Within the context  

Identifying an unmet need The "middle class" - link between the rich and the poor Persons to know - Frances Warde and Mary Baptist Russell Pension school Pittsburgh and San Francisco Pension school controversy Resource: Frances Warde: American founder of the Sisters of Mercy by Kathleen Healy, RSM, 1973 Resource: in With Fidelity+, published by MSEA - Conference 1: 1982 "History of the Sisters of Mercy in Secondary Education"  presented by Emily George, RSM* (Includes "History of the Pension School Controversy")

Grave of Sister Frances Warde - Manchester, NH

Listen - Listen with Windows Media Player or download to a portable device. 1:53 minutes in length

Reflect

• Commitment to care for those in need

• Commitment to unmet needs with a focus on mission

• Reconciling controversy for greater understanding

Pray

Lord God, as we serve in Mercy schools and on behalf of Mercy education, let our schools be places of learning to create a link between those who have been blessed with resources and those who are in need. Let the "Circle of Mercy" grow ever wider, and let that circle be marked by care for those in need. Bless us with wisdom in decision making and in times of uncertainty, guide our ways. We make our prayer in trust. Amen. 

Additional Reflections

Reflections built on excerpts from the talk on Catherine McAuley and Mission given by Sister Sheila Carney, RSM at the 2006 Leadership Academy.

• Reflection on the early life of Catherine McAuley

• House of Mercy and Foundress

• Education - Beliefs and Early Struggle in Kingston

• Carlow and the concept of Pension Schools

• Reflections on Education

• The Call and Challenge

+Contact the Network for a copy of this book

"We have one solid comfort amidst this tripping about...

Our hearts are always centered on God, for whom alone we go forward or stay back."

Catherine McAuley