Our Work

back to top
donate

Our Work

Spirituality and Faith

Through prayer we adore God as the Merciful One; we seek to discover God’s movement in us and in our world; we learn how to forgive, and we intercede for ourselves and for others. (Mercy Constitutions 10)

Since our founding by Catherine McAuley, action and contemplation have been at the heart of Mercy life. Catherine desired that we meet the needs of her time by being “walking sisters.” Sisters went, and continue to go, where there is need. However, Catherine also created a community founded on prayer and following Jesus’ example of prayer and service.

As Sisters of Mercy, rooted in the spirituality of Catherine McAuley, we embrace lives of both prayer and service. Through prayer, we recognize God’s mercy in our daily lives. Through service, we respond by offering ourselves to be a merciful presence and resource for others. With our associates and companions, we do this through varied ministries—from parishes, hospitals, schools and universities to those focused on justice and related to our Critical Concerns (Earth, women, immigration, nonviolence, and anti-racism). 

When we retire from full-time active ministry, we continue our commitment to service through prayer and volunteer work.

For those interested in exploring their own spirituality, deepening their relationship with God, finding opportunities for reflection, seeking daily prayers or adding to our prayer intentions, we offer a variety of spiritual resources. 

Request a Prayer

In our times of prayer, we recognize God’s mercy in our daily lives and then respond by offering ourselves to be a merciful presence and resource for others.

submit your intention

Explore Retreat Centers

We sponsor retreat and spiritual centers across the United States and in some Central American countries. These places of quiet and prayer offer space and the opportunity to withdraw from the busyness of life to reflect on and deepen one’s personal relationship with God.