Who are Mercy Associates?

    Mercy is a gift of God and a charism in the church and world. The charism of Mercy is compassion given shape by the needs of the world. In her time, Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, responded to sickness, poverty and ignorance by following Jesus and his merciful response to the needs of others. For more than 160 years, the Sisters of Mercy have experienced the support, collaboration and dedication of many who share the Mercy vision.

Today, we invite women and men from all walks of life and faith traditions who have experienced their own call to compassionate mercy, to cultivate that call by entering into a more formal relationship, as Mercy Associates, with the Sisters of Mercy.

 Together, we are better able to strengthen our spirituality, community life, and ministry to God’s people.

"By collaborating with others in works of mercy, we continually learn from them how to be more merciful."

--Sisters of Mercy Constitutions

Currently, the Regional Community of North Carolina has 118 Mercy Associates with several more in Pre-Associate studies. Pictured, above at left, are Associates Joan Farrell, Ewa Milewski and Maureen Squires who attended a recent Lenten Day of Recollection.

Mercy Association supports a mutually enriching relationship between the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and others that empowers a response to the call to Gospel holiness through sharing in spirit and mission. Mercy Associates make a commitment through a formal covenant with a regional community. Each associate extends the mission of Mercy in his or her own way, while maintaining an independent lifestyle. Association also provides mutual opportunities for friendship, prayer, service, hospitality and celebration. An associate's contact with Sisters of Mercy may be through a local group, work at a Mercy-affiliated organization or a personal friendship with a sister. Associates are welcome at many community gatherings.  For more information on becoming a Mercy Associate please contact us at: annmarie@mercync.org.

Click on the link in this sentence if you'd like an overview of the Mercy Associates Program.