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.
This reflection from Dr. Joy Ochs of Mount Mercy University on sustainable lifestyles is the first in a series of articles highlighting how Mercy is addressing the 7 goals of the Vatican’s Laudato Si Action Platform.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By Sister Ana María Siufi — We know that more than half of the world’s population lacks potable water or safe sanitation, which kills more than 5 million people a year or causes serious diseases. “Give me a drink,” demand millions of women and children who have to walk many hours a day to get some water. “Give me a drink,” ask the migrants forced to walk in the desert.