MELF Cohort 3 Visits The United Nations In New York

Mercy In Action

Mary’s Grenfell Ministry

Community Development

Mary’s Grenfell Ministry

Community Development

Mary’s Grenfell Ministry

After arriving six years ago in Grenfell, New South Wales, Sr. Mary Corkeron has been embraced by the community as she undertakes her ministry with the philosophy of ‘just be’. When asked to describe why she chose to live in Grenfell, 370 kilometres west of Sydney, Sr. Mary Corkeron says emphatically, ‘It chose me!’. After living in Canberra for twenty years, Mary had a yearning to live in a country community. Following a drive around Western New South Wales in 2018 with Sr. Deirdre Gardiner, they came across Grenfell which is a town of approximately 3000 people and one where the Sisters of Mercy had been part of the community from 1887-1977. “A lot of locals say this, that there is something about Grenfell that draws you in. Arriving here gave me an immediate sense of inner peace and just felt right.” Click on the read more button to view the full article.

Being Present With Seniors

Assisted Living

Being Present With Seniors

Assisted Living

Being Present With Seniors

Older people who have company tend to live longer and sweeter, and with fewer downturns in health, than those who are socially isolated. Sr. Mary Riordan’s ongoing ministry in Mercy Life, an initiative of the Sisters of Mercy in Mobile, brings a group together in Assisted Living, mostly African American men and women, for a weekly Bible study session. Usually another sister participates with Mary also. Participants love the sessions, and rely on Mary not only as a person who knows her scripture, but as a trustworthy companion on their journey. Click on the read more button to read Sr. Mary's reflection.

Women’s Economic Empowerment In Africa

Stories of Service

Women’s Economic Empowerment In Africa

Stories of Service

Women’s Economic Empowerment In Africa

With partnerships in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia, Microfinancing Partners in Africa (MPA) empowers those living in extreme poverty to lift themselves up with dignity through services and education. Its Women’s Economic Empowerment Project provides women- led organizations with boreholes, which supply clean drinking water and water for agricultural projects, helping to address the root causes of poverty, including exclusion from crop production. The project’s beneficiaries are also in existing women-led micro-lending groups, which provide microfinancing loans for agricultural income-generating projects.

Sr. Rosali Vargas Takes Up A New Teaching Position In Chulucanas

Community Education

Sr. Rosali Vargas Takes Up A New Teaching Position In Chulucanas

Community Education

Sr. Rosali Vargas Takes Up A New Teaching Position In Chulucanas

Sr. Rosali Vargas has recently started a new teaching position in Chulucanas, in northern Peru. It’s a challenging teaching job. Chulucanas is a town in Piura Region, Peru. It lies in the Piura Valley, just north of the confluence of the Charanal River with the Piura River. Chulucanas is the administrative seat for both Chulucanas District and Morropón Province. The town is famous for its pottery. Sr. Rosali has moved to Chulucanas, where she has begun to teach a large class of children.  Classes started on March 11, following the school’s opening on March 1. Click on the read more button to view the full story.

Rainwater Harvesting Project In Haiti Provides Clean Water

Mercy Focus on Haiti

Rainwater Harvesting Project In Haiti Provides Clean Water

Mercy Focus on Haiti

Rainwater Harvesting Project In Haiti Provides Clean Water

Mercy Focus on Haiti Rainwater Harvesting Project was developed to address the urgent need for clean and accessible water in Gros Morne, a small city about four hours north of the capital. Haiti faces critical challenges, including the availability of clean and accessible water, a fundamental right for everyone. The scarcity of water causes food shortages, a myriad of health issues and grave suffering. The Rainwater Harvesting Project requires the construction of 500 to 2,000-gallon cisterns to collect and store rainwater from rooftops. The cisterns are located next to homes, schools, parishes and farms, so women and children no longer walk miles each day to fetch water from the nearest well or river and carry it home on their heads. Families save precious time when they have nearby access to clean water.

