As Seen In: de Sales Sheet Magazine, Fall 2021 Edition
On September 24, 1827, Catherine McAuley opened the first ever Sisters of Mercy house in Dublin,
Ireland, to educate young girls and serve those in need. The mission has spread across borders and landed at Mount de Sales Academy. Our deeply rooted values stem from the Sisters of Mercy: spirituality, service, community, and social justice. And with that, begins prayer.
During morning announcements at MDS, students are invited to join in the school’s shared prayer or to celebrate one of the many different faiths practiced on campus. We embody a culture of respect and understanding for families of all faiths because at the core of our mission, we support the formation of the whole, genuine person.
Prayer is a process through which we learn to trust both God and ourselves. It is an ongoing conversation where we discover who we’re called to be. Prayer helps center one’s thoughts; it is universal. All faiths are connected through some form of prayer where each person builds a foundation within their faith to better serve a higher purpose or greater good. Prayer is the first step, but not the only one. Prayer requires action, and MDS challenges its students to put their prayers into action every day. Whether it’s advocating for social justice through the student-led Diversity Awareness Club (DAC), enriching life through nature in Mrs. Liza Sumowski’s campus garden, or fulfilling service hours through the Mercy in Action program, we are all called to serve. Mount de Sales helps students answer their callings and prepares them for a life of service, both academically and spiritually. Fulfilling the Mercy mission tests our courage, love, and patience at times, but the power of prayer strengthens all of us. We have a vast network of support in our MDS community who all want to lift each other up.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
Prayer is a powerful tool within the Mount de Sales community. It is during quiet times of prayer that our faculty and staff reignite their commitment to MDS’s mission to discover, innovate, and serve the students. The leadership at MDS instills within all of us a call to serve compassionately. Catherine McAuley said it best during her years of service with the Sisters of Mercy: “Compassion should be our animating principle when undertaking instruction with children and adults, since they are made in God’s
image.”