Renewal, Empowerment and Connection at 2026 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy

The 2026 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy, held on Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21, welcomed 38 educators and leaders from 23 Mercy schools across Argentina, Belize, Honduras, Jamaica, and the United States. The gathering opened at the very heart of the Mercy charism with a prerecorded virtual tour of Mercy International Centre led by Sister Sheila Carney, RSM. Sr. Sheila shared vivid stories about Catherine McAuley—her leadership, spirituality, and her unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of her time.

The academy then shifted toward personal wellness and spirituality. Christine Kvam, Director of Campus Ministry at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women (Rochester, New York), guided participants through a series of spiritual practices in her workshop Mercy Spirituality: A Source of Solace and Strength. Christine introduced 10 gifts of Mercy spirituality and invited participants to reflect on how these practices might deepen their own spiritual lives and approaches to self‑care.

Ingrid Robinson, Mission Coordinator for the nine institutions of the Sisters of Mercy Jamaica and board chair for Alpha Infant School, offered a moving presentation entitled My Journey Toward Mercy. She described her experience as a lay Mercy leader, sharing that “I am here because Mercy found me. Mercy was around me like a gentle breeze—present, but unnoticed.” Through powerful imagery, Ingrid reminded participants that “one encounter can change a life forever and no one walks the journey of Mercy alone.” Her witness encouraged participants to recognize and embrace their own unfolding Mercy journeys.

Brendan O’Kane, President of Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia, invited participants to consider the communal call of Mercy leadership. He posed reflective questions, “Who am I, what am I being called toward, and what must I let go of?” to help leaders discern how they might faithfully carry forward Catherine McAuley’s mission in their own contexts.

Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM, offered an overview of the Institute Justice Team’s advocacy work in addressing the Critical Concerns. Mercy Education staff members Dr. Kimberly Baxter, Sister Lisa Griffith, RSM, Susan Smith and Nell Stetser followed with a presentation on the role of Mercy Education, its relationship with Mercy schools, and the programs and services available to support mission‑driven leadership. Participants also learned about opportunities to stay connected with the Mercy Education office, their cohorts, and upcoming events.

Grounded in the Gospel of Luke—“What Then Must We Do?” (Luke 3:10), Kerry Bader, President of St. Catharine Academy (Bronx, New York), delivered the culminating session. Kerry shared stories of the challenges and opportunities she encounters as a Mercy leader, offering a model for walking intentionally in Catherine’s footsteps. Echoing Catherine, she reminded participants, “Prayer is a plant; if it is cultivated and nourished, it will bear abundant fruit.” The academy concluded with a symbolic missioning ritual: participants gifted one another teacup pins as a sign of unity across the Mercy family.

Participants left the academy renewed, empowered, and more deeply connected, carrying with them a strengthened understanding of what it means to be a Mercy educator and leader today.

Save the date: The 2027 Partners in Ministry Leadership Academy will be held July 19–20 at Mercy Center in Belmont, North Carolina. We look forward to welcoming you.