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A Calling to be Present

byRoz Parr

By Mercy Volunteer Lauren Scheunemann, Detroit, Michigan —
When I was discerning what to do after I graduated from college, there was truly no question as to whether or not I wanted to commit to a year of service, it was just a matter of where and with what program. After my application and interview process with Mercy Volunteer Corps (MVC), it was clear to me this is where I belonged.

Reflection on Easter Life

byRoz Parr

By Sister Carolyn McWatters — These days, in the northern hemisphere, we are offered a splendid visual metaphor for Jesus’ risen life which Easter celebrates. Our senses are engaged by the feel, the sight and the smells of breezes, sunlight, baby animals and the gorgeous display of flowers and trees in bloom. Fresh, new life abounds, enlivening us with wonder and gratitude. Divinity is truly on display!

The Gift of Service: A Reflection for Holy Thursday

byRoz Parr

By Sister Jeanne O’Rourke — Holy Thursday not only calls us to serve one another, but, most importantly, to bring our gift of service to the table of the Lord where we hear the words spoken by Jesus. It is here we receive the GIFT.

So Much More Than Stayin’ Alive

byRoz Parr

By Mercy Volunteer Susan Donnelly — Some days, the world around us may feel like “stayin’ alive” is a reasonable goal. Here at Mercy Center we hope and work for so much more.

Celebration in Guyana: A reflection for Palm Sunday

byRoz Parr

By Sister Denise Lyttle — Guyana is a diverse country, ethnically and religiously. Christians are the minority. Palm Sunday and Good Friday are our biggest public witness. As part of our celebration we re-enact the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem by having processions throughout the streets of Guyana.

Bury the Dead

byRoz Parr

By Sister Sheila Stevenson —
Mercy and compassion are never more needed than at the time of death and all that surrounds this often unexpected period. To bury the dead is a call and gift extending beyond the act of burying. It can be cultivated over time; I know this from my own life.

Visit the Imprisoned

byRoz Parr

By Sister Natalie Rossi — To find the genuine in oneself is to find God. Does one find God in prison? One could say one is overwhelmed with the Presence of God in prison. I have worked in prison ministry for about 20 years, not all at one time. The women I see or talk with open their hearts to God.

Visit the Sick

byRoz Parr

By Sister Rose A. Palacio
Medical Director, Mercy Community Hospital, Inc. — When COVID-19 hit Iligan City in 2020, the local government hospital was not equipped to handle COVID patients. Mercy Community Hospital, Inc., opened its doors to these patients.

Shelter the Homeless

byRoz Parr

By Sister Joanne Whitaker — Who do you picture as homeless when you hear these words, shelter the homeless? The image that readily comes to mind for most of us is men and women on the streets in our big cities. These are the pictures we see in the newspapers and on TV. These are the homeless most of us encounter.

Clothe the Naked

byRoz Parr

By Sisters Corrine Connelly and Johneen Owens — In December of 2018, one of our sisters, Sister Kathleen Erickson, who was visiting women incarcerated in our local jail awaiting sentencing, asked for volunteers to help the families of these women at Christmastime. This invitation pulled us totally out of our comfort zone. We decided that we would do this.