YouthWell Pilot Program - Aiming To Improve Health Services For Young Adults transitioning out of foster care

Mercy First

YouthWell Pilot Program - Aiming To Improve Health Services For Young Adults transitioning out of foster care

Mercy First

YouthWell Pilot Program - Aiming To Improve Health Services For Young Adults transitioning out of foster care

In recent weeks, MercyFirst announced its selection as one of three foster care agencies to participate in a first-of-its-kind, public-private partnership with Northwell Health, the NYC Administration for Children's Services, and the Center for Fair Futures to provide youth transitioning out of foster care with easier access to medical and behavioral health care. “MercyFirst is committed to the wellbeing of youth transitioning out of foster care and Northwell Health’s YouthWell pilot program is an excellent way to ensure they begin their journey into adulthood in good health,” said Renee Skolaski, MercyFirst President & CEO. “We are grateful to Northwell Health for helping young adults during an already challenging transition by providing access to quality care and helping them to navigate our complicated health care system, and we are honored to join ACS, the Center for Fair Futures and our peer agencies in bringing this important program to our youth across Queens.” Click the read more button to view the full article.

MGA Attends The 68th Commission On The Status of Women

Mercy Global Action

MGA Attends The 68th Commission On The Status of Women

Mercy Global Action

MGA Attends The 68th Commission On The Status of Women

From March 11–22, MGA had the pleasure of participating in the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), the UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality. This year’s priority theme focused on accelerating gender equality and women’s empowerment by “addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, and financing with a gender perspective." You can read MGA’s position statement for the Commission here. Click on the read more button to view Mercy Global Action's position statement for the Commission.

Paths Of Hope Project

Stories of Service

Paths Of Hope Project

Stories of Service

Paths Of Hope Project

The Paths of Hope Project in Panama seeks a life of dignity for all women by addressing their basic social and economic needs, such as the ability to work and participate in society, to access food and water, and to live in secure and peaceful environments. The project, which is a direct response to growing social conflict and violence, coordinates its efforts with the Ministries of Health, Social Development, and Environment and the National Secretariat for Women, Children, and Adolescents.

Mercy Matters

 On This Day

Fact

On This Day

April 25, 1853

Foundation to Lancaster from Liverpool (closed July 1928).

Philippines Sisters Reflect On Hope-Esperanza Conference In Chicago

Conferences

Philippines Sisters Reflect On Hope-Esperanza Conference In Chicago

Six Sisters of Mercy from the Philippines were among the approximately 250 women religious under the age of 65 who attended the Hope- Esperanza 2024 Conference in Chicago in January. Click the read more button for a series of reflections about what it meant for them to participate in person in this dynamic event, which was sponsored by the Leadership Collaborative and drew sisters worldwide, including 100 women who took part virtually.

Nomination Process Now Open for Sister Corinne Raven Mercy Education Leadership Award

Mercy Education Award

Nomination Process Now Open for Sister Corinne Raven Mercy Education Leadership Award

The nomination process is now open for the Sister Corinne Raven Mercy Education Leadership Award. The award, established in 2022, was named for Sister Corinne Raven, RSM, a pillar of our Mercy Education community. This annual award recognizes one individual each year who has made a lasting impact on Mercy education and inspired others through commitment to our Mercy Education Core Values. The late Sister Rosemary Herron, RSM, and Sandy Flaherty and Angie Simonetti are past recipients. Nominees must be from educational ministries that are part of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Nominations will be accepted through July 15, 2024. The recipient will be announced at the Mercy Education Conference in October 2024. Click on the read more button for more information and the nomination form.

