Foundation Day and Commitment Celebration in North Shields - 12th December 2017 In a very busy December for the Mercy Associates in North Shields with a coffee morning, Mercy parcels and a carol service the highlight had to be the beautiful mass in honour of Catherine and Foundation Day. As the fourteen of us came together in our intimate chapel the feeling of community was tangible. We were very privileged to have Fr Michael Hickey celebrate the Mass with us. His reflection on our readings was insightful, moving and encouraging. He gave praise and thanks for Catherine bravely accepting the call to bring mercy into the world and for inspiring so many others to follow her example. After the reflection we had the Service of Commitment for our three new Associates. We concluded with a healing liturgy, anointing each other and praying for those unable to join us, the sick and for mercy in our world. Our celebration continued with a lovely Christmas lunch at a nearby restaurant. Thank you Sr. Patricia and Fr Michael for gifting us with such a beautiful, tender and merciful Mass and making the day so special.

Following on from the news back in September about the Stechford Garden Party... One of the charities that they supported as part of the Stechford Mercy Garden Party was 'Me & Dee'. Information about the charity can be found at the following link; http://www.meanddee.co.uk/whatwedo/about-us/1.htm In October, Mercy Associates attended the 'Me and Dee' ball and presented a check for £1,000 to Maria Hanson MBE – the founder of 'Me & Dee'. Maria was overwhelmed with the support she received.

On a very cold, snowy morning on the 12th December 2017, our small group of Mercy Associates gathered in the convent in Parkhead Road to celebrate Foundation Day, and give thanks to our foundress for the legacy she has left us....THE ORDER OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY. Our day commenced with an inspirational mass in the chapel, celebrated by Father Michael Stephens . Father Michael celebrating mass. We continued celebrating the Venerable Catherine McAuley's gift to the world — the foundation of the order —with a festive lunch at the Vermont Hotel in the city centre .A wonderful meal with the Tyne bridge as the backdrop, a marvellous celebration. Grateful thanks to Sister M.Bernard for her kindness. Article kindly provided by Monica Mills

Mercy Associates in Golborne, near Warrington The group of Associates in Saint Catherine’s and All Saints parish enjoyed the company of Fr. Bernard Eager at two of their Associate meetings recently. He has given the group renewed energy by his enthusiastic talks. Those of you know Fr. Bernard Eager will be delighted to know that he is well and out and about again. The group of Associates have booked a day to visit Coolock on the 17th February 2018 and we are hoping that Fr. Eager will be able to come along too. Two more associates have joined the group and will be making their commitment at Coolock that now brings the group to 19.

On Sunday the 19th of November, Mercy Associates from Oldham met at Werneth Convent for a Commitment and Renewal Ceremony. Here are some of the thoughts of those that attended a most enjoyable day. 'It was an enrichment to see the group of Associates and affirms us on the way forward.' 'I felt very much at ease and also felt a presence very like the grotto in Lourdes.' 'Beautiful and peaceful.' 'Lovely to spend time with friends.' 'As always really lovely.' 'Being in the procession with the cup and saucer.' 'A wonderful afternoon and such a joyous occasion, including a very thought provoking reflection from Sr. Bridie.' 'Happy memories of my own commitment, I cannot remember how many years ago but I was one of the first Mercy Associates at Werneth convent.' 'Fantastic, so glad I asked my friend Marie to come along to the MA meetings and so glad she said yes.' 'Today's been a lovely and very special day.' 'Very special to renew our commitments to the MA even after our first commitment. Praise God.' 'So blessed to be a part of the community of the SOM and MA in this special place and to have our commitment service in our beautiful chapel, and thank you to Sr. Bridie and Sr. Betty for a deeply spiritual time today.' Article kindly provided by Bernie Pinder