Saint Vincent's Honors Ministry of Sisters of Mercy

The Sisters of Mercy pictured in the photo are (L to R): Sisters Bernadetta Ryan, Lourdette Harrold, Rosemary Laliberte, Elaine Marchand, and Catherine Donovan.

As part of Saint Vincent’s 125th year of celebration and, in honor of the Sisters of Mercy 125-year ministry at Saint Vincent’s, a Tea was held just as Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, would have wanted.  McAuley died in 1841 but before she passed away, she made it a point to say, “Be sure to have a comfortable cup of tea for the Sisters when I am gone.”

On Sunday, June 6th Saint Vincent’s did just that.  A special ceremony was held to honor the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Vincent’s founding order, and the Sisters who have dedicated countless years of love and service to children and families in need.  Saint Vincent’s dining room was transformed into a beautiful tea room, decorated in shades of white and blue, complete with flowers, glassware, and china.  Approximately ninety-eight Sisters, including Sisters of Mercy and Holy Union Sisters, enjoyed tea, sandwiches, and a variety of pastry served by Saint Vincent’s youth and staff.  Several youth presented a special song called “Mercy Seed” to the Sisters, led by Alex Dias, Day Program Counselor.  Saint Vincent’s Life Skills Services Coordinator, Rachele Foley, was presented with a “Lasting Memorial” gift for her dedication to the Mission of Mercy.  Along with this gift, the Sisters of Mercy collectively donated over $3,000 to a fund that will support creative ideas for the Life Skills Program.  Sisters Catherine Donovan, Lourdette Harrold, Rosemary Laliberte, Elaine Marchand, and Bernadetta Ryan provided prayer, readings, presentations, and blessings in celebration.

Saint Vincent’s Executive Director, Jack Weldon, welcomed the Sisters by saying, “The Sisters of Mercy continue to impact the lives of children, families and staff at Saint Vincent’s.  They witness to Mercy, reverence the dignity of each person, create a spirit of hospitality, and pursue integrity of word and deed in their lives.”  Mr. Weldon went on to say, “Their ministry and their presence are notable for the kind word, the gentle, compassionate look, and the patient hearing of issues.  They have set the bar high for all of us who work alongside them relative to quality of care and the spirit of faithful, respectful service to others, including one another.  In more recent years, the Sisters of Mercy have been joined in ministering at Saint Vincent’s by the Holy Union Sisters and an Ursuline Sister from Cleveland, Ohio - whom we remember with love.  We are grateful to all the Sisters for their contributions over the years and for ensuring that those of us who continue the work have the benefit of their Legacy of Hope,” Mr. Weldon concluded.

In keeping with Saint Vincent’s 125th Anniversary theme, “A Legacy of Hope,” celebratory activities are continuing throughout the year to commemorate the important milestone.  For more information, please contact Melissa Dick at (508) 235-3228 or visit www.stvincentshome.org.