For more than 20 years, our Sisters have worked closely with Msgr. McAvoy in Saranac Lake, NY as well as in Plattsburgh. Throughout this time, he has been a welcoming and supportive pastor, a compassionate partner in ministry, a mentor, and a friend to Mercy. Most recently, Msgr. McAvoy gifted the Sisters of Mercy with what had been the St. John's parish convent home at 62-64 Court Street in Plattsburgh. Through his leadership as pastor of St. John's, the Parish Council and parish administrators supported the decision. We now have a House of Mercy, a permanent home for our Sisters, and a visible sign of Msgr. McAvoy's generosity.

The other half of this story is the Murnane Family. Our new House of Mercy had fallen into disrepair. The Murnanes, contractors in the Plattsburgh area whose family members had been Mercy-educated at St. John's, wanted to help. After submitting an estimate for $175,000, the Murnanes decided to charge $100,000 and contribute the rest. Not surprisingly, the Murnanes are recognized throughout the Plattsburgh area for their generosity to Catholic churches and schools. "We hope to minister to the people of Plattsburgh for a long time to come," said Sr. Gwen Coté, a member of the New York Regional Community leadership team. "Our permanent new home will make this dream a reality." 

The Friend of Mercy Award Dinner will be held on April 28 at the Inn at Smithfield on Cornelia Street in Plattsburgh, an occasion to celebrate the heritage of our foundress Catherine McAuley and her spirit of Mercy that we found in Msgr. McAvoy and the Murnane family. 

For information on attending The Friend of Mercy Award Dinner, please contact Sr. Gwen Coté, gacote@aol.com. or 518-562-0525.