This year's goal is to introduce the Saint Joseph's community to important concepts related to this critical concern.
Held annually in September, Mercy Week celebrates Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy which founded the College, our Mercy identity and heritage, and the many expressions of Mercy as a Saint Joseph’s College community. Mercy Week is sponsored by the Office of Sponsorship and Mission Integration, is planned and organized by a College-wide Work Group and includes diverse programs and opportunities for College-wide engagement in partnership with departments from across campus. Each year Mercy Week focuses on one of the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. This year the focus is on the Critical Concern of Anti-Racism.
This year's events focus on
- What is Systemic Racism?
- What is Anti-Racism?
- What is White Privilege?
- What is an Ally?
Fulfilling President Dr. Dlugos' "Call to Action against Racism"
A new initiative this year is the College's commitment to "identify additional scholarships and financial assistance