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St. Joseph's Mercy Convent was established in 1861 by decree of Bishop Dalton. The building itself was constructed by an Irish carpenter, James Lane, and its durable rock foundation was built by the early Irish settlers. It had the distinction of being the first Mercy Convent to be established outside St. John's. The building still stands today after having served for almost 130 years as a Convent.

The Brigus Convent was opened for classes in September 1861, and its first occupants were four Sisters who came from Ireland.

Originally the boys and girls attended the same school. However, indications are that as early as 1870 the boys were provided with a male teacher. With the completion of St. Patrick's Hall in 1903, the boys were moved to classrooms there.

Besides people of the Roman Catholic faith, pupils of the Methodist and Anglican Schools also came for lessons at the old Convent. Two of the more notable of these were Captain Bob Bartlett and Dr. Roy Clarke.

In 1961 ceremonies were held commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the Convent, and in 1966, the building was subjected to a period of renovation.

Sold to business interests in 1995, it was operated as a dining establishment known as Heritage House, until it closed a few years later.

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The Old Roman Catholic Cemetary
25 July 2007
Irishtown Road, Brigus, Newfoundland