Each of the Sisters shared stories about how they were asked to take on new and unfamiliar roles . Sister Catherine McMahon , RSM ’ 71 ( Sister Kati ), for example , became the Director of Counseling ; Sister Joan Whitaker , RSM ’ 70 became chair of the science department ; and Sister Mary Jo McGinley , RSM ’ 72 ran an on-campus summer camp for inner-city students . The list goes on and on . Each assumed the role assigned to them and considered how they would pass along their wisdom to the next generation .
“ There have been so many ups and downs , so many times when it shouldn ’ t have succeeded and it did ,” said Sister Margaret Taylor , RSM ’ 67 . “ We always did things on a wing and a prayer ,” added Sister Georgia Greene , RSM ’ 71 . “ What is here today was built on the backs of pioneers .”
As the number of Sisters on campus began to decline , the community recognized the importance of passing along this mindset to future generations . The result was the creation of the Mission Leadership Academy , which brought together faculty , staff and Sisters for an intentional exploration of mission integration . Sister Kati , who developed the program , explained that participants were asked
“ to do something that would enhance their mission effectiveness in the position that they were in .”
Dozens of faculty and staff have since participated in this three-tiered program that includes increasing levels of commitment to ensure the mission and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy remain strong . “ I have great confidence that the mission is in good hands because so many people are committed to it ,” Sister Kati added .
There have been so many ups and downs , so many times when it shouldn ’ t have succeeded and it did .
SISTER MARGARET TAYLOR , RSM ’ 67
Above : Sisters of Mercy , 2014 Left : Sister Virginia Hasson , RSM with International Students , 1991
1952 1953
The Treweryn-Mercy Day Camp opens for its first summer . It was renamed Gwynedd- Mercy College Day Camp in 1976 . |
Maryllyn Estate ( an off-campus building ) is purchased by the Sisters of Mercy and opened as a student residence . |
The first masque , “ St . Joan of Arc ,” is written and produced by Sister M . Emmanuel , RSM . |
The Coelian yearbook is first published . Its final edition was printed in 2009 . |
TODAY - REFLECTIONS from the SISTERS of MERCY 05