Sisters of Mercy Sponsor Scholarships to the National Catholic Education Association's April Conference in Support of Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B.

February 27, 2001—As an expression of endorsement of the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) decision, despite some criticism, to retain nationally acclaimed presenter, speaker, and author Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B., as a keynote speaker for the NCEA’s April conference, the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas is making scholarship money available to assist parochial school teachers whose institutions are unwilling to finance their attendance in response to the aforementioned criticism.

The four-day convocation will be held in April in Milwaukee. A boycott led by a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh will likely reduce attendance by several hundred people. The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas applauds the NCEA’s decision to keep Sister Chittister on the program despite the projected impact on attendance. She will speak about spirituality and educational leadership. The Mercy-sponsored scholarships will afford interested teachers the opportunity to witness first-hand a wonderfully motivational speaker.

Many Sisters of Mercy have drawn inspiration and insight from Sister Chittister’s numerous written and public presentations. She is outstanding in her successful application of Catholic social teaching to contemporary issues and events.

"A committed Benedictine Sister for more than forty years, the elected and former prioress of her community in Erie, an educated and theologically informed person, and a frequent leader in church organizations, Sister Joan seems a logical choice as presenter at a conference of Catholic educators," said Sister Patricia McCann, R.S.M., a Sister of Mercy from Pittsburgh. "For sure, no one sleeps through her presentations! She raises questions, issues challenges, sheds light on the Scriptures, and animates people in their quest for God."

Scholarship information and/or applications may be obtained by calling Sister Maria Luisa Vera, R.S.M., at 301-587-0423.

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas is an international community of sisters vowed to serve people who suffer from poverty, sickness, and ignorance, with a special concern for women and children. In innovative and traditional ways, Sisters of Mercy address human needs though collaborative efforts in education, health care, housing, and pastoral and social services. The Institute includes 25 regional communities with 5,500 members who serve in North, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Guam and the Philippines. The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas sponsors or co-sponsors seven major national healthcare systems, 20 colleges and universities, 20 elementary and preschools, 39 secondary schools, and hundreds of affordable housing developments. They also serve in programs ranging from hospices for persons with HIV/AIDS, to adult literacy centers, and resettlement programs for refugees.

For more information contact Stacie B. Royster at the Sisters of Mercy Institute Office.

8300 Colesville Road
Suite 300
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
(301) 587-0423
Fax: (301) 587-0533