Conference for Mercy Higher Education promoting Catholic Mission, Spirit and Heritage A T cross the nation in Mercy Institutions, mercy spirit, heritage and mission is being celebrated and promoted through a wide variety of experiences and opportunities. What an explosion of wonderful energy! o quote President Tom Foley (Mount Aloysius College): The core values of the Sisters of Mercy are part of our institutional fabric. We want to ensure that qualities of respect, care and dignity are the rule not the exception, directly linking us to the Mercy traditions and core values hospitality, justice, service and mercy. This is certainly happening during MERCY Week on campuses of higher education. Read on for the latest account of what is happening: LITURGY An all-college liturgy on the feast of Our Lady of Mercy at Mount Aloysius Liturgy 25 th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Mt Mercy) Liturgy & Figures of Wisdom Induction (CSM) Mass to celebrate Mercy Day and the 85 th Year the Founding of Mount Mercy, followed by a brunch reception* Mass to celebrate Mercy Day at University of Saint Joseph Mercy Day Mass celebrated by the campus community with a planned tribute to the Sisters presented from the faculty (Georgian Court University) Mercy Day liturgy (Misericordia) On the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, we celebrate our Mercy heritage, the Sisters and Associates in Mercy in our midst, and this year, our new status as Gwynedd Mercy University! Fr. John Collins will preside; cake* for everyone will follow! Opening Mass of the Academic Year and blessing of student leaders and athletes, with a procession led by a bagpipe. An ice cream social follows liturgy.* (Carlow) Pray with the entire Saint Xavier University community that the special gifts of the Holy Spirit awe, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, understanding and wisdom will mark the new academic year. Sunday Liturgy with guest speaker, Sr. Regina Ward (Misericordia) University-wide liturgy at Salve Regina.
PRAYER Business Student Mission Retreat: Fellowship with other business majors and reflection on business leadership in the Mercy and Jesuit traditions. CBA student-athletes have been exempted from practice for this event. (UDM) Join your colleagues in offering prayers for the needs of our world and to receive a personal blessing for the new academic year (Carlow) Labyrinth walk (Carlow) Meditation Monday, an initiative of campus ministry, offers short prayer breaks one Monday each month (Carlow) Mercy Day Evening Prayer and Reception* (CSM) Mercy Day prayer led by Sr. Jean & Sr. Cindy (Misericordia) Mercy Peace Walk and Prayer, then go to lunch* (Mt Mercy) Prayer around the labyrinth (Carlow) Visio Divina St. John s Bible and Prayer (CSM) Walk of Faith-using Mercy Path on campus to explore one s own faith (University of Saint Joseph) EDUCATION / CLASSES / FILM / FORUMS / LECTURES 5th Annual Elden Curtiss Lecture Series: Mary and the Catholic Imaginations: Sightings in L.A. by Wendy M. Wright, Ph.D. (CSM) Academic Convocation: Mary Jo McGinley of Global Health Ministries will Challenge Us to Widen the Circle of Mercy. (Gwynedd Mercy) Carlow Roundtable Presentation: Faculty and staff present their experience and learnings about their summer trip to Carlow, Ireland (Misericordia) Guest speakers in classes all week: Topics on Current Issues Around the Critical Concerns by Marianne Comfort, Institute Justice Educator, and Sister Kathleen Erickson, WMW Justice Team. (CSM) Mercy in South Sudan: Sr. Angela Limiyo, RSM, a nurse and midwife who has lived in South Sudan, will tell her stories which focus on providing health care to the critically poor in that country. (UDM) Mercy Heritage Night: Sister Carol Jussaume, RSM on Living a Life of Mercy. This is a dinner discussion* and is open to all students. (Salve Regina) Mercy s Living Compassionate Service: Come and meet some Sisters of Mercy and learn about the work that they do in the community (University of Saint Joseph) Sister Marilyn Lacey, RSM, will speak at the first Seminar of the year: Valuing and Respecting Self and Others. (Carlow) Sr. Marie Michele Donnelly, RSM (adjunct professor at Gwynedd Mercy University) will present Common Good and Spirituality (Mount Aloysius)
Strategic Writing: Presentation by Sr. Sheila Carney on The History of the Sisters of Mercy and The Founding of the University, including the screening of Most Unexpected Opening: Sister Regis Grace and the Founding of Mount Mercy College. (Carlow) What is Mercy? video on the Salve Regina website. Widening the Circle: Stories of Emigration and Immigration: Hear the real-life experiences of staff and students who made the hard decision and challenging transition to life in the United States. (Gwynedd Mercy) Mt Mercy will have guest speakers in 40 classes on a variety of topics, and extend the outreach of Mercy to a nearby retreat center by offering one lecture/discussion there: Karen Donahue, RSM Do Corporations Really Rule the World? Israel-Palestine: What is this conflict all about? Immigration, Where do we go from here? Why do we have Gridlock in Congress? Marianne Comfort Being Peace Makers in a Culture of Violence What is the Cost of Convenience? The Impact of Healthcare Reform Advocacy 101 Jeanne Christensen, RSM Poverty: Facts, Figures and Faces Why Should We Educate Young People about the Dangers of Human