Journey of Renewal for Mercy School Leaders at Annual Leadership Academy
On July 22-23, Mercy Education’s Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy welcomed 34 educators and leaders representing 22 schools in Argentina, Guam, Honduras, Jamaica, and the United States. The conference began at the very heart of the Mercy charism, with Sister Mary McCarthy, RSM, a member of the Mercy Education Board of Directors, sharing the history of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy and Catherine McAuley’s leadership style. Sr. Mary gave examples of how she has used the “language of Catherine” and the “language of Mercy” in her own approach to leadership, modeled by Catherine’s example.
From there, the academy focused on personal wellness. Maria Boyd, art department chairperson at Merion Mercy Academy (Merion Station, Pennsylvania), took participants through a process entitled, “Discover your Wellness Path: Where Art Will Fuel Mind, Body, and Soul!” Maria called participants to think about what aspects of the art-making experience brought them joy or satisfaction and challenged them to use those insights to inform their own self-care.
Kristi Wessling shared about her personal journey to Mercy, which began as a student at Mercy High School (Omaha, Nebraska), in the very halls where she now serves as principal. Kristi discussed how the impact of those formative years inspires her leadership and how her school community lives out the charism of Mercy every day. Kali McMorris, principal of Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha,” provided a broader look at our communal call to Mercy. Together, the 50-plus member schools of Mercy Education can be a force for good in the world. Kali challenged participants to consider: “What will you do in your school to contribute to the furtherance of Mercy Education?
Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM, provided information on the work of the Institute Justice Team in addressing the Critical Concerns. Members of the Mercy Education staff—Sr. Lisa Griffith, Executive Director; Kimberly Baxter, Associate Director for Programs and Services; and Susan Smith, Associate Director for Leadership Development—provided an overview of their work, the role of Mercy Education, and governance responsibilities. They also shared ways for participants to connect with the Mercy Education office, with their education cohorts and through upcoming events, programs, and services.
Becky Montague, president of Mercy Academy (Louisville, Kentucky), offered the culminating session focused on the challenges and opportunities of leadership today and sent participants forth missioned in the Mercy Charism. In all, Mercy leaders experienced an inspiring journey of renewal and growth. They reported feeling more connected and empowered and with a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a Mercy educator.
Save the date! Next year’s Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy will be held July 21-22, 2025, at Mercy Center in Belmont, North Carolina.
