Having spent a number of years as a Sister of Nazareth teaching in Wisconsin and San Diego, California, I felt drawn more and more to the Mercy way of life. My good friend, Essie Hayes, sensed my yearning and desire to be a Mercy Sister and so put me in touch with Helena O’Donoghue, Leader of the then Killaloe Mercy Sisters. This was truly a graced moment when I first met Helena. Her warmth and understanding gave me the courage I needed to ‘launch out into the deep’.   Mississippi, USA was a dream from my secondary school days at St. Leo’s, Carlow, Ireland.

And the journey began. The year was 1989. I was missioned to Gulfport , Mississippi. The Sister at St. James Convent gave me such a Mercy welcome that I felt I belonged right away. I remained in the St. James community for two years, then I spent a year with our Sisters at Oakridge Circle, Gulfport, and 15 Lafayette Place, Gulfport has been my home since.

In August of 1995, I made my Perpetual Profession at St. James Church, Gulfport – a first for our newly established US Province and a first since the Sisters of Mercy came to Mississippi over 40 years ago.

My life as a Mercy Sister is a happy one and is deeply satisfying, nourished daily by the Eucharist and community prayer. I continue to use my gifts and talents as a First Grade teacher and also by being a compassionate listener and presence to the parents I encounter in my daily ministry. A most rewarding part of my life as a Sister of Mercy is bringing Christ’s compassion to the sick and the elderly in the local community.