MERCY CHARISM

Mercy Charism is listening to the heart, ready to be open and respond to it. It is being aware of others and trying to understand how they feel. It begins in our heart and leads to action and justice.

Catherine McAuley called on the Sisters of Mercy to not just talk about love and compassion, but to do something about helping other people in need. This action is the CHARISM OF MERCY.

AN EXAMPLE OF MERCY IN ACTION

Mercy At Seventeen

(written by Anne Marie Murphy, Mercy High School, San Francisco).

Mercy rises in the morning to an alarm that rings much too early. With an eye to the day, she packs an apple and some loose coins for the homeless she'll pass along the way.

She enters the side door, greeting friends and passing smiles to those she's never met.

During a quick stop at her locker, she meets a friend; tears and heartache slow

Mercy's pace, preparing her to listen.

Mercy slides into homeroom just under the bell. Ready to promote the upcoming soup supper and the basketball game after school.

As she passes from English to History, her gentleness puts us at ease, and her sense of humour brings laughter into our sometimes gloomy hallways.

In religion class, Mercy is thoughtful and articulate; she speaks her mind when need be, yet she respects the silences that sustain us.

Mercy moves through the canteen at lunch enjoying the company of many, not limiting her interest in others to who's who and where we should all sit.

Mercy remembers the name of the new girl and the birthday of the janitor's son.

Her presence draws us closer together; her grace reminds us that we all belong.

Mercy is one of us, and yet she is the sum of all of us when we are at our best...and most gracious...most Christ-like.