From July 22-23, a group of 10 representatives from Mercy ministries in Jamaica attended the Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy conference in Belmont, North Carolina. The conference, which was put on by the Mercy Education System of the Americas (MESA), was attended by newly appointed Mercy school leaders and relatively new members of Mercy staff from around the world who wish to deepen their understanding and commitment to the mission of Mercy. The Jamaican Mercy ministries represented at the event were Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’, Jessie Ripoll Primary, Alpha Primary, Alpha Infant, Mt. St. Joseph Prep, Mt. St. Joseph Catholic High School, St. John Bosco Vocational Training Centre, and the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica’s Corporate Office.
The first day of the conference covered topics such as the origins of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley’s leadership qualities, and how leadership as a layperson can further the Mercy mission. This was followed by small group discussions where participants shared what they do or will do to fulfil the Mercy charism in their schools. During this discussion, one of the Jamaican teachers wisely stated that the “language of mercy must permeate every conversation we have with students. From the simplest greeting to the more difficult decisions.” The day also featured an engaging art session which showed Mercy leaders and staff the importance of refreshing their minds and hearts through creative means in order to continue being healthy examples of Mercy in action in their working lives.
A major highlight of the day came in the form of a presentation made by Kali McMorris (Principal, The Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha), who spoke of the unifying, communal call which all Mercy educators and leaders have to continue Catherine McAuley’s mission. Notably, she acknowledged that, while not all Mercy students and staff are Catholic or even identify as Christian, all of us can still live out the Mercy core values and Catholic teachings, which, in her view, are the very embodiment of Mercy. Mrs. McMorris revealed later on why she thinks this call to unity is so needed today. “I was confident that we needed to find commonality before. Both [Becky Montague (President/Head of School, Mercy Academy)] and I highlighted cultural shifts that have impacted on our students and our faith. If we do not find common ground, we will be building a house on sand.”
On Day 2, participants explored the origins and role of the Mercy Education System of the Americas; the role of advocacy in a life of Mercy; and the “Blessings and Burdens of Leadership Today” in the modern world as students face challenges such as mental health; security in an age of school shootings; racial and gender identity topics; and the impact of artificial intelligence. This included a small group discussion in which participants shared when and how they got the call to fulfil the mercy mission as well as ideas of how to empathy with others as a marker of leadership. After the conference, Mrs. McMorris reflected on ways in which she would like to lead her school in representing Mercy this year. “Mercy must be a lived experience. This year I want to see us responding to the apathy and changing culture with understanding of the context, not an expectation of complicity.”
Overall, the Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy conference was a very thought-provoking and enriching event which caused many, if not all, who attended to look upon the Mercy mission with a renewed sense of commitment and perspective.
