Campus Ministry
Service Trip to Guyana, South America
During our recent school break nine students, along with Sister Jenny went on a trip that extended the Circle of Mercy over International Boarders. We joined students from Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women in Rochester to travel to Guyana, South America. The forty boys who live at the orphanage that is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy were also on spring break. Everyone had a great time playing games and doing crafts. Sister Julie Matthews and the boys were gracious hosts and introduced us to their traditions. A few games of cricket were played, along with the tasting of Guyanese food. We spent a great day exploring the Amazon Rainforest, School Masses and Prayer Services.
Campus Ministry
The Campus Ministry department works with students to plan school masses and prayer services. Students take an active role in masses and prayer services serving as lectors, cantors, gift bearers, altar servers, and extraordinary ministers of holy communion. Students often help by writing the petitions for mass, and contributing to the song selection for each mass. Prayer services have been planned by students focusing on various themes throughout the school year.
Celebrating the Legacy of Catherine McAuley
As a Mercy school we look to the example set by Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, in all that we do. Campus Ministry helps students to make the connection to the life and legacy of this incredible and selfless woman. We celebrate Catherine McAuley’s birthday and honor the anniversary of her death with a various activity. Every year we have our first school mass of the school year on Mercy Day (September 24th) and recognize our role in the Circle of Mercy.
Service
The Campus Ministry department provides a variety of service opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their school and community by giving back in meaningful ways As a Mercy school we look to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, and legacy of Catherine McAuley to help us structure our service program. Students have learned to practice hospitality in the spirit of Catherine McAuley as they prepare dinner each month for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of WNY. Mercy girls have enjoyed working with Journey’s End as we learn what it means to “stand in solidarity with immigrants”. Students have addressed the concerns of “practicing non violence” and “deepening our response to racism” by volunteering to help out at St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy. We are learning to “reverence the Earth” through our service with the Olmstead Parks Conservancy. Students have “embraced our particular concern for women” by supporting drives for women’s shelters and supporting the Harvest House Baby Ministry. Opportunities for service are posted outside the main office on the service lockers.
Retreats
Every grade level participates in a class retreat each school year. The class retreats provide an opportunity to bond as a class and celebrate friendships. All four retreats focus on the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy and the Legacy of Catherine McAuley in different ways. Freshmen are introduced to the Circle of Mercy, and seniors are encouraged to reflect on their Mercy experience as their time at Mount Mercy Academy comes to a close.
In the Community
In January, we were privileged to welcome Lauren Walier as a guest speaker to our school community. Julia Khoury '18, led the effort to bring Lauren to school and rallied the school community service to support Make Lemon Aide for CP. Lauren has Cerebral Palsy, but she has worked hard to overcome physical challenges associated with CP. Thanks to a newer form of physical therapy, Lauren has been able to go from using a wheelchair, to a walker, to walking independently. In addition, Lauren has been able to compete in ballroom dancing! Lauren's Make Lemon Aide for CP charity works to expand access to the Symptoms recovery Model of physical therapy that has been so successful for her and create awareness of CP. The money we raised as a school community in January supports these efforts. Pictured above was the Run, Walk, or Roll in Lauren's Shoes 5k and 1 mile fun walk. Julia Khoury, Liv Larson and Mary Colby participated in the event. It was incredibly inspiring to see so many CP warriors participating in the event despite physical challenges. Running is hard for healthy, able bodied beings, but this race was a good reminder to be thankful for sore muscles because you have the ability to use them! Easton Jordon, a CP warrior in WNY who is making great strides using the Symptoms Recovery Model. Easton completed the WHOLE 1 MILE WALK using his walker, and grinned the whole time. (He's the little guy in green). This is something that wouldn't have been possible without access to the Symptoms Recovery Model physical therapy.
