Ministry & Faith Life

Ministry is integral to our school’s identity. Our Catholic identity and Mercy tradition are promoted through leadership, collaboration, and programs that foster an inclusive school culture rooted in Gospel values and in the spirit of Catherine McAuley.

Student Ministry Team:

The Student Ministry Team is a leadership and service organization within the school community, supervised by the Campus Ministry Office. Team members learn to:

• Prepare liturgical celebrations

• Plan prayer services and opportunities for liturgical seasons

• Lead class retreats

• Develop collaborative leadership skills

• Serve as school ambassadors at sponsored events

• Take the lessons learned beyond their time at MMA to serve their churches and colleges

Our four-year Theology program focuses on:

• Faith development

• Knowledge of Scripture and Catholic Church teaching and practice

• Ethical reasoning and moral development in the Catholic Social Tradition

• Integrating faith in the real world through living spirituality.

Women exercising leadership in the church is stressed throughout, and the importance of service, social responsibility, community and prayer are woven into each course.

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Students, faculty, and staff worship together by participating in daily prayer services and regular school masses.

Morning Prayer:

We begin each day in prayer led by the Ministry Team. During our Community Reset, students and faculty gather for scripture readings, prayers for intercession, and personal reflections.

School Mass:

During the school year, we gather for Mass to celebrate Mercy Day, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, Celebration of Life, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Days in the beautiful Convent Chapel adjacent to the Convent of Mercy. 

We mark all important school milestones with a Eucharistic Liturgy, like the Junior Ring Mass and Baccalaureate Mass.

During junior year, most of our students participate in a Kairos retreat.

The Greek word “Kairos” means “God’s time.” The retreat provides each participant an opportunity to “step away” from life’s busy pace for a three day/two night experience to focus on her inner life in relationship to herself, others, and God. The process evokes positive personal growth and spiritual empowerment.

Our school chapel is a haven of peace for all who wish to spend time in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s here that prayer services regularly take place, Theology classes meditate or learn lessons, and other faith-based events occur.

The Convent of Mercy, which shares its campus with Merion Mercy Academy, is a historic landmark constructed between 1892 and 1907. Serving as a spiritual and community hub for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Convent reflects the enduring legacy of Mercy in action.

At its heart is a stunning chapel, the setting for religious vows and other significant gatherings, and a sacred space where Merion Mercy celebrates Mass and beloved traditions such as Carol Night. The Convent also includes an auditorium that hosts theater productions and a variety of special events.

Organized by our Campus Ministry Office and Student Ministry Team, class retreats are a signature part of the Merion Mercy experience. Each school year, classes will take a collective trip to learn more about themselves, their spiritual journey, and the true meaning of Sisterhood.