Formation is an intentional, ongoing, and reflective process focused on furthering God’s mission through Mercy Wellsprings. It ensures that the ministries governed by Mercy Wellsprings and its Boards remain faithful to the Gospel, to the charism of Mercy and to the spirit of Catherine McAuley.
Purpose of Formation
The purpose of Formation is to prepare leaders within the various ministries to fully assume responsibility for their roles, ensuring that each ministry remains vibrant and faithful to the Gospel well into the future. Formation also seeks to deepen understanding of the Mercy story—not only by telling it but by embodying it in the values, relationships, structures, processes, and programs of the organization, so that mercy is lived out in every aspect of our shared mission.
Each Board meeting should have a Formation moment which can take the form of a prayer, a Foundational story or a story about a Sister, or something that connects to the Mercy history, values and/or culture. Mercy Wellsprings will provide Formation support and resources for the Mercy Wellspring’s Members and Board as well as the Boards of the sponsored ministries.
Key elements
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- Education
- Spiritual mentoring
- Professional development
- Dialogue and Reflection
- Service
Module 1: The Story of Catherine McAuley
The story of Catherine McAuley is explored, her life and the events that led to her founding the Sisters of Mercy. We have gathered many to do this module together and to reflect on the story of Catherine McAuley.
Module 2: Early Expansion
News of the work that Catherine McAuley and her Sisters of Mercy were doing spread rapidly. Consequently, Catherine received many calls for assistance. The foundations of Sisters of Mercy which occurred in Catherine’s lifetime are reviewed.
Module 3: The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
The traditional corporal and spiritual Works of Mercy, their scriptural foundations and their conventional and contemporary manifestations are reviewed and reflected on.
Module 4: The 8th Work of Mercy
The 8th Work of Mercy proposed by Pope Francis in 2016 is explored. The module reviews how the Cry of the Earth invariably becomes intertwined with the Cry of the Poor.
Module 5: Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland
The establishment of Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland is explored, tracing its history from the various original foundations located in Ireland and Rhode Island. The ministries of the Sisters and those who work alongside them today are also reviewed.
Module 6: Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland Ministries
The various ministries in which Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and the wider Mercy family are involved are reviewed, focusing on the call to the common mission of mercy which brings us all together.
Module 7: The Wider Mercy Family & Mercy Values
The wider Mercy Family to which Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland and Mercy Wellsprings belong are reviewed. There is a brief look at some ministries and international initiatives, focusing on the common mission that brings everyone together.
Core Content
Mercy Wellsprings Formation Booklet
Mercy International Association
Sisters of Mercy of Newfoundland & Labrador
