God calls everyone. Every person has a vocation – whether to religious life, marriage or to a particular career—and each is a sacred gift from God. When we take time to listen deeply to God’s voice within, and to seek wisdom from spiritual directors and vocation ministers, we come to understand more clearly the path invites us to follow.
How do you know if God is calling you to Mercy?
How do I know if God is calling me to Mercy?
Part of the discernment process is exploring different types of religious life, and discovering which religious congregation best allows you to express your vocation in prayer, community and service to the people of God. Every religious order has its own particular character—what we in religious life call charism. The charism of each congregation is a unique gift of the Holy Spirit that guides the lives of their members in living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As Sisters of Mercy, we profess the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience shared by all consecrated religious, along with a unique fourth vow of service to the poor, sick and ignorant. This vow embodies the vision of our founder, Venerable Catherine McAuley, who opened the House of Mercy in 1827 to provide care, shelter and education to Dublin’s poor.
For two centuries, women have answered the call to Mercy, dedicating their lives to serving God’s people in countless ways around the world. Today, Sisters of Mercy continue this mission of healing, teaching, advocacy and compassionate service to those most in need. United in prayer and action, we strive to alleviate suffering and respond, as Pope Francis urges in Laudato Si’, to “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.”
As Sisters of Mercy, we also express our charism through our commitment to five areas of critical concern: care for the Earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and particular attention to the education, health care and spiritual needs of women and girls.
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Contact usPlease note that we are able to accept inquiries from women living in Argentina, Belize, Chile, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, or the United States. If you are in a different country, please consult with a local sister or member of the clergy, or contact the office of your diocese, for information about religious congregations in your region.
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Learn about the process to become a Sister of Mercy.
It takes at least seven years to become a Sister of Mercy. During this time, a woman learns about prayer, lives in community, studies theology, and ministers alongside sisters. It is a time of deep reflection, growth, grace, and most importantly, joy!
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