On September 24, 1827, the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, moved by deep compassion and concern for the poor of Dublin, Ireland opened the doors to the House of Mercy on Baggot Street. The house primarily served as a school for the education of poor young girls and a residence for homeless girls. Mercy continued to grow as the Sisters of Mercy and their associates and partners sought to bring Mercy to the most vulnerable among us, and today the reach of Mercy spans the globe.
Mercy Day is an important day for the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates, and MESA (Mercy Education System of the Americas), hospitals, and institutions throughout the world as we celebrate 192 years of Mercy and the future of Mercy in a world that is hungry for it.
Mater Christi School celebrated Mercy Day with a vibrant liturgy, and “made Mercy real” by putting Mercy into action. On September 23rd, students, parents and the Assistant Head of School for Religious, Spiritual and Community Life volunteered with Mercy Community Service, Mater Christi’s community service team, at the Ronald McDonald House in Burlington, VT. They made salad, dinner, and dessert for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House who have hospitalized children being treated at the hospital. On September 24th, our third grade teacher, Mrs. Coulter, the third grade class, many parent volunteers, and the Assistant Head of School for Religious, Spiritual and Community Life gleaned apples at the UVM Horticulture Farm and donated over 1200 pounds of apples to the Vermont FoodBank.
We look forward to more opportunities to “make Mercy real” this year!
Jason Moore
Assistant Head of School for Religious, Spiritual and Community Life