Last week students and staff came together to raise awareness of the life-giving ministry of McAuley for Women and Children and to fundraise for this great work of Mercy. OLMC’s Spirit Week, which concludes with the Dare2Donate parade, is a truly blessed part of our community’s support of McAuley for Women and Children.
McAuley for Women and Children is a Mercy ministry that provides safe accommodation, practical support and hope for women and children experiencing family violence and homelessness. Inspired by the vision of Catherine McAuley, McAuley for Women and Children walks alongside those facing some of life's greatest challenges, helping them rebuild safety, dignity and independence. Through housing, support services and advocacy, McAuley for Women and Children continues the Mercy tradition of responding to those most in need with compassion, courage and respect.
Last Thursday 18 June past and present staff, Sisters of Mercy, volunteers and friends of McAuley for Women and Children gathered to celebrate 40 years since its establishment by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986 (formerly known as Regina Coeli and, twenty years later, combined with Mercy Care to form McAuley for Women and Children as it is known today).
You might like to read about these McAuley for Women and Children facilities that honour the founding Sisters of Mercy: Wilma’s Place (Sr Wilma Geary RSM) and Heywood House (Sr Sheila Heywood RSM).
If you are able to support this life-giving work, please donate here.
Prayer
Loving God,
We give thanks for the work of McAuley For Women and Children and for all who offer care, protection and hope to those experiencing violence, homelessness and hardship.
Open our hearts to see the dignity of every person.
Help us to listen with compassion, act with justice and respond with mercy.
May we never turn away from those who are vulnerable, but instead be people who offer welcome, understanding and practical support.
Bless the women and children who seek safety and a new beginning.
Grant them strength, healing and hope for the future.
As members of the Mercy community, may we continue the mission of Catherine McAuley, bringing light where there is fear, hope where there is uncertainty, and love where it is needed most.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.