Students Examine the Mercy Critical Concern for Women

Thirty-two high school students and faculty deepened their understanding of the Mercy Critical Concern for Women during the Conference of Mercy Student Leaders, held June 21–24, 2026. The program, organized by Mercy Education and hosted by Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, brought together participants from across North and Central America, creating a rich intercultural learning experience. Schools represented included Instituto Maria Regina (La Ceiba, Honduras); Mercy Academy (Louisville, Kentucky); Mercy Career and Technical High School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Mercy High School (Farmington Hills, Michigan); Mercyhurst Prep (Erie, Pennsylvania); Merion Mercy Academy (Merion Station, Pennsylvania); and St. Mary Academy–Bay View (Riverside, Rhode Island).

After a presentation of the film In God Alone—The Story of Catherine McAuley, Sister Natalie Rossi, RSM, invited participants to reflect on the leadership of Catherine McAuley and the enduring vitality of her charism. Students created mandalas expressing their personal interpretations of the Critical Concerns. Students also engaged in leadership formation sessions and team building exercises led by Kimberly Baxter, Associate Director for Mercy Education. These activities encouraged students to recognize their unique gifts and explore how collaborative leadership can advance mercy and justice. Each school group later presented how their school community embodies the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns and Mercy Education Core Values.

Students and chaperones also participated in service experiences at three Sisters of Mercy–sponsored ministries: House of Mercy, Mercy Hilltop Senior Center, and Mercy Terrace Apartments, gaining firsthand insight into Mercy’s commitment to accompaniment and compassionate presence.

Another feature of the conference was a panel featuring current and former Mercy Volunteer Corps missioners—Leo Fowler, Sister Colleen O’Toole, RSM, and Molly Vankat (an alumna of Mercy High School in Omaha, Nebraska)—who shared powerful testimonies about living Mercy values through service, community, and advocacy.

The highlight of the conference were the sessions given by Angie Howard McParland of the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team, who offered compelling stories of advocacy and prayerful witness. She challenged students to examine the systemic injustices and root causes that perpetuate the oppression of women. Students were introduced to an advocacy framework they can use to guide future efforts in their schools and communities.

Each school group spent time planning initiatives to elevate women’s voices and committed to sharing their learning with their school communities. The conference concluded with prayer and a missioning ceremony, sending participants forth to expand the “Circle of Mercy.”

A photo gallery can be found here.