A Letter to all “Friends of Mercy Prayer Center”

Dear Friends,

     Mercy Prayer Center is asking for your help and we’ve come up with an easy and fun way to do it. It’s called the Parable of the Talents Challenge. But before we get to that, we’d like to share this compelling story written by Jean Hawkes, who is one of thousands whose life has been changed through Mercy Prayer Center.

"I came to Mercy Prayer Center engulfed in pain.  My precious daughter, Anne, was gone and I could not believe that the sun was still shining in the sky. 

Walking through those doors, I felt absolutely hopeless and alone.  Sister Therese was there, and over time with her help, I found comfort, serenity and my loving God who I thought had abandoned me.  Mercy Prayer Center is my spiritual home and the staff never hesitated when I asked that Anne’s memorial service be held there.  The staff prepared and conducted a service to say goodbye that comforted every member of my family and all her friends.  It was a day I will never forget.  Truly there are angels everywhere at Mercy Prayer Center.

I have agreed to share a bit of my story because Sister Therese was there when I needed her and now, Mercy Prayer Center needs our help. 

I am sure everyone comes to Mercy Prayer Center with a different need and hopefully not one as dire as mine.  If you have ever been to Mercy Prayer Center, then you know first hand the impact this ‘quiet place’ can have on you.  The comfort, the peace, and the uplifting presence of the Holy Spirit that can be found here is a blessing and a precious resource for everyone in Rochester and Western New York, regardless of faith tradition." 

     Mercy Prayer Center is in the process of transitioning from a fully sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy into a financially self-sufficient organization under the umbrella of the newly merged Sisters of Mercy New York, Pennsylvania, Pacific West Community.  The merger of the five Mercy communities into one is part of an overall strategy to maximize resources and operate its ministries as efficiently as possible.   

     The merger offers opportunities, but also challenges – the biggest is to become financially self-sufficient or eventually close.  We cannot afford to lose such a vital resource! 

      That is why we are asking every “Friend of Mercy Prayer Center” for help. If you or someone you know has benefited from one-on-one spiritual direction, or the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, or from a retreat, or an evening or weekend program, or if Mercy Prayer Center has been to your parish or organization for a day of reflection or retreat, then we’re asking you to consider “paying it forward” so others can benefit as well. 

     Here’s how you can help through the Parable of the Talents Challenge. It is based on the parable in the Gospel of Matthew (25:14-30) and encourages us to use our gifts and talents for good.  The project is fully explained in the accompanying brochure, but the gist of it is this:

     We will give each Talent Volunteer a Talent Grant of $50 (generously donated through a sponsorship by Dalzell Hearing Centers).  As a Talent Volunteer, you are asked to multiply your $50 by using your gifts by providing a service or making and selling something that will raise money for the prayer center.  In the process, these Talent Projects will also raise awareness for the prayer center and help build community. 

     We are asking that you become a Talent Volunteer and come to our Kickoff at St. Ann’s Parish Hall (1600 Mount Hope Ave, Rochester) on Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM. All Talent Projects should be completed by our Celebration of Stories seven weeks later on June 18.

     If you have already contributed, thank you and God bless you for your generosity.  If you can become a Talent Volunteer, please use the registration form in the attached brochure and mail it in the enclosed envelope.  If you are not able to help with the Talent Challenge, you may still support Mercy Prayer Center with a tax-deductible charitable donation using the enclosed envelope. Your contribution will help offset the cost of providing retreats and spiritual enrichment programs to people from every walk of life regardless of ability to pay. No one is turned away.

     May God’s blessings and peace be with you and your loved ones.

 Sincerely,

Jerry Lupien                                                  Jody Kearney RSM
Administrator                                                    Program Director

 P.S.      It has been said that Mercy Prayer Center not only fills a need, it fills a void.  When it comes to spiritual enrichment, every person is in need.  We hope you will join us in supporting Mercy Prayer Center.