Dear Friends,

We have had the gift of 7 women religious from different communities here on sabbatical for the past 6 weeks. It might seem like the gift is theirs, but we have been so enriched by their presence and energy. As a hosted group was departing last week, a good number of them went over to the Sister’s table in the dining room to say goodbye and hug. Clearly a connection had been made!

Sabbatical is a time apart, to rest and renew one’s spirit, to listen deeply. It might appear as if nothing is going on; however, a sabbatical time reminds us once again of who we belong to, our grounding. It’s countercultural in a society driven by success, wealth, and consumerism. It’s a witness in faith, to cease producing, to be still. It’s a reminder that one’s value and identity is not to be found in what one does or produces. The silence and God’s beauty and creative wonder here give ample time to pray, reflect, and ponder over all sorts of concerns and the condition of our nation and world. Out of that space, we have all been strengthened by the stepping aside of these 7 Sisters to pray and notice and be present to all that is. 

As they begin to take their leave and return to what they are now called to, we bless and thank them for the beautiful grace they have been to us. 

In Mercy,

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

Dear Friends,

At Mercy by the Sea we have been so blessed with donors, volunteers and staff who have been restoring our labyrinth. As a “re-inauguration,” we are looking forward to participating in World Labyrinth Day on May 4 to “Walk as One at 1”. It is an annual international event founded in 2009 by The Labyrinth Society to globally walk a labyrinth as one at 1:00 p.m. with the purpose of creating a rolling wave of peace and prayer moving around the globe.

Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice — a way to quiet our minds and open our hearts and spirits to the presence of the Holy. Every step is a prayer to foster a sense of contemplation and transformation for oneself and the world.

We will celebrate the restoration of the labyrinth and join the global community on this day with a variety of events. For more information click here.

We are compelled to act for peace at this time with so many of our sisters and brothers suffering from war and violence, as well as Earth crying out for our care and relief of suffering. The day will be a moving meditation for world peace. You might want to pause at 1:00 p.m. on May 4 to join your prayer to this wave of peace around the world. …"guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:79)

In Mercy,

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

Dear Friends,

Today we begin the Triduum retreat at Mercy by the Sea, one continuous prayer, a single celebration of the Paschal Mystery spread over three days, which will culminate with the Easter Vigil.

We are also united these days with the religious traditions and sacred days of our Muslim neighbors who are in the midst of Ramadan and our Jewish brothers and sisters as they look to Passover in the coming weeks. We join in one prayer and journey together. 

Gathering in this sacred time, Earth is erupting into spring with all its magnificence, and it is also a time of over 110 active wars – Middle East, Ukraine, Haiti… Our own country is plagued with political, racial, and economic divides. Our common home, Earth, is in crisis. Palm Sunday through Good Friday into Easter is a heart-stretching pilgrimage which requires us to hold the very real grief of so much death, with the astonishing promise of rebirth. 

At the heart of the story is God's transforming one of the worst symbols, the cross, into one of the most beautiful, the Tree of Life. These days invite us to love – to Love in Service – Love in Surrender and Love in New Life!

May these days be holy for each of us, for our world. Let us walk this sacred time, together, in great love.

In Mercy,

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director

Dear Friends,

The Catherine McAuley Dining Room renovation is complete! We “untied” the ribbon and re-opened on March 7th. We are thrilled to welcome our guests back to this beautiful space. It has been many years in the making and only happened with the help and work of many. With deeply grateful hearts we thank the Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation for their grant, the Board for their 100% support, the 114 individuals who gave to the campaign, which exceeded our goal and hopes. Thanks to Greenbrier Building and Restoration and their amazing crew. Thanks to Reba Tehan of Rebas Design for her creativity and the Beretta family who launched us with their design help. Gratitude to the Mercy by the Sea staff who adjusted and kept things running during the renovation. 

The generous and loving support of so many has created a beautiful space, a place to refresh both body and spirit. Catherine McAuley’s last request, that the Sisters be given a good cup of tea when she was gone, has become central to our understanding of Catherine’s hospitable spirit. Her gesture of care and concern for gathering together, leads us to find God in our coming together around table. This symbol of Mercy hospitality is what we honor in the Catherine McAuley dining room. This is the legacy we have – and we strive to carry into the future. Thank you for extending the good cup of Mercy tea! 

Use this link to see a short video of the before and after of the Catherine McAuley Dining Room.

Sr. Anne Curtis, RSM
Executive Director