Mercy Week

Honoring Our Heritage

On Sept. 24, 1827, in Dublin, Ireland, Catherine McAuley founded a home to shelter and educate young girls. This house would be the foundation for the Sisters of Mercy — and for 17 U.S. colleges and universities, including ours.

Each September, we celebrate this heritage during Mercy Week to coincide with the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.

A Weeklong Celebration

Mercy Week features a variety of educational and service-related programming that brings our campus community together. We talk about current crises in our country and world, and think of ways the Mercy community can impact change. Specific programming changes from year to year, but the Mercy message is always loud and clear.

Mercy Week 2026: September 21-26

This year's theme, "United in Mercy: Respecting the Dignity of Each Person," calls us to connect our history with the needs of today and turn reflection into action. Join us for the activities that speak to you. Bring a friend, meet someone new, and help us carry the light of Mercy from our campus into the world.

Monday, September 21

Kenya Service Trip Panel
Students who traveled to Kenya will share meaningful moments, cultural insights, and lessons in collaboration, resilience, and faith, and how these experiences will shape their practice back home. Bring your questions and be inspired to serve.
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: TBA
Sponsored by the Occupational Therapy Program

Mercy Tea: Conversations in the Spirit
Join Staff Council for a special Mercy Tea facilitated by Director of Spirituality & Justice Jeff Wallace. Over tea and conversation, we’ll explore the practice of deep listening and how it can help us build stronger relationships, foster understanding, and live our Mercy values in everyday interactions.
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Assumption Hall, Great Hall
Sponsored by Staff Council

 

Tuesday, September 22

Guided by Mercy, Bold in Justice: Sr. Cora Marie Billings' Legacy
Join us as we meet Sr. Cora Marie Billings, a Sister of Mercy whose story is one of faith in action -- breaking racial barriers, uplifting community, and reminding us that, guided by love and unwavering faith, true mercy calls us to confront injustice and answer, "What is critical to you?"
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: University Hall, Room 105
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and CORE Programs

 

Wednesday, September 23 

UNV 101 Service Panel
Learn more about the UNV-101 service-learning experiences from faculty, staff, and students, and how it connects to mission and mercy. 
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom

Mercy Service and Experience Fair
Visit the Rotunda to learn from the different Mercy-centered experiences on campus, especially highlighting experiences to Vermont, Texas, Ireland, and others.
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Location: University Hall Rotunda (Floor 1)
Sponsored by The Mercy Center for Service, Spirituality, & Justice

Center for Teaching & Learning Faculty Forum
Discover how faculty from Gwynedd Mercy University, Carlow University, Salve Regina University, and Misericordia University are turning shared Mercy mission into meaningful collaboration. Dr. Janice Nuss will highlight lessons from this multi-university Social Work partnership and share practical ideas for building connections, pursuing grants, and creating mission-centered collaborations of your own.
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: University Hall W 201 Seminar Room
Sponsored by the Center for Teaching & Learning

 

Thursday, September 24

Annual Mercy Day Mass
Join us for our annual Mercy Day Mass as we mark the 199th anniversary of Catherine McAuley opening the House of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, a moment that gave life to a legacy of compassion, service, and Mercy that continues today. All members of our community are warmly invited to attend, regardless of religious affiliation or tradition.
Time: 11:30 a.m
Location: Frances M. Maguire '55 Healthcare Innovation Center

Mercy Tea and Authors Event
Come join us for Mercy Tea and Authors Event, where we gather to celebrate scholarship across campus. We will sip tea, browse featured works, and cheer on colleagues being recognized.
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Keiss Library
Sponsored by the Keiss Library

 

Friday, September 25

SNAP Blood Drive
Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive and make a life-saving impact in the community. Nursing students will be available to guide donors through the process and provide support following their donation.
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Healthcare Innovation Center, B105-B107
Sponsored by SNAP (Student Nurses Association of PA)

Afternoon Tea Around the World
The Asian Students Association (ASA), in collaboration with the Arab and Middle Eastern Club, invites you to enjoy unique teas and light snacks inspired by countries and cultures from around the world. Relax, meet new friends, and celebrate the rich cultural traditions that bring the GMercyU community together.
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Assumption Hall, Parlor
Sponsored by the Asian Students Association and Arab and Middle Eastern Club

 

Saturday, September 26

Red and Gold Day
A day of food, games, community, and Griffin pride. All are invited!
Time: 12 - 6 p.m.
Location: Griffin Complex Lawn
See more details here

We should be shining lamps,
giving light to all around us.

— Catherine McAuley