ALUMNI FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES

MVC’S ALUMNI RETREAT: Every fall, Mercy Volunteer Corps hosts a weekend long retreat specifically for MVC alumni. Past alumni retreat’s have been held in Sea Isle City, NJ and Cincinnati. Every winter, we host a virtual alumni retreat that is led by a Mercy partner. Retreats typically begin on Friday night and conclude by noon on Sunday. MVC staff and speakers present multiple sessions on Mercy, Social Justice, and Spirituality.

MERCY ASSOCIATION: Mercy Associates are lay persons (men, women, non-binary) who commit to carrying the charism of Mercy forward alongside the Sisters of Mercy. Associates commit to a formation process and are assigned a mentor. Time commitments vary by region and are often determined with your mentor. More information can be found here. Please feel free to reach out to staff as well – several members of staff are Mercy Associates and available for mentorship!

MVC EVENTS AND SPEAKER SERIES: Mercy Volunteer Corps hosts multiple virtual events including community spirituality nights and social justice speaker series. Spirituality Nights are interfaith and led by members of the Mercy community. Our speaker series works to highlight our Mercy Critical Concerns and offer educational information on social justice issues.

ALUMNI EVENTS BY MERCY VOLUNTEER CORPS

• Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Cincinnati Alumni Gathering, 5:30 – 7:30pm (contact Marie at MarieSchultz@mercyvolunteers.org for location details)
• Tuesday, November 12, 2024: Sacramento Alumni Gathering, 5:30 – 7pm (contact Marie at MarieSchultz@mercyvolunteers.org to RSVP by Sunday, November 10 and for location details)
• Wednesday, November 13, 2024: Philadelphia Alumni Gathering, 6 – 7:30pm (contact Keri at KeriGardner@mercyvolunteers.org for location details)
• Saturday, January 25, 2025: Virtual Alumni Retreat, 10:00am – 3pm ET The retreat theme is, “Insights into the Vision of Leadership Rooted and Routed in the Mercy Charism,” and our facilitator is Mercy Associate, Avis Clendenen. Avis is professor emerita of religious studies at Saint Xavier University in Chicago and currently serves in pastoral care at Mercy Circle. The retreat will offer time to explore our relationship in Mercy and renew our sense of community. Register for this opportunity of prayer, reflection, and sharing by filling out the form. The deadline to register is January 10, 2025.

SUPPORT MERCY VOLUNTEERS AND MVC

SUPPORT MERCY VOLUNTEERS: Provide in-city support and hospitality for the Mercy Volunteers near you. Support persons help Mercy Volunteers navigate their new city and their year of service experience. Check if MVC is located in your city then email MarieSchultz@mercyvolunteers.orgfor more information.

HELP RECRUIT FUTURE VOLUNTEERS: Share your MVC experience with students at a college fair (especially your alma mater), recruitment event, or virtual alumni Q&A. Please contact andreahaller@mercyvolunteers.org to offer help with recruitment efforts.

FUNDRAISE FOR MVC: Speak at your parish about Mercy Volunteer Corps and/or help organize a collection. Ask your friends and family to make a donation in support of Mercy Volunteer Corps.

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

Mercy Volunteer Corps stores your information in our alumni database. The information in our database is used to email you our monthly newsletter, let you know of events in your area, and mail you resources like our Lenten Reflection booklet.