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A word from our director.....

• FEBRUARY 2009- New Year's Message
• NOVEMBER 2008- Website Welcome Message
• SEPTEMBER 2008- Director's Message

CURRENT MESSAGE- FEBRUARY 2009

A NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

I wish to give you all my belated but heartfelt wishes for a most blessed 2009. In this time of multiple crises, I ask you all to pray that Catherine McAuley will lead us in prayer to the Holy Family and our Creator God that, with patience and good will, peace and economic stability will come to us and our world.

As West Midwest Mercy Associates – Auburn, I hope that our 2009 activities of Mercy and service will open those we serve to the goodness and Mercy of our Savior Jesus the Christ, and that our efforts to serve the poor, the uneducated, and the sick, in prayer and in action, will be recognized by those we meet, and that they may join us in our service. The Mercy Associates of Auburn are in for a full year. We have planned activities that can serve without significant cost.

We propose to join Sisters of Mercy and others with the Spirit of Mercy around the world in lighting a candle for peace the 24th of each month.

We propose that those willing and able will join us in “Enrichment Hours” starting in May. During these hours, Associates will join to reflect, pray, share and celebrate Mass on one weekend a month, at various parishes. After Mass, meals or refreshments may be taken together. More information will be available as the hours take shape and schedules are developed.

We propose that as Associates are able, “cans of love” be brought to our gatherings for sharing with Sister Redempta’s HIV/AIDS ministry or others who are hungry.

We propose that prayer and letters of support to legislators be written on behalf of justice, against torture, against human trafficking, against all activities that lessen the basic dignity and worth of all human life, the born and unborn, the dead and dying.

We propose that those who enjoy good food, good company and good times join us as the events we support, such as, the February 8, 2009 Irish American Céili Dancers 6th Annual Benefit Concert, which benefits Catholic HIV/AIDS Services to the Needy, and events that we sponsor, such as the Mardi Gras Style Spaghetti Dinner February 24, 2009, which benefits our Associate ministries.

I hope that you who read this message will continue to read and support the website and contact the webmaster and provide comments, suggestion or articles for inclusion in our pages. This is OUR website, and we want it to be a useful and informative for Associates and others who seek to participate in the Mercy charism.

Again, I pray that 2009 will be full of Mercy responses to all the challenges we will face. Blessings of mercy, peace, joy and love to all of you!

In Mercy,

Ann Dufour, Director

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EVENT CALENDAR

CLICK HERE - OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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MINISTRIES OF THE WEST MIDWEST MERCY ASSOCIATES – AUBURN

• MARYHOUSE – A program of Loaves and Fishes which serves homeless women and children.
  • Monthly Breakfast Program – Currently two groups of Associates prepare and serve breakfast for guests.
  • Christmas in July – A major fund raising activity which provides cash and necessities to Maryhouse during the summer, when donations historically are less than other times of the year. Maryhouse needs:
    • New sweat shirts and sweat pants (sizes large and extra large)
    • New women’s underwear (sizes 8-10)
    • Cash
    • Panty liners
    • New women’s socks

• SISTER NORA’S PLACE – The shelter for chronically homeless women with mental health problems. Currently, two groups of Associates prepare and share dinner with residents on Sunday.

• PRISON VISITATION – The opportunity to bring friendship, faith and Eucharist to person in jail or prison.

• CANS OF LOVE, ASSOCIATES SUPPORT FOR SISTER REDEMPTA’S PANTRY – Donations are welcome at all Associate gatherings for Sister Redempta’s services to the poor and the HIV-AIDS ministry she shares with Fr. Healy. Especially needed are:
  • Spam, tuna, other canned meats.
  • Canned soups
  • Jam
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • Packed macaroni and cheese, ramen, etc.

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SPIRITUALITY ACTIVITIES OF THE MIDWEST MERCY ASSOCIATES – AUBURN

• ANNUAL RETREAT – A weekend at Mercy Center Auburn, which includes reflection, direction, contemplation, formation, transformation and renewing friendships.

• SACRED CIRCLES – A quarterly gathering in small groups to share the prayer and wisdom of Catherine McAuley.

• OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION – Individual spiritual direction with compassionate spiritual directors is available at some Associate gatherings and at Mercy Center Auburn or other venues in the geographic area.

• ENRICHMENT DAY – An annual day of reflection and meditation, usually held at Mercy Center Auburn.

• ENRICHMENT HOURS – The opportunity to gather in small groups to share faith, reflection, and celebrate Mass.

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LINKS

• Sisters of Mercy - Auburn Regional Community
• Sisters of Mercy West Mid West
• Sisters of Mercy of the Americas- Burlingame Regional Community
• Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina
• Sisters of Mercy of Americas- Omaha Regional Community
• Sisters of Mercy of The Americas

• www.mercycincinatti.org- Reported off line 2/8/09

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