Welcome to Mercy Cross

As the new year begins, I am excited about what the future holds for Mercy Cross High School. I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome that has been given me upon my return to Mercy Cross. Each year brings about new challenges, and it is because of all of your support to our students that Mercy Cross remains strong.

Through the dedication and commitment of the supporters of Mercy Cross, our Catholic Identity remains strong. Mercy Cross High School carries a wonderful history and rich tradition that I am proud to be a part of. With the help of each of you, I hope to continue the traditions established that have made the school what it is today. Our supporters allow us to provide a quality Catholic education for grades 7-12 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Your presence at Mercy Cross events, both athletic and academic, is important to our success. I would like to personally invite you to continue your active participation in the life of our children. It is the role models like yourselves that our children look up to for guidance. God bless each of you.

-- Mr. Bobby Trosclair, Principal

Introduction to our Beliefs, Mission, and Vision

In February 2000, the Mercy Cross Community Council (School Board) began a long-range project intended to solidify Mercy Cross in the 21st Century and prepare students for life in the millennium. During the spring of 2000, input was solicited from parents, students, faculty, Catholic Diocese of Biloxi personnel, pastors, feeder school principals, and representatives-at-large from the community on the beliefs, goals, needs, strengths, weaknesses etc. of Mercy Cross High School. Both surveys and focus group meetings were used to gather data. (This project was cited in Part I: Profile of this report; an outline of the steps employed in the study appears on page 9.)

On May 31, 2000, a committee of the Community Council took all the data and drafted a Vision Statement and a proposed Mission Statement for Mercy Cross High School. These statements were edited and formally adopted by the Community Council on June 6, 2000 (see School Board minutes) and, subsequently, were posted in each classroom, in the handbook, and on the school’s Web Page.

On November 24, 2002, a group met to review the Mission and Vision Statements and the beliefs underlying the statements. The members were also presented the findings of the Profile section of the SACS report and considered long-range goals for Catholic education prepared by the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). This group included representative(s) from the parents, priests, faculty, students, and Community Council. Some adjustments were made to the belief statements; the Mission and Vision Statements were reaffirmed as written.

Our Beliefs

• Every child is a child of God Every child can learn.
• Our faith leads our students to service.
• Our atmosphere encourages our students to reach their full potential.
• A diverse student body promotes an open-minded and tolerant school.
• Our Catholic/Christian environment encourages a love of learning.
• Our school and our Church assist the parents who are the primary educators of their children.
• Faith and academics go hand in hand.
• Fine arts are integral to a well-rounded student.
• Student growth is the measure of a superior education.

Our Vision

Mercy Cross High School is a Catholic high school in South Mississippi that produces Christian disciples with high morals who excel academically and who become responsible citizens and leaders of the future.

Our Mission

Mercy Cross High School is committed to provide a Catholic environment that encourages a love of learning.