Trafficking? What is Human Trafficking Also Known As Modern-Day Slavery? Building Partnerships to Eradicate Modern-Day Slavery Fair Trade: One Response to Economic Injustice Watering the Roots at the Wellspring of Mercy GIFTS / PRIZES Sr. Constance Walsh Scholarship Dedication (CSM) Carlow is sponsoring Random Acts of Kindness, a time of special sensitivity and goodness on campus through kindness to others. Make your roommate s bed, bring flowers to a colleague, help a classmate with an assignment. Write your good act on a post-it note. One post-it winner will be awarded a Kindle Fire HD tablet. Picnic and Firepit Marshmallows* Craft Contest depicting Where is the Spirit of Mercy at Mount Mercy? Winner of contest receives a $100 bookstore gift on Catherine s Birthday Raffle drawings and prizes awarded (Salve Regina) Service Awards dinner* (Misericordia) HOSPITALITY / MEALS Adult students reception: The Sisters of Mercy invite adult students to enjoy a light supper with them. (Carlow) Alumnae Celebration Luncheon (CSM)
Appreciation Brunch (CSM) Athletic Hall of Fame Breakfast (CSM) Breakfast to honor Misericordia s Mercy Associates, Sisters, and Integration Council Catholic Heart Coffee Break-providing free coffee to faculty and staff during morning (University of Saint Joseph) Comfortable Coup of Tea Reception with President Thomas Botzman (Misericordia) Dinner for the Sisters of Mercy (Mount Aloysius) Faculty and staff luncheon, courtesy of Salve Regina University. A special menu will be served indicative of the Irish roots of Catherine McAuley. Founder s Day Reception (CSM) Founder's Day Dinner (CSM) Gratitude Breakfast: The student government and the Mercy Collegiate Society host a Mercy Gratitude Breakfast where students invite the Sister of Mercy to come and be celebrated with poetry, spoken word, music and gifts. (Georgian Court University) Heritage Week Picnic on the Plaza (CSM) Ice Cream Sundae Bar (Misericordia) Lunch and Learn: Watering the Roots at the Wellspring of Mercy by Sr. Jeanne Christensen. (Mt Mercy) Tea: Widen your circle of Mercy by sharing a cup of tea and some homemade baked goods with members of the Gwynedd community in this lovely annual event Tea and Scones: The sisters on campus will oversee the distribution of tea and scones throughout Mount Aloysius College starts the commemoration of Mercy Week Plus* note other activities that offer the hospitality of food with the event SERVICE Commissioning: Call forth and commission representative Saint Xavier leaders students, alumni, staff, faculty, administrators, trustees and Sisters of Mercy blessing them for a leadership of service in the year ahead. Critical Concerns Week in October with the focus this year on Earth/Sustainability with the kick off speaker talking about resilience. (Georgian Court University) Diaper Drive for Catholic Charities (University of Saint Joseph) Immigration Reform table (Misericordia) Mercy Service Day: takes to the street to offer service in not-for-profit agencies around Pittsburgh, such as: serving food, recycling computers, painting, urban gardening. Service is what we do here at Carlow. It s been built into our campus since it was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, and everyone is keyed into that idea. More than 250 students working at more than 20 sites will make up the bulk of the volunteers for Mercy Service Day. Carlow faculty, staff, and a few alumni will swell the ranks to more than 300 volunteers. Includes welcome, breakfast*, prayer and rally. (Carlow)
Mercy Day of Service happening on campus as well as the greater Hartford area (University of Saint Joseph) Mission-Based Travel Immersed in Mercy: Are you interested in travel with meaning? Would you like to broaden your horizons and experience Mercy in different places, people, and cultures? Come to one of these sessions to learn about Alternative Spring Break (domestic/campus Ministry and international/school of Nursing) and August's Dublin Pilgrimage for Young Mercy Leaders! (Gwynedd Mercy) Missioning of Employees: 10-15 minute ceremony for employees grouped by buildings where they work. Missioning, a tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, is a way to remind us of and recommit ourselves to the Mission of education in this Mercy and Catholic institution where service for the common good is part of our identity and charism. (Mt Mercy) Scavenger Hunt and Meet & Greet local human service agencies (Mt Mercy) Service Recognition at Mt Mercy volleyball game: Recognition of past awards for Ministry and Service Awards and recognize a faculty/staff for their leadership in volunteerism and service Service Fair (Misericordia) Stuff the Bus : Donate back-to-school supplies and clothing for children (Misericordia) Volunteer Opportunity: Setup and Serve for the Catherine McAuley Center tea fundraiser (Mt Mercy) Widen Your Circle with Service: Mercy Commuters invites everyone to help assemble snack bags and make cards for children who receive their meals in soup kitchens. Community service is a great way for commuters to get involved, meet new people, and feel more connected to life at Gwynedd Mercy! AND YET MORE CREATIVE HAPPENINGS.. Arts and Crafts Sale Items: the Sisters of Mercy will sell items made by the elderly sisters (Carlow) Birthday Cake* in Christina s Place (CSM) Carlow Quilt: Enjoy the beautiful handmade quilt hanging in the lobby representing Carlow s history. There is one day where you can Meet the Carlow Quilt and hear the stories the quilt squares represent Campus Dedication: We extend the Mercy Week celebration into October with the rededication of the campus as the first peace campus in the United States, which was initially organized by S. Edwarda Barry our first mission officer. (Georgian Court University) Celebrating our Faith Traditions Fair: in collaboration with SIESA Club (Mt Mercy) Community/ Alumnae Art Exhibit Opening Reception* with a 90 th Celebration Champagne Toast (CSM)
