Faith in Action: Living Mercy Through the Praxis Project

Each year, during the second semester’s Social Justice Leadership theology course, juniors at Merion Mercy Academy put theory into practice through a signature experience known as the Praxis Project. From the first month of the course through its conclusion, students collaborate in small groups to explore a contemporary social issue, grounding their work in the Mercy charism and the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Nonviolence, Immigration, Racism, Women, and Earth.

Guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, students engage in the three stages of the “circle of faith-in-action”—See, Judge, Act—as they examine and respond to real-world injustice. In the “See” phase, students identify and critically evaluate various worldviews, including their own, to better understand the social reality they are studying. In the “Judge” phase, they analyze the complex nexus of systemic and structural injustices that perpetuate the issue. Finally, in the “Act” phase, students conduct interviews with local ministries, nonprofits, and experts in the field to inform a thoughtful, justice-driven response. This action might take the form of direct service, such as volunteering, or social action, such as raising awareness through a digital campaign or advocacy initiative.

Students are encouraged to view their work through key ethical lenses, including:

• Dignity of the Human Person
• Stewardship of God’s Creation
• Solidarity
• Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
• Rights and Responsibilities

The project culminates in a short documentary and a group presentation that demonstrate how the students enacted the See-Judge-Act model over the course of the semester. Recent projects have addressed an array of Mercy Critical Concerns, including:

• Green Architecture (Earth)
• Global Climate Change (Earth)
• Racial Disparity in Healthcare (Racism)
• Access to Education for Young Women in Afghanistan (Women)
• Gender Equity in the STEM Workplace (Women)

According to Theology teacher Jeffrey Mayer, the Praxis Project often leads to deeper student engagement beyond the classroom. Some students have expanded their work into senior capstone projects through the Diploma with Distinction program, while others have introduced their research topics to campus clubs and organizations. In some cases, a student’s praxis experience has even inspired her choice of college major or future career path.

Ultimately, the Praxis Project equips Merion Mercy students with more than just academic knowledge—it empowers them with the tools to be ethical leaders and compassionate advocates. By combining critical inquiry, spiritual reflection, and meaningful action, students live out the Gospel call to serve others and work toward a more just and merciful world.