Community Life

At the Mercy Center, you will make friendships that last a lifetime. We host many events and programs throughout the academic year, usually on Wednesday evenings. Events are planned by our Mercy in Motion student leadership team, which includes more than 30 committed students who work with our staff to engage the student body through weekly programming.

Our events and programs include mercy heritage night and mercy week, beach cleanups, “Faith and Food” discussions, service nights, Christmas study break party, busy person’s retreat, Mass of welcome, cookie ministry, ice cream party, game night and Waffleween.

Service and Justice

Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, urged her followers to do ordinary things extraordinarily well. Whether we are cooking a meal for the homeless shelter or turning yards of fleece into blankets for children, we do it with a spirit of mercy. As we do, we learn about the root causes of homelessness, hunger, poverty and pollution in order to change the unjust systems.

Service immersion trips such as the alternative spring break, Nazareth Farm in West Virginia, Mercy Farm in Vermont and Urban Plunge with My Brother’s Keeper foster meaningful connections with communities in need. Through service, reflection and activities such as panel discussions and film screenings, students learn about the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

Spiritual Life

We all want to make a difference in the world, but sometimes we don’t know where to start. Join other students who are also searching for their purpose. The journey is always better when we share the road with friends.

Take part in monthly ecumenical Taizé prayer services or the annual multi-faith celebration of the Festival of Lights. Explore prayer by walking the outdoor labyrinth on the Gerety Hall lawn. If you’re interested in receiving sacraments in the Catholic church, we offer classes for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). We also offer retreats throughout the year, including two off-campus weekend retreats along with a busy person’s retreat for those who wish to experience a retreat in the comfort of their own space.