Mercy Beyond Borders Haiti Appeal

Mercy Beyond Borders

Mercy Beyond Borders Haiti Appeal

Haiti is collapsing. According to the UN, at least one million Haitian people are at imminent risk of starvation. Families are resorting to eating “cookies” made of clay baked with salt. Markets are empty. Farmers can’t get their produce to market because gangs block the roads. Mercy Beyond Borders' Haitian staff remain with our 114 high school and university Scholars.  Our learning center stays open and busy with computers, internet access, tutors, counselors, leadership workshops, and more. To address the alarming hunger crisis, we offer a hot meal every weekday to all our Scholars. Many of them save half of their portion to share with others.
As needs escalate and prices rise, we’re facing a serious cash crunch. A generous donor has stepped up to offer a $25,000 match for every donation up to that total. Here’s your chance to do something wonderful: Give What You Can. You will be keeping hope alive in Haiti. Feeding the hungry. Keeping girls in school. Standing with the poor.

Mercy Mission Formation Network 2024 Gathering

Mercy Mission Formation Network’

Mercy Mission Formation Network 2024 Gathering

The Mercy Mission Formation Network (MMFN) is for people involved in mission-related roles in ministries with a Mercy heritage across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The network, which has been operating for many years, meets annually, and new members are most welcome. This year, the MMFN annual gathering will be held from May 8–10 in Melbourne at the Catholic Leadership Centre, East Melbourne, where participants will explore the theme of ‘Synodality in Our Mercy Space.' Sr. Elizabeth Davis RSM, will be hosting a breakfast session on Friday, May 10, as part of the MMFN 2024 Program. During this session, Sr. Elizabeth will discuss What Does Synodality Look Like in the Mercy World?’. Click on the read more button for more information or to view the proposed agenda.

Mercy Works In Papua New Guinea

Community Development

Mercy Works In Papua New Guinea

Dome 2 village, in the far western province of PNG, is a West Papuan refugee community that faces daily hardship. An almost forgotten community with little to no government support. In recent weeks, Sr. Sally Bradley, Executive Director of Mercy Works, visited Dome 2. Watch Sally's powerful video message from Papua New Guinea, where Mercy Works projects are positively impacting the daily lives of members of this community.

Mercy Spirituality Online Certificate Program

Mercy Spirituality

Mercy Spirituality Online Certificate Program

The Georgian Court University Online Certificate program in Mercy Spirituality is open for bookings. This online program is led by Sr. Mary-Paula Cancienne, Ph.D., and Dr. Johann M. Vento and combines formal academic coursework, spiritual reflection, and thoughtful dialogue with people from around the world. The Online Certificate in Mercy Spirituality features five 10-week courses and three online retreats and reflects conversations with people from the Mercy community worldwide. Click on the read more button for further information.

Cultural Week At Mercy High School Omaha

Cultural Engagement

Cultural Week At Mercy High School Omaha

In recent weeks, students at Mercy High School in Omaha, Nebraska, celebrated Cultural Week 2024. This celebratory week gave students the opportunity to learn about their classmates' heritage and experience all the beautiful cultures represented at the school. The week concluded with student performers exhibiting poetry, dance, and music.

Otago Polytechnic Thermodynamic Student Tour

Student Engagement

Otago Polytechnic Thermodynamic Student Tour

In early April, Mercy Hospital Dunedin hosted its annual student visit from Otago Polytechnic. This is an opportunity for students to see the theory they have learned being put into practice in a real-world context. These engineering students will go on to be the mechanical design engineers of the future. Students can gain valuable knowledge from this unique learning experience. Mercy Hospital Dunedin would like to thank Mark McDonald and Ethan Ruppersburg for showcasing what Mercy has achieved over the last few years in plant upgrades.

