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RESOURCES FOR MERCY & JUSTICE

After more than 35 years walking with Mercy Volunteers during their year of service, Mercy Volunteer Corps has collected many resources focusing on our core values, the critical concerns, and the spirituality and heritage of our Mercy community. Through this page, we would like to share just a small portion of these resources with you. We hope this resource hub is a place where you can learn more about our values and continue in your formation in Mercy.

MERCY & CATHERINE’S STORY

Learn more about Catherine’s story and her life in Ireland by visiting Mercy International Association’s website here. Catherine’s story is foundational to understanding our Mercy heritage and how we the Mercy community can continue to carry forth her vision. 

CATHERINE:

MERCY:

MERCY HOLIDAYS

MERCY DAY: Mercy Day is celebrated on September 24th, the day Catherine McAuley opened the doors of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street in Dublin. This years resources include: a prayer service, a pre-recorded Mercy Day mass, and a Mercy Day Poem.

REMEMBRANCE DAY: On November 11th we remember Catherine’s death date. Resources include a prayer service, video narration of Catherine’s last days, and virtual mass from Mercy International Association.

FOUNDATION DAY: On December 12th, we celebrate the foundation of the Sisters of Mercy when Catherine took her vows. A prayer service is available here.

MERCY CRITICAL CONCERNS

The Sisters of Mercy have five critical concerns which they use to focus their social justice efforts. These include Racism, Earth, Immigration, Non-Violence, and Women. Below are just a few resources on these critical concerns. A full webpage for our Mercy Critical Concern Anti-Racism Calendar can be found here. 

RACISM

EARTH

IMMIGRATION

NON-VIOLENCE

WOMEN

SPIRITUALITY

Mercy Spirituality is unique. It’s inclusive, it’s interfaith, it’s a space to grow spirituality no matter what you believe. Come as you are. We hope these tools help guide you in your formation. 

MERCY SPIRITUALITY:

CONNECTING WITH MERCY:

  • If you’re discerning joining the Sisters of Mercy or have questions about religious life in general, get in touch with the New Membership Team! More information is available here
  • Consider joining Mercy Association! Mercy Associates are lay people (men, women, non-binary) who commit to walking with Sisters of Mercy as they carry Catherine’s vision into the future. For more information click here or reach out to an MVC staff member (more than half of us are Mercy Associates!).  

HOLY SEASONS

LENT: Each year, Mercy Volunteer Corps celebrates the Lenten Season by creating and mailing a Lenten Spirituality Guide with stories, prayers, and quotes. Other Lenten resources include: a Lenten Prayer, Taize, and Mercy Meatless Mondays Recipes.

ADVENT: The Sisters of Mercy release an Advent Blog Reflection Series each year to help prepare for Christmas. The blogs can be found on their website. This year, Mercy Education System of the Americas created reflection guides for all ages to pair with the blog series. Other advent resources include Virtual Taize Prayer Night, Advent Retreats, and an Advent Prayer.

*Resources without links will be updated seasonally. 

LIVING SIMPLY IN COMMUNITY

One of Mercy Volunteer Corps Core Values is living simply in community. In this section, you’ll find resources on both community and simplicity. Community is more than who you live with, it’s how you relate to those you are surrounded by. Likewise, simplicity is more than striving to be more eco-friendly, it’s creating a more intentional space to listen, learn, and find time for self-care. 

SIMPLICITY

COMMUNITY

PARTNERS IN MINISTRY

Mercy Volunteer Corps partners with multiple organizations who support Mercy, our Catholic identity, social justice issues related to the Mercy Critical Concerns, and MVC’s core values. Below are just a few:

MERCY & FAITH CONNECTIONS:

SOCIAL JUSTICE & CORE VALUES CONNECTIONS:

ADDITIONAL LINKS

In addition to our partners, Mercy Volunteer Corps also admires the work of the many organizations committed to community, spirituality, social justice, simplicity, and compassionate service. Here are just a few:

  1. Mercy Education System of the Americas
  2. Conference for Mercy Higher Education

FOR RETREATS AND SPIRITUALITY NIGHTS:

  1. Cranaleith Spiritual Center
  2. Mercy by the Sea
  3. Mercy Center Burlingame 
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