Become an Associate

Mercy associates are women and men who are Christian, 21 years of age or older, who:
• desire to strengthen their commitment to Gospel values
• want to deepen their prayer lives
• seek to share in the mission of mercy as envisioned by Catherine McAuley
• remain financially independent from the Sisters of Mercy
• possess emotional stability and an ability to relate comfortably with others.

They come from different races or cultures and are married, single, lay, or cleric. Each associate enters into an agreement with the Sisters of Mercy to share in their life and mission. This formal covenant describes how the individual will extend the mission of Mercy through prayer, community, and service in her or his own life. Associates maintain their own lifestyle participating in community activities as interests, talents, and time allow.

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Questions about Mercy Association

People become associates because they:
• experience a call from God to be a person of compassion and service
• are attracted to Mercy life and mission
• want to formalize a connection with others – sisters and associates – in prayer, community and service

To become an associate, a person meets with the local coordinator of association, becomes acquainted with other sisters and associates, and enters into a year-long discernment process.

For more information on becoming an associate, contact:

Kathy Schiro, Director of Association
Bette Gallagher, RSM, in Merion
Camilla Lauricella in New Jersey
Terry Agliardi, RSM, in Brooklyn
Marie Noel Keller, RSM, in Dallas
Sharon Donohue, RSM, in New York