Charism
The Sisters of Mercy are a multicultural, international community of Catholic women who vow service to those made economically poor, especially women and children. The Sisters of Mercy are inspired by the courageous and compassionate example of their founder, Catherine McAuley. In 1831, at the age of 50, she used an inherited fortune to build the first House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland to care for abandoned and abused women and children. Impelled by the message of the Gospel, her sisters continue her efforts to reach out to the poor, sick, and uneducated persons wherever they may be.
Ministries
Today, over 10,000 Sisters of Mercy serve the global community. Over 4,000 Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, joined by over 3,000 associates and volunteers, continue the mission of Catherine McAuley. Throughout the world, the Sisters of Mercy live and minister in over 40 countries and in almost every state in the U.S., carrying out their mission of service in a life inspired by prayer and sustained by their community's support.
The Sisters of Mercy may find themselves working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC and at the UN and on the frontlines of inner-city poverty and reconstruction in hurricane-ravaged Louisiana. Sisters of Mercy may serve as teachers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, social workers, peace activists, lobbyists, foster mothers, pastoral ministers, hospital chaplains, and other works of service. You will find sisters working on such timely and critical issues as immigration reform, prison ministry, homelessness, housing, healthcare, education and the environment.
Vision of Religious LIfe
Even though Catherine McAuley founded the community over 175 years ago, the vision of the Sisters of Mercy remains unchanged. The lives of the Sisters must continue to be centered in Christ and rooted in prayer. Catherine McAuley viewed prayer and service as reciprocal dimensions of spirituality. Catherine's own words clearly express the importance of contemplation and action, "Above all things, constant fervent prayer," and "The poor need help today, not next week." The vision of the Sisters of Mercy continues to be one of a close-knit community of Christ-centered women working towards a humanity with less hunger, sickness, poverty, and injustice.
When describing the qualities necessary in a woman seeking membership in the Sisters of Mercy Catherine McAuley responded simply, "...an ardent desire to be united to God and to serve the poor."
Our vocation ministers are here to help you at any time during your discerning process, to shed whatever light we can, answer your questions and help you think throught the possibility of becoming a Mercy. We welcome the opportunity to chat with you and we also invite you to join us in one of our many activities in your area.
If you are interested in considering a life as a Sister of Mercy please contact:
Sister Mary Hartnett, RSM
Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community
Mercy Center
310 South Manning Boulevard
Albany, NY 12208
Office: (518) 437-3017
Cell: (845) 826-5915
Website: www.sistersofmercy.org
Email: mhartnett@mercynortheast.org
