MERCY VOLUNTEER CORPS Transforming Lives, Perspectives, The World
Congratulations
MVC staff member Chris marries Jan Wilcox on 9.12.15
Feature
Mercy Volunteers travel to Philly to see Pope Francis
Celebration
MVC to host celebration in San Francisco, CA
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Detroit Community at Heidelberg Project
Sacramento Community at Quinn Cottages
Savannah Volunteers enjoy Philly cheesesteaks
Arizona Community visits Antelope Canyon
Baltimore Community explores Inner Harbor Mercy Volunteers travel toinsee the Pope Philadelphia Volunteers Ocean City, NJ
Mercy Volunteers
Mercy Volunteers in Philadelphia Mercy Volunteers Travel to Philadelphia to See Pope Francis Mercy Volunteers serving in Philadelphia, New York City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Savannah all traveled to MVC’s main office in Gwynedd Valley to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia on Sunday, September 27th. The volunteers came by plane, train, bus and car to spend the weekend with approximately 75 Mercy College students. On Saturday, both volunteers and students gathered to talk about the Mercy Critical Concerns of Racism, Immigration, NonViolence, Women, and Earth. They spent the morning in small groups discussing the concerns
as they relate to the world today and creating action plans for how to better address these concerns in their personal lives. During this retreat day, the volunteers also had the opportunity to watch Pope Francis’ address at Independence Hall. Pope Francis’ words, “society is weakened whenever and wherever injustice prevails,” gave new light and emphasis to the need to acknowledge and advocate for change especially in the area of each of the five Mercy Critical Concerns. The weekend concluded on Sunday by traveling down to Philadelphia to begin the
Pilgrimmage to see Pope Francis. The pilgrimmage allowed our Mercy Volunteers to experience their faith and spirituality in a new and exciting way. Each volunteer was able to share their experience of volunteering and long-term service with other pilgrims. They helped spread the mission of Mercy to all those who they encountered on their journey and it was a blessing to watch as they widen our circle of Mercy! If you would like to read more about MVC’s experience during the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia please check out our latest blog at www.mercyvolunteers.org/blog. Photo: Mercy Volunteers in front of City Hall in Philadelphia
Saying Farewell: Joh n Fa rle y
Mercy Volunteer Corps has bid farewell to our Director of Advancement, John Farley, who has started the next step of his journey. John’s last day with Mercy Volunteer Corps was Friday, September 11th. John has served with MVC faithfully for six years. We are grateful for John’s dedication to our mission and wish him well on this new beginning!
Congratulations Chris and Jan! Staff member Chris Davidson marries Jan Wilcox
Mercy Volunteer Corps Community Coordinator Chris Davidson married Jan Wilcox on September 12th in Lansing, Michigan. Their marriage was witnessed and celebrated with family and friends. Chris and Jan met while working in the Social Justice and Ministry fields in New Jersey. Both Chris and Jan continue to be passionate in these fields, working with volunteers for both short and long term service. Mercy Volunteer Corps wishes the new bride and groom countless blessings as they begin their journey together! We are so very blessed to count you both as MVC supporters! Chris Davidson: chrisdavidson@mercyvolunteers.org
Celebration of Mercy in San Francisco Mercy Volunteer Corps will be hosting our next Celebration of Mercy in San Francisco, California on October 8th. The event will be held at Mercy Center in Burlingame at 7pm. Alumni, Mercy Sisters and Associates, and friends of MVC are all welcome to join members of the staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers for wine and desserts. More information about the event as well as an online RSVP form can be found at www.mercyvolunteers.org/celebration. To get in touch with a staff member to RSVP please contact Mary DeMarco at 215.641.5535 or marydemarco@mercyvolunteers.org.
Applications Available Online
Mercy Volunteer Corps applications are officially being accepted! Applicants can apply online for MVC at www.mercyvolunteers.org/ apply. Our priority application deadline is January 15th.
#MakeMercyReal
Social M e dia R eque st Through your work as a Mercy Volunteer Corps member, you are on the front lines of spreading Mercy in the communities where you live and work. As part of their 150th Anniversary Celebration in Omaha, the Sisters of Mercy are asking for your help in sharing how you Make Mercy Real. From September 24 to October 21, the Omaha Sisters invite you to post your acts of service on your social media sites using #MakeMercyReal. By taking part in this important campaign, you give others a glimpse of how Mercy shapes our world today and how it will continue to impact future generations. More information and a short video can be found on www.sistersofmercy.org/ makemercyreal.
ABOUT MERCY VOLUNTEER CORPS
Mercy Volunteer Corps promotes social change by placing and supporting volunteers for one year of service with people who are poor and marginalized in the U.S. and South America. Mercy Volunteers work in education, healthcare, and social services while living together in a community and growing spiritually. Mercy Volunteer Corps 1325 Sumneytown Pike Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437 Phone: 215.641.5535 ContactUs@mercyvolunteers.org www.mercyvolunteers.org www.mercyvolunteers.tumblr.com
October Events October 8th
Celebration of Mercy in San Francisco
October 12th Offices Closed
October 15th-18th
MSEA in Rochester, NY
October 19th-21st
Staff Retreat in Havertown, PA
Recruitment Planning October 1st: Lewis University Volunteer Fair October 5th: Neumann University Fair October 5th-7th: Purdue University Visit October 7th: St. Mary’s University Fair Brandeis University Fair October 8th: Marian University October 9th: Creighton University Expo October 19th: John Carroll University Fair October 20th: Stonehill College Fair Boston College Fair St. Xavier University Fair October 21st: Holy Cross University Fair University of Dayton Fair October 22nd: St. Anslem College Fair
Extending the Circle
Extending the Circle is a unique program offered by MVC that allows you to support a specific volunteer. Check out the volunteers’ individual pages to sponsor them in their year of service!
Donate Now #mercyvolunteers