MMA Students Participate in Conference of Mercy Student Leaders

From June 15–18, student leaders and their chaperones from Mercy schools around the world gathered for the Conference of Mercy Student Leaders, which took place at St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Among them were four Merion Mercy Academy students: Phoebe Giarrocco '27, Audrey Dougherty '27, Khloé  Williams '27, and Hailey Kenefick '26. This international, bilingual event is a unique opportunity for participants to grow in leadership, deepen their understanding of the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns—especially immigration—and connect with peers who share a commitment to Mercy.

Our student leaders were selected for their outstanding leadership and the way they embody the spirit and values of Mercy. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to take part in this experience.

Sister Danielle Gagnon, RSM, who accompanied the girls to Chicago, said, "It is important for MMA students to participate in this conference because they have the opportunity to meet students from Mercy schools around the world, learn about themselves as leaders, dive deeper into the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, spend time in prayer and reflection, and put all they learn into action with a service project."

For this year's service project, the participants hosted a joyful Fiesta de Carnaval for families supported by Catherine’s Caring Cause, a ministry founded by Sisters Pat Murphy and JoAnn Persch, RSM, that accompanies asylum seekers in the Chicagoland area.