Regional Community of New York

I became a Sister of Mercy because I wanted to find a way to have meaning in my life, to be of value, to make a difference. The works and words of Mercy just really attracted me. I saw both the corporal and spiritual works of Mercy as concrete ways of fulfilling my desire to be for others, and to give birth to God in others and in myself.

McAuley Nazareth Home is a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed boys. I have been here for 35 years and served in many roles, first as a teacher, and now as a social worker. The energy level that's needed for this work and the pressure of working with the children, their families, and the state can overwhelm you. But I get such a sense of satisfaction from seeing children able to learn, to play with other children, to do things they couldn't do before. To read, swim, smile, just do ordinary things and be a child again. We're a very small agency with just 18 boys in residence. So we can be personal. We're not an institution. We're a home.

When I think about how I might be an instrument of God in this time and place, I reflect on the Gospel of St. John. I particularly like the passage about the Annunciation. It helps me relate to the meaning of God incarnate. I also reflect on the words of my motto. This is my commitment: to do all things for God and through God for others.

One thing that I truly value is my community life. I love being with people who have the same values that I do. I value my Mercy community, the four people I live with, my parish community, and my community at large.

I think my greatest accomplishment is having relationships with people, those who are hurting and those who aren't, and that I have friends, people who love me and whom I love. I guess I meet so many people who are lonely and uncared for and unloved, that I'm grateful that my life is so fulfilling and complete. If I could offer anyone anything, it would be the gift of hospitality.