Mission Week further brings our Mercy mission into focus. It guides us through faith, inspires compassion, and empowers us as we recognize the excellence in the people around us.
Each year, Mission Week also supports the Mercy Girl Effect. The Mercy Girl Effect is a project that brings together students from Mercy schools around the country to raise awareness of global issues and empower young female leaders to change the world.
This year's project is "That Comfortable Cup of Tea." Pope Francis has addressed the devastating conditions that the indigenous people of Bangladesh face. Many of the Khasi and Garo people work as tea leaf pickers. The economic situation is dire and parents sometimes resort to selling their children to human traffickers who promise that the children will be provided with a better life. Sadly, these children often end up being exploited and abused instead.
The money that we raise this year will go to the Arise Foundation, an NGO with the mission of ending human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The funds will help Arise continue to serve the tea pickers of Bangladesh as well as other communities that are vulnerable.
This week, the students will take part in activities that are intended to foster school spirit and also raise awareness and money for this year's project. Throughout the week, Student Council members will collect donations and sell raffle tickets. Prize winners will be drawn at the end of the week. Students will also vote to select a movie for Movie Night, which will be held on Friday, May 14.