From August 24 – September 4, the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica carried out this year’s Mercy Mission Retreat which consisted of a series of workshops aimed at renewing the commitment of those who serve in Mercy ministries to live out the Mercy Mission in their daily work. The workshops were led by Mrs. Kali McMorris (Principal, Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha), and were attended by all staff members from Mercy schools as well as from the Sisters of Mercy of Jamaica’s Corporate & Business Offices.
During the sessions, participants were asked to share with one another what they believe their gift is – whether that be hospitality, humour, leadership, vision, administration or others. Persons then wrote cards to the person next to them expressing their appreciation for that person’s gift and later exchanged the cards at the end of the session. Led by Mrs. McMorris, each workshop remembered the lives of our Foundresses, Catherine McAuley and Jessie Ripoll.
Together, they saw how the Foundresses’ God-given gifts were used to serve others and change the world around them. Much like us, these women were ordinary individuals, but they had enough faith to answer God’s call and accomplish extraordinary things according to His purposes.
Participants were encouraged not just to honour and preserve the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy, but as lay people (just as Catherine and Jessie were in the initial years of their ministries), all participants were called to continue the work which God began with the Sisters.
With the number of religious sisters getting increasingly smaller, it is incumbent upon the lay men and women who are part of the Mercy ministries to continue and expand the Mercy mission in Jamaica. Whether one is a teacher, administrative officer, or ancillary worker – all have a role to play in the Mercy story. In response to this call, each attendee publicly signed his/her name in a book, symbolizing their commitment to the cause. We look forward to seeing how each person lives out the mission going forward.
