Mercy Education Network
Vision
"We envision a network of Mercy (high) schools which share the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the common Mercy tradition and values, and commitment to the Sisters of Mercy Institute Direction Statement. This network will be characterized by partnership among lay and religious colleagues, a faith-filled environment, cultural and economic diversity, and the pursuit of academic excellence..." (from Vision Statement, Sponsorship Study, 1999)
Beginnings
The Network for Mercy Education, begun in September, 1999, continues its work committed to this vision. In the course of its first year, a Network Plan, developed from the results of a Sponsorship Study, 1997-99, set the direction for Network initiatives, programs and the development of materials for use by administrators, faculty, staff and boards. The objectives of this plan continue to inform decisions about programs and services.
Objectives
Network initiatives, programs, and materials continue to address three objectives:
Provide education and formation on the Mercy Charism, core values and tradition for administrators, boards, faculty and staff.
Design a process that will facilitate dialogue on issues of structure, relationships and sponsorship into the future.
Explore and identify alternative funding sources in order to more fully educate within the Mercy tradition and to ensure that Mercy education continues into the future.
Board
The Network for Mercy Education Board guides the work of the Network. Thirteen members representing the Network staff, Regional Community Leadership, the Sisters of Mercy, lay colleagues, a representative of MSEA and a liaison to the Institute Leadership Team meet four times each year to set direction for the initiatives of the Network. An annual report is reviewed and promulgated each year in accountability to Regional Community and school leadership.