Sr. Helen Mary Harding RIP (1945–2024)

Mercy Condolences

Sr. Helen Mary Harding RIP (1945–2024)

Mercy International Association would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Sisters of Mercy in Newfoundland on the death of Sr. Helen Harding. Helen was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, in 1945 to Gerald Harding and Geraldine Mulcahy of Bay Bulls. Helen joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1962, where she took the religious name Sr. Mary Richardine. Helen had a distinguished teaching career, was the principal of many schools, and held a MA in education. Throughout her life, Helen was a leader, an administrator, and an organizer. Helen was elected to the leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy, serving as a team member for eight years and then as leader for another eight years. Helen was an independent and strong woman, known for her calmness, patience, and creativity. Moreover, Helen had great trust and belief in her colleagues. In recent years, Helen was chair of the Members of Mercy International Association, where she is remembered for her dedicated service, professionalism, and leadership. Additionally, she held the position of Chair on the Board of Directors. Click on the read more button to view Sr. Diane Smyth's eulogy for Sr. Helen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Mercy Takes Steps To Build New Medical Campus In Wentzville

Mercy Health

Mercy Takes Steps To Build New Medical Campus In Wentzville

In early April, Mercy filed a letter of intent with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to construct a 75-bed, next-generation hospital in Wentzville, Missouri. By addressing the soaring population growth in the state’s tri-county area, encompassing St. Charles, Lincoln, and Warren counties, Mercy hopes to bring care to the significant number of patients who live in those counties today. With a projected investment of $650 million, the 483,000-square-foot medical complex will be located on approximately 60 acres near the intersection of Interstate 64 and Interstate 70 and be the state’s first completely new acute-care hospital campus built since 2015, when Mercy opened its hospital in Joplin following the 2011 tornado. Click the read more button for the full story.

Mercy International Association Call For Volunteers

Volunteering

Mercy International Association Call For Volunteers

Have you ever wondered what is it like to volunteer at Mercy International Association? Each year Mercy International Association hosts volunteers from across our Mercy world including men and women from America, Australia, the UK, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. Volunteers are hugely important to the day-to day running of Catherine’s House and support all programming and event activities. Listen to Evelyn and Phil share their experiences of volunteering at Mercy International Association. For further information on volunteering at Mercy International Association, please contact Avril at: facilities@mercyinternational.ie

Educators Share The Blessings Of Mercy Association

Mercy Associates

Educators Share The Blessings Of Mercy Association

“A group of my colleagues were in formation to become Mercy Associates. Every month they’d return from their meetings so full of excitement and new ideas. I didn’t know what Mercy Association was, but I knew something special was going on!” Susan Smith, Associate Director for Leadership Formation for Mercy Education, shared this memory from her time at Waldron Mercy Academy in the 1990s. She said that “hearing their excitement about the process and how it fulfilled a special place in their heart” led her to become a Mercy Associate in 1999. Stories like Susan’s continue to unfold today in our Mercy schools around the globe, as the charism enlivens the hearts of lay faculty and staff seeking deeper engagement with the Sisters of Mercy, their spiritual life and their pledge of service to others and to our Earth. Click the read more button to learn more about the Mercy Association from educators, administrators, and board members from around the world. 

Faiths In Focus

Interfaith Engagement

Faiths In Focus

Sr. Sheila Curran is a member of the Dublin City Interfaith Forum. This faith-based organisation has members from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Bahà’í, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities present in Dublin. In recent weeks, the Dublin City Interfaith Forum has collaborated with the Chester Beatty Library to develop a unique and thought-provoking video series titled 'Faiths in Focus'. In the series, objects selected from the Chester Beatty collections sparked insightful conversations amongst DCIF members about what their faith means to them in Ireland today. Sr. Sheila Curran appears in episodes 3 and 4. 

Financing With Dignity: Aligning Capital And Values For Gender Justice

Mercy Global Action

Financing With Dignity: Aligning Capital And Values For Gender Justice

In mid-March, Mercy Global Action hosted a workshop event titled ‘Financing with Dignity: Aligning Capital and Values for Gender Justice’, moderated by Jemima Welsh, MGA Women’s Leadership Development and Advocacy Associate. This unique discussion-based workshop featured Sr. Marilyn Lacey rsm, Executive Director of Mercy Beyond Borders; Bryan Pini, President of Mercy Investment Services; Ciara Feehely, Head of Fundraising and Communications at VITA; and Elizabeth Garlow, Co-Founder of the Francesco Collaborative. Click the read more button to view Mercy Global Action's latest newsletter or on the workshop image for a recoding of the workshop.

