Over the Years at Mercy by the Sea

By Eileen Dooling, RSM, Executive Director

Posted on

Last month I had the privilege of making my annual silent retreat at Mercy by the Sea. The weather was magnificent, my retreat director was excellent, and the time in retreat was more than I could have asked for. The experience caused me to reflect on my first retreats as a Sister of Mercy, which I also experienced at Mercy by the Sea more than 50 years ago.

At that time, a priest, usually a Jesuit, preached twice a day, celebrated Eucharist daily and offered the sacrament of Penance. We, the young sisters, were sober and serious. This year I was encouraged to allow God to speak to my heart, to enjoy God’s gift of nature (often called the first Scripture), and to not try so hard.

The times have changed so much, and my understanding of retreats and God and grace has evolved and grown with the passing years. But what has been a constant in my spiritual life has been Mercy by the Sea and this land. When times were tough over the years, I inevitably turned to the Center to connect with myself and God. The Center directors and staff were always hospitable and welcomed me.

I made my vows as a Sister of Mercy here. And two years ago when celebrating 50 years as a Sister of Mercy, it was here that my family gathered, We celebrated the inter-connectedness of life and God’s mercy from “generation to generation.”

This year, Mercy by the Sea celebrates 44 years as a retreat and conference center. The number of people, like myself, who have been nurtured at Mercy by the Sea is impossible to tally. Many have turned to Mercy in times of trouble, doubt and confusion. Others have turned to Mercy Center to articulate their joy and , turned to Mercy by the Sea have found healing, hope and mercy, nonjudgmental love and a warm welcome.

Robert Frost wrote that the “union of vocation and avocation makes life an intimate conversation.” As I begin my fifth year as Executive Director, I have found at Mercy by the Sea that “union of vocation and avocation.” Where my God quest led me over 50 years ago, now is the work of my heart and has made my life an intimate conversation with God and others.

Happy 44th birthday, Mercy by the Sea! Thank you for being a sacred place. May your life and ministry, the guests and those who serve here, be blessed for years to come.


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