Sisters of Mercy in Philadelphia Celebrate 150Th Anniversary with Sold-Out
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Carol Night 2010 Sisters of Mercy in Philadelphia Celebrate 150 th Anniversary with Sold-Out “Circle of Mercy” Concert at the Kimmel Center Merion Mercy Academy More than 500 performers Dorothy School, 511 Montgomery Avenue participated in the “Circle St. Helena School, and St. Jude School. Merion Station, PA 19066 of Mercy” Concert on 610-664-6655 Among the 2,500 audience participants were Cardinal Monday, October 18, 2010, in front of a sold-out www.merion-mercy.com Justin Rigali, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of crowd of 2,500 at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Bishop Timothy Senior, Auxiliary Bishop PA. Mater Matters is published twice a year by of Philadelphia, the president of the Sisters of Mercy of the Office of Institutional Advancement. “Tonight is a celebration of God’s mercy poured out on the Americas - S. Mary Waskowiak, RSM, and the our world and on each of us,” says S. Christine members of the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters McCann, the president of the Mid-Atlantic of Mercy - Sisters Patricia McDermott, RSM, Eileen Principal Community of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of Campbell, RSM, Ann Curtis, RSM, and Linda S. Barbara Buckley '72 the Americas, which includes Philadelphia. “A Werthman, RSM. celebration of gratitude for the vision and fidelity of the The choirs joined together in the finale to sing “Circle Director of Institutional Advancement past that still motivates and sustains in the present, a of Mercy,” a song written by former MMA faculty Monica Wilson celebration of courage that continues to draw Sisters of member S. Jeannette Goglia, RSM. S. Renee Yann, Mercy, our associates and colleagues over and over again Editor RSM, researched the early history of the Sisters of to the place where mercy is most needed, and a Kristina Stanton Cawley '90 Mercy in Philadelphia and wrote the script for the celebration of hope that the blessings of the past will vignettes. “The entire Mercy family joined together to lead to a future marked by the same generosity and Editorial Staff celebrate the great legacy of the Sisters of Mercy and Linda Miele Benton '75 service of those who went before us.” how it has unfolded over the past 150 years,” Sister Eileen Daly Killeen '68 The concert, which included historical vignettes that Renee says. Patricia McAleer told the stories of the original ten Sisters of Mercy who “The concert was a wonderful celebration of the 150th Proof Reader arrived in Philadelphia in 1861, featured singers, anniversary of the presence of the Sisters of Mercy in Lisa Schaad dancers, and musicians from the Sisters of Mercy, Philadelphia,” says S. Christine McCann. “The musical Mercy Philadelphia Hospital, Keystone Mercy, Project performances and the stories of the first Sisters of Graphic Design H.O.M.E., Gwynedd-Mercy College, Gwynedd-Mercy Mercy inspired and uplifted all who attended this special Carrie Boyden, Boyden Design Academy High School, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy event.” ■ www.boydendesign.com Elementary School, Mercy Vocational High School, Merion Mercy Academy, Waldron Mercy Academy, St. The 150th celebration was filled with ON THE COVER: faculty and student talent from MMA. Following in the footsteps of Congratulations to all and thank you for generations of MMA Carol Nights, all of your hard work! Some of the dancers this year’s seniors Meghan Green, gather before they perform. L. – r.: Moira Kaiser ’12, Megan Ketchell ’12, Monica Kaitrin Mahoney, Shannon Easton, Buccieri ’12, Megan Zak ’12, and Victoria Cacchione, Marcy Heany, Gabrielle Sweeney ’14. The dances were and Jacquelyn Zimmerman pose inspired by the Sisters of Mercy’s presence before their final Carol Night. in Africa and Latin America. Photo by: A. Loughlin MMMT proudly presents The Phantom of the Opera Tickets are available online at www.merion-mercy.com The Phantom of the Opera Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber or by calling 610-664-6655 x304. Lyrics by Charles Hart SHOW DATES AND TIMES: Additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 • 7:30 pm Friday, Mar. 4, 2011 • 7:30 pm Originally directed in Broadway by Harold Prince Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 • 7:30 pm Saturday, Mar. 5, 2011 • 7:30 pm Original Broadway production by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 • 2:00 pm Sunday, Mar. 6, 2011 • 2:00 pm Based on the novel “Le Fantome de L’Opera” by Gaston Leroux Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber TM © 1992 The Really Useful Group Limited 2 Mater Matters Winter 2011 Trustee Profile By: Fran McElroy ’64 It was senior year and MMA’s class of 1964 had bonded through many happy and truly eventful times. Into this group, in