Core Values Posters: Mercyhurst will display posters of the Core Values of the University. The posters were created by their graphics art students, and judged last spring. FiSH: What are you FISHing for? FiSH is a weekly student-led program of Campus Ministry. It's a chance to "talk about stuff that matters with people who care," designed to help students build community while growing in faith and talking about a wide variety of issues. Join us for our kickoff during Mercy Week, when student leaders will share their stories of "Catching" Mercy. (Gwynedd Mercy) Grab N Go at Graduate Center (Mt Mercy) Greeting: in the Salve Regina cafeteria, students will be greeted by representatives from the Mercy Honor Society, Sigma Phi Sigma, Mercy in Motion (student leadership team from campus ministry), the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Volunteer Corps and Mercy Associates. Happy Birthday, Catherine! Cupcakes and ice cream* at lunch celebrating Catherine s birth (Mt Mercy) Historical and artistic displays throughout Mount Aloysius College during Mercy Week Home Away from Home-orientation leaders providing students to make items to make residence hall rooms more home-like (University of Saint Joseph) Homecoming Weekend starts the end of Mercy week. It includes the Homecoming Dance, a series of athletic, social and fun activities, volleyball tournament, carnival food,* a cartoon artist, face painting, Joust Man, an obstacle course competition, make your own street sign or a spin art t-shirt, and dueling pianos will give diners at treat* (Mount Aloysius) Honor Society Induction: We are delighted to induct the newest members of the National Mercy Honor Society, chosen for their demonstrated commitment to Scholarship, Fidelity and Service. Dr. Felicia Barbieri will give the keynote. (Gwynedd Mercy) Irish Crosses: For Mercy day, Mercyhurst will install historic Irish crosses in 6 classrooms in the building the Sisters of Mercy built. We have gifts of the Celtic, St. Bridget, and Penal crosses. The university carpenter replicated the Sisters of Mercy Rosary Cross (doubling its size for easier visibility), and their ceramics artist-professor made Mercy crosses. Each cross is accompanied by a plaque which describes its significance, and the donor s name and relation to the university. For purchase of Mercy Crosses, see footnote.** Irish Step Dancers perform (Misericordia) Live Improvisation: of Catherine McAuley, Mother Leo Gallagher, and Mother Constance Walsh by the Heritage Players (CSM) Mercy Day display (Misericordia) Mercy Heritage Celebration: Reunion for alumni of the Mercy College of Detroit ADN and BSN programs, including Mass, reception* and tours. (UDM)
Pictures: Ever wonder what you d look like as an old time Sister of Mercy? Try on a veil and have your photo taken with Frances Warde! We ll have adornments for Frances to enhance her style. Cookies will be served*. (Carlow) Reception:* Welcome and converse with Sister of Mercy leaders whose years of service have been guided by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Mercy founder Catherine McAuley s love of God, compassion for others and commitment to education. (SXU) Sigma Phi Sigma Induction (Gwynedd Mercy) Tea Time with TEAM-learning about the healing powers of tea from around the world (University of Saint Joseph) Unveiling: The Sisters of Mercy and Associates invite the UDM community to join in the celebration of Mercy Day on Sept. 24, the anniversary of Catherine McAuley's opening of the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland in 1827, by blessing the sculpture, "Spirit of Mercy," created by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, an adjunct faculty member in the School of Architecture. Refreshments follow the program.* USJ Community Book Club and Author talk (University of Saint Joseph) Vox Nova Mercy Concert open to the public - in the Our Lady of Mercy Chapel which was built in 1922 and contains unique architecture and exquisite acoustics. (Mount Aloysius) Walking Tour of Mercy: Anne King and Kristy Raine highlight the history and development of Mount Mercy over the past 85 years of growth. Walking Woman Campus Tours (CSM) Thinking Ahead: Mercyhurst has plans under way for art projects for campus buildings, to be done in the spring of 2014 and rolled out in the fall of 2014 during Mercy week. ** Two sources to purchase Mercy Crosses or other items for your campus: Mercy Center St. Louis Large Mercy Crosses: 12" H x 7-1/2"W. See: Mercy crosses. Made of light oak with clear sealer, inside routing in dark brown. There is a keyhole routing on back for hanging. Price: USD $15.00 (Shipping/handling not included.) Contact: Bonnie Reinwart, Mercy Center, 2039 N Geyer Rd, St. Louis MO 63131, Phone: 314 966 4686, Fax: 314 909 4631. The Mercy World Website: www.mercyworld.org, under resources