Consultation - Spring 2004 - September 2004

Materials mailed April 20, 2004 to Regional Community Presidents and school principals and presidents (where applicable) included a “preferred model” and a process for local discussion and Provisional Area

Discussion.

Included - Compelling Reasons and Criteria for Model stated.

1. Mercy schools remain Catholic schools, faithful to the mission of the Church.

2. The charism of Catherine McAuley and Mercy core values and tradition continue in the ministry of Mercy secondary and elementary education. As works of Mercy, Mercy schools continue to meet an enduring need and provide a means to ensure that the charism of Catherine McAuley is sustained in a manner consistent with her“ compassionate presence” and timeless mission to “make some lasting efforts.”

3. In new structures for Mercy education:

o Strengthen mission

o Preserve the relationship of the congregation into the future for these sacred ministries

o Stabilize Mercy education - increasing sustainability while providing for accountability with a focus on works of Mercy education.

o Help position Mercy schools so that they might endure as works of Mercy.

o Provide support for all, especially those in need, as current bonds are strengthened and new bonds of relationship are developed

4. Lay Leadership and partnership among co-ministers in Mercy

o Affirm that the future will be characterized by partnerships among lay and religious colleagues.

o Promote inclusiveness, unity and solid partnerships between and among lay and religious colleagues.

o In shared governance for Mercy schools strengthen leadership into the future.

5. Respect

o Offer common simplicity, clarity of roles

o Honor local autonomy and the principle of subsidiarity

6. Provide supportive services:

o For ongoing education and formation in the core values, tradition.

o For assessment and accountability processes.

o For leadership identification and ongoing education and formation (for current and emerging roles)

o For collaborative programs

Celebrate: a “unified structure” - a structure which supports the criteria sought and commitment to the charism of Catherine McAuley, Mercy core values and tradition as the unifying components for Mercy schools

October 2004

October 22, 2004 from 10:00 – 12:30 - large group consultation in Buffalo , New York . Part of the October 22 agenda included a working session to review current roles and responsibilities for sponsors and boards and current board profiles vis-à-vis the future. It included a report on the land and property issues identified thus far.

October - December 2004

· To present a summary report of the responses from Regional Communities on the model

· To present potential next steps for moving forward;

· To answer participant's questions.

February, 2005 - 8 page document including cover letter, model and proposal with supporting information mailed to ILT, Regional Community Leadership, and school leadership.

March/April 2005 - Dialogue about model of sponsorship at the local, regional community and Area level. Presentation by the Network at the ILC meeting April 23, 2005