Sisters of Mercy Heritage Room & Archives

The convent, constructed on the banks of the Clarence River, was opened and blessed in December,1884. This building, with extensions in 1913, still functions as the Mother House of the Grafton Mercies. In February 1884 primary and secondary schools were opened. St Mary's College was built in 1929.

From these beginnings the Sisters of Mercy extended their role in education throughout the Clarence Valley. Three of the schools St Mary's, St Aloysius and Holy Spirit College have now been replaced by McAuley Catholic College. The congregation has become engaged in Education , Aged Health Care, Child Care and Social Work, with visitations to the sick and needy and to those in hospitals and prisons.

The sisters have also been influential throughout the region in the Arts, especially Music and Drama, since Sister Mary Clare organized the first "Grand Concert" in 1885.

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY