Mission and Values
We, the community of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, are animated by the charism of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and by our motto: “Via, Veritas et Vita.” (I am the Way, the Truth and the Life). The school, opened in 1928, remains a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy.
We are a sixth through twelfth grade all women’s college preparatory school. We are guided by the values of our Catholic identity while respecting and welcoming students of diverse backgrounds.
We empower young women to unleash their potential through a vigorous pursuit of knowledge, service to others, a global perspective, and leadership opportunities. This pursuit is guided by a commitment to the virtues of hospitality, compassion, integrity, and respect for the inherent dignity of all.
Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women encourages students to be pioneers of change. Our mission is to provide an enriching balance of learning, serving, and loving that creates a community of care and sisterhood.
On December 12, 1831, three women – Catherine McAuley, Mary Ann Doyle, and Elizabeth Harley – took vows to become the first Sisters of Mercy, beginning a religious community dedicated to serving those who are poor, sick, and uneducated. To learn more about our foundress, watch this wonderful film on Mother McAuley.
Critical Concerns
The following are the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy:
- We must deepen and assimilate more consciously the practice of NONVIOLENCE as an integral aspect of the charism of mercy.
- We must deepen our response to the unrecognized and unreconciled RACISM, past and present, within our community.
- We must revere EARTH and work effectively toward the sustainability of life and toward universal recognition of the fundamental right to water.
- We must continue to embrace our particular concern for WOMEN.
- We must stand in solidarity with IMMIGRANTS.
Core Values
Core values are the essence and approach to living in the spirit of Mercy. The following attitudes and behaviors are the soul of the life and learning at Mercy.
- Hospitality is a warm and generous welcoming of all. We will cultivate an atmosphere of non-violence, belonging, and reverence.
- Compassionate Service is living out the Gospel imperative to care for those in need. We will seek to understand the needs of others and respond with Christ-like mercy.
- Justice-making is removing barriers that prohibit people from flourishing. We will strive to open our hearts and minds as we work with others to transform unjust systems.
- Concern for Women and Women’s Issues is recognizing the inherent dignity and God-given equality of all human life. We will work to promote a just treatment of women in all aspects of church and society.
- Global Vision is seeing the world from God’s perspective. We will promote an equitable global community through careful stewardship of human, economic, and natural resources.