Head of Communications

Recruitment

Head of Communications

MIA is seeking to recruit an experienced and visionary professional to become its Head of Communications. The person will be based in MIA’s headquarters at the Mercy International Centre, Baggot Street, Dublin, Ireland. The Head of Communications is responsible for MIA’s public engagement in support of the organisation’s overall mission and strategic plan. The Head of Communications plays an important convening role with Mercy ministries, colleagues and partners globally. For more information on the role, click on the read more button.

Further Resources

World Day For Safety And Health At Work 2024

Worth Knowing

World Day For Safety And Health At Work 2024

Changing weather patterns are impacting on the world of work. Every year on April 28, people worldwide observe World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This year’s theme will centre around the consequences of climate change. It aims to emphasize the consequences for workplace safety and health.

Click
A Reflection on John 15:1-17.

Worth Reading

A Reflection on John 15:1-17.

Read Kathleen Rushton's powerful reflection for Tui Motu Interislands magazine on the image of the vine and the branches in John 15:1–17.

Read
Reflection on the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B

Worth Reading

Reflection on the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B

Read Sr. Veronica Lawson's insightful reflection on the Gospel on the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B (John 15:1–8).

Read
Together We Grow Podcast

Worth Playing

Together We Grow Podcast

Listen to Season Two of the Together We Grow podcast series by Mercy Connect. This fascinating podcast tackles contemporary issues impacting people with disabilities and those working in the sector.

Listen
Your Catholic Corner Podcast

Worth Playing

Your Catholic Corner Podcast

Join New Zealand host, Julie South for Your Catholic Corner podcast. In this episode, Julie delves into the theme of the cycles of spiritual growth.

Listen
The Blessing Of Friendship

Worth Reading

The Blessing Of Friendship

Here is a fascinating article by Sr. Judith Best for the Global Sisters Report on the fascinating friendship between human rights activist and Catholic Worker co-founder Dorothy Day and Trappist Monk Fr. Thomas Merton.

Read
Take Care Of The Holy Name, The Rest Will Follow

Worth Reading

Take Care Of The Holy Name, The Rest Will Follow

Read Simcha Fisher's thought-provoking article for The Catholic Weekly on how we treat and use the name of Jesus in our daily lives. 

Read
Is A Christian Revival Underway In Britain?

Worth Reading

Is A Christian Revival Underway In Britain?

Read Justin Brierley's fascinating article for the Spectator Magazine on how British people are embracing Christianity.

Read
Meeting Martin In Memphis

Worth Reading

Meeting Martin In Memphis

Read Sr. Mary O'Connor's powerful reflection on justice and inequality in our world today. This article was first published on the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy website.

Read
New Vatican Document - Dignitas Infinita

Worth Reading

New Vatican Document - Dignitas Infinita

Read the National Catholic Reporter's comprehensive report on the new Vatican document, Dignitas Infinita, which was published in early April 2024.

Read
Habitats Of The Basileia: Essays In Honour Of Elaine M. Wainwright

Worth Watching

Habitats Of The Basileia: Essays In Honour Of Elaine M. Wainwright

Watch a recording of the book launch (Habitats of the Basileia: Essays in Honour of Sr. Elaine M. Wainwright RSM) held on March 20, 2024. This unique publication features essays from theologians who have been influenced by Elaine and her remarkable work in the fields of scriptural, ecological, and feminist theology.

Watch

Mercy eNews

The newsletter of Mercy International Association is published monthly and distributed to subscribers via email. If you have any queries about the newsletter, please contact mercyenews@mercyinternational.ie

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