FAQ
Some commonly asked questions about the Sisters of Mercy.
Considering becoming a sister or just have more questions? View more questions and answers here.
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1. Who is Catherine McAuley?
Catherine McAuley is the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. She recognized the needs of the poor in Ireland and opened the House of Mercy, a place to shelterand educate women and girls, on September 24, 1827 in Dublin, Ireland. To learn more about Catherine McAuley, visit Our History.
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2. Why are you called "Sisters of Mercy"?
Impressed by founder Catherine McAuley’s good works, the Archbishop of Dublin advised her to establish a religious congregation. She did so, naming the congregation the Sisters of Mercy and opening the House of Mercy on September 24, the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. To learn more, see Our History.
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3. What do Sisters of Mercy do?
Our lives as Sisters of Mercy are focused on responding to unmet needs, through direct service as well as seeking ways to change unjust systems. Both approaches are compassionate responses to the most basic of needs as described in the centuries-old tradition of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. See Our Mission and Values.
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4. Where are Sisters of Mercy found?
You’ll find Sisters of Mercy of the Americas residing inNorth, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Guam and the Philippines. Congregations of Mercy can be found worldwide. Visit Where to Find Us.
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5. How many Sisters of Mercy are there?
Currently, there are more than 2,900 Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and more than 9,000 from various congregations of the Sisters of Mercy worldwide. Visit Our History.
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6. Are there ways to connect with Mercy that do not involve exploring vowed membership?
More than 3,100 Mercy Associates, several Companions in Mercy, more than 960 Mercy Volunteer Corps alumni and thousands of co-workers in Mercy-sponsored programs and institutions share in the Mercy mission. For more information on how you can connect with Mercy, visit Get Involved.
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7. Will the Sisters of Mercy pray for my special intention?
Absolutely. Special intentions submitted through this website are shared with Sisters of Mercy and all intentions are included in daily prayer. Submit a special intention or prayer here.
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8. What makes Sisters of Mercy different from other sisters?
All congregations of sisters share certain characteristics: they strive to live simply; they are celibate (do not marry); they give up the right to make decisions independently of their community; they choose prayer and contemplation as a significant part of every day; they engage in work (they call it ministry) that addresses the needs of other people.
Visit our Ask a Sister section to find out more.
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9. In what kinds of ministries or jobs might you find Sisters of Mercy?
We serve in a broad range of ministries: we’re doctors, nurses, healthcare technicians, chaplains, clinical and pastoral ministers, lawyers, paralegals, lobbyists, legal advocates, teachers, professors, librarians, counselors, case managers, social workers and administrative assistants. Sisters also serve as CEOs, CFOs, COOs; directors, coordinators, supervisors and administrators. And much more. Visit What We Do to find out more about our ministries.
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10. How would I find out what Sisters of Mercy are doing to change unjust systems?
We promote systemic change by addressing both U.S. issues and global issues that impact the communities in which we minister. Of particular concern for us are: care for the Earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women’s issues. Visit Advocate for Justice to read more about working to change unjust systems.
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11. How would I find out how to join the Sisters of Mercy?
There are several ways to join your life with ours: prayer, energy and resources. Visit Get Involved for information on the many ways to join Mercy.
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12. Where would I find books, DVDs and other resources pertaining to the Sisters of Mercy?
For a variety of resources available worldwide, please visit www.mercyworld.org/resources/
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13. Do the Sisters of Mercy need my support?
Quite simply, yes! We rely on your prayerful and financial support as we continue our service to the poor, sick and uneducated. To make a donation to one of our six communities, please click here.
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14. How are my donations used?
Each of our six Mercy communities has various funding opportunities in order to meet the most pressing needs of the sisters and ministries in each area. Visit Where We Are to learn more about each community. Please know that your contributions remain in the community to which you donated, for the purpose you have specified.
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15. How could I arrange to talk to a Sister of Mercy?
To provide you with the information you’re seeking so we may direct you to the right person, visit Contact Us.