September 1963, walked Ann Provost—a new student who relocated from Albany following her father’s transfer. Today, Ann remembers that first day’s drive down Montgomery Avenue to MMA as truly “frightening.” But she found a warm welcome, especially from her new senior classmates. Ann remembers being included in everything, from the Harvest Moon to the senior ring dinner. While at Merion, the spirit of Mercy touched live Mercy and seek “It’s heartwarming,” percent of its children Ann deeply. After graduation, she joined the justice.” S. Ann is live in single parent Mercy novitiate and enrolled at Gwynedd-Mercy particularly impressed she says. “the way the households. To continue College where she majored in education and with the openness the providing vital services to history. She later earned a master’s at LaSalle students bring to their students live Mercy its underserved, yet very University in religious studies, specializing in work as community and seek justice.” proud, hard working urban affairs. volunteers and to the neighbors, Mercy lessons they learn from those they serve. Neighborhood Ministries of Philadelphia relies In 2008, following receipt of the Catherine on increasingly scarce grants, fundraisers, and McAuley Award for her work in the inner city, As executive director of the Mercy individual contributions. It’s a tremendous S. Barbara Buckley ’72 invited S. Ann to join Neighborhood Ministries, located in a once- challenge during this difficult economy. Merion’s board. She says that becoming a trustee abandoned, now sparkling warehouse in has made her extremely proud to be a graduate. Philadelphia’s Nicetown section, S. Ann oversees On a wall of this colorful, inspiring space is a She has a bird’s eye view of the school’s high an organization that provides critical services to painting of African women gathering together academic standards and its commitment to the “working poor” and their families. These under a tree. It suggests the wisdom and power service, which S. Ann notes is integrated into include adult daycare, afterschool programs, and of women working together. What inspiration all aspects of the Merion experience. “It’s computer training. Every day, Nicetown for MMA students and alumnae! heartwarming,” she says, “the way the students residents endure the consequences of poverty; 75 More about S. Ann’s work can be found at College Alumnae Event A record-breaking 100 plus college-age alums gathered in January for the annual College Alumnae Event. Alums and faculty members snacked (enjoyed some tea cooler) and reminisced the afternoon away. L. to r. Alums from the class of 2010 Megan Maccaroni,co llege alum committee member, Jessica Javage, and Margaret Hockcatch up with faculty member Anne Foley. Comfortable Cups of Tea...For All Ages This year, Merion Mercy hosted the second annual alumnae tea for alums from the classes of 1931-1955. With an impressive turnout, alumnae, former faculty members from those decades, and current MMA representatives enjoyed tea at the convent on campus. The proceeds from the young alums’ Brew Ha Ha social pay for the cost of this special, summer event, and young alums are able to volunteer as hostesses. How wonderful to watch the circle of Mercy in action! L. to r. guests Carolyn Coady Lea’49 and Mary Baxter Donnelly’49 chat with volunteer Kelly DAddona’09 (center). www.merion-mercy.com 3 cy Day • Merion Open Golf and Tennis Outing • Mercy Alumnae Brew Ha Ha • Harvest Moon Dance • Weenie Roast MMA Celebrates Mercy Day The spirit of Catherine McAuley, the foundress were: Promote hospitality in all forms, embrace enriched this community and others. Mary of the Sisters of Mercy, was remembered and diversity, and “color the world Mercy.” The day Ann Grace’s presentation went on to say that, celebrated in special ways. MMA welcomed ended with a liturgy. Trustee and past parent “As an educator for more than 25 years, S. Marilyn Lacey, a Sister of Mercy who is Mary Ann Grace presented theology chair (Maureen Meacham) has definitely embraced passionate about making the world a more Maureen Meacham with the Catherine the value of educational excellence. Through welcoming place for refugees and migrants. McAuley Award, which is given annually by instruction and example, she has instilled in She has stood with the displaced for the past the board of trustees to a member of the thousands of young people an understanding 30 years and says that they have been a Merion Mercy community who has of our Catholic faith and of the Gospel wellspring of many blessings for her. In 2009 demonstrated distinction in his or her field, message of servant leadership. She has also she wrote a memoir of her experiences entitled service to the church and community, and carried on Catherine’s concern for women and This Flowing Towards Me: A Story of God commitment to the Mercy values. Recipients women’s issues, especially in her work with Ms.