light to all around us” – Catherine McAuley
Mass for the Care of Creation
Tuesday, September 22, 12PM | Healy Chapel
Join as we pray together for the care of creation, honoring a Mercy Critical Concern and the eighth Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy: Care for our Common Home.
MERCY in ACTION
Wednesday, September 23, 10-11AM | SJC Campus Cemeteries
Caring for and honoring the deceased is a Spiritual Work of Mercy. Join us Tuesday morning as we clean and maintain our campus cemeteries. Sign up HERE.
Wednesday, September 23, 4:30-7PM | STANDISH FOOD PANTRY
Volunteer at our local food pantry’s weekly distribution night and help feed the hungry, a Corporal Work of Mercy. Sign up HERE.
2026 Mercy Tea and Employee Celebration
Wednesday, September 23, 3PM-4:30PM | XAVIER HALL
All members of our community are invited to enjoy a “good cup of tea” and good company as we celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of our staff and faculty members and the Sisters of Mercy.
Mass: Feast of Our Lady of Mercy
Thursday, September 24, 12:00PM | HEALY CHAPEL
Mass to celebrate the Feast day of Our Lady of Mercy and honor the anniversary of the opening of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street.
Mercy Week BOBA Tea (@ TRIVIA NIGHT!)
Thursday, September 24, 7:30PM | STONE BARN
Enjoy a “good cup of tea” and good company during Trivia night Celebrate our Mercy Heritage.
Mercy Week BINGO
Friday, September 25, 9:00PM | BAGGOT STREET
Close out Mercy Week with a long-standing Saint Joe’s tradition: BINGO! Great prizes and even better company!
Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk
Saturday, September 26, 8:30AM | TURF FIELD (TRACK)
Join the Counseling Center and Health & Wellness teams as we come together as a community to support those who have been affected by suicide, raise awareness, and send a powerful message: suicide can be prevented, and no one has to face their struggles alone.
Other Highlights:
Wellehan Library: Mercy Spotlight
Sunday, Sept 20 – Saturday, Sept 26 | WELLEHAN LIBRARY
Stop by Wellehan Library, located on the first floor of Heffernan Center to view the display of Mercy literature – you may even find something you want to check out!
Portraits of Catherine McAuley
Sunday, Sept 20 – Saturday, Sept 26 | BAGGOT STREET
For 200 years artists have created beautiful renditions of portraits of Catherine McAuley. View a number of these replicas in Baggot Street next time you stop in for a coffee at Aroma Joe’s.
Catherine’s Birthday
September 29
Catherine McAuley was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1778. As a young woman, she witnessed significant poverty and inequality around her. In 1824, using an inheritance she received, Catherine purchased property on Baggot Street in Dublin and began construction of what became the House of Mercy.
Today, Catherine McAuley’s legacy challenges us to ask:
What are the needs of our community today, and how are we called to respond?
Learn More About Catherine
In God Alone is a 23-minute historical drama about Catherine McAuley’s life and the founding of the Sisters of Mercy. It offers an engaging introduction to Catherine and the circumstances that shaped her ministry. Watch In God Alone through Mercy International.