Sisters say 'goodbye' to St Mary's

Sydney
19 January

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Sisters say 'goodbye' to St Mary's

Sr Christine Belling, congregational leader of the Sisters of Mercy, Gunnedah, and a former student of St Mary's College, at the college gate with Bishop Luc Matthys

The Sisters of Mercy, Gunnedah, are closing a significant chapter in their history next month when they hand ownership and operation of St Mary's College in Gunnedah over to the Bishop of Armidale, Bishop Luc Matthys.

After 125 years, says congregational leader Sr Christine Belling, they are "finding it increasingly difficult to meet the constantly developing challenges and complexities associated with being the owner and employer".

Sr Christine, who is also a former student of the college, says: "We are thankful that Bishop Matthys has supported us in our decision and that the trustees of the diocese of Armidale will become the owner and employer.

"As you will appreciate, this has not been an easy decision for the Sisters but we know it is the best for our employees and the families associated with the college.

"We now hand our heritage to the Bishop of Armidale, who, through the Catholic Schools Office, Armidale, and under the guidance of the parish priest of Gunnedah, and with the assistance of parents, will be responsible for St Mary's College."

The college was founded in 1879 soon after the arrival of three sisters from Singleton.

The boarding section closed in 1987, but the college has continued to meet the needs of young people from Gunnedah, Boggabri, Narrabri and districts.

The Sisters of Mercy have issued an invitation to past students and their families to attend the official handing over of St Mary's College to Bishop Matthys in a ceremony in the O'Driscoll Wing of the college at 11am, on Tuesday, February 4.

Past pupils and their families wishing to attend should advise the Mercy Centre on 6742 0911 by January 24.