One Mercy Family: A Journey of Leadership and Renewal at the 2025 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy

On Monday, July 21, and Tuesday, July 22, Mercy Education’s Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy welcomed 51 educators and leaders representing 24 schools across Argentina, Honduras, Jamaica, and the United States.

The conference opened at the very heart of the Mercy charism. Sister Sheila Carney, RSM, chairperson of the board at Mercy International Centre, offered participants a virtual tour of the Centre in Dublin. Through her memorable storytelling, Sr. Sheila brought Catherine McAuley to life, sharing powerful anecdotes about Catherine’s leadership, spirituality, and responsiveness to the needs of her time.

The Academy then shifted its focus to personal wellness and spirituality. Ingrid Sletten, an artist and spiritual director from Bronx, New York, led a workshop titled “Mercy Spirituality Through Art.” She guided participants through a Visio Divina experience, encouraging them to “be open” and “allow the Spirit to gently guide your imaginings.” Participants reflected through journaling and art, considering how this creative process could inform their own spirituality and self-care practices.

Takeisha Parker-Williams, principal of Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’ in Kingston, Jamaica, shared her personal reflection “My Mercy Journey.” She offered insight into what it means to live the Mercy mission as a lay leader, stating, “Mercy, I have learned, is more than a value. It is a posture. It is a way of being.” She emphasized that one of the most impactful ways we lead is through presence with our students.

Carey Harrington, president of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in Chicago, Illinois, invited participants to consider the communal dimensions of our Mercy call, reminding us that “we are all part of the Mercy family,” united by a shared origin story. She encouraged us to be both inspiring and intentional in carrying forward the legacy of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy.

Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM, provided an overview of the work of the Institute Justice Team in addressing the Critical Concerns. Mercy Education staff members Kimberly Baxter, Sr. Lisa Griffith, RSM, Susan Smith, and Nell Stetser offered insights into their roles and the mission of Mercy Education, including its relationship with the schools and the programs it provides. They shared ways participants can stay connected through upcoming events, programs, and cohorts.

The culminating session, grounded in the Gospel question “What Then Must We Do?” (Luke 3:10), was led by Fr. Christopher Calderón, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Sacramento High School. Fr. Chris explored the challenges and opportunities of Mercy leadership today. He encouraged leaders to “Pray, ask for help, and savor the graces and wins,” and challenged participants to consider: “How are we caring for the mission? How is the mission caring for us?” In a meaningful closing ritual, participants missioned one another with teacup pins, a symbol of unity in our shared Mercy mission.

The Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy offered an inspir  ing journey of renewal, growth, and connection. Participants left empowered, grounded in their call as Mercy educators and leaders, and more deeply united as one Mercy family.

Save the date: The 2026 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy will take place July 20–21 at Mercy Center in Belmont, North Carolina. We look forward to welcoming you!

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