Thirty-five rising seniors and more than a dozen faculty/staff members volunteered in several Mercy Volunteer Program (MVP) service locations: the Aquinas Center in Philadelphia; Beattyville, Kentucky; the Romero Center in Camden; and Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia.
Serving in MVP provides the volunteers with opportunities to explore and address social justice issues; offer a ministry of presence to the community; create, collaborate and teach Vacation Bible school; and serve in community outreach programs including meal preparation for the hungry and homeless, elder and child care, and support to the most vulnerable in these communities.
MVP was established to provide educational and service opportunities for MMA students the summer before their senior year. In the 27 years of its existence, MVP participants have traveled to domestic and international sites, working in collaboration with community partners and in solidarity with people of diverse culture, especially those who are materially poor.
Through the support of the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and families, MMA's deep desire that Catherine McAuley's vision for Mercy continues to drive the work to integrate her vision throughout the school's programs. As MVP completed its 27th summer service program, it is clear how the core values are deep rooted into this program so that the legacy of Catherine McAuley continues. By reaching out to others and experiencing a true world view, MVP participants are able to literally bring the values of Mercy to extended communities while infusing the halls of MMA with the same values upon which the Sisters of Mercy were founded.
Click here to view photos from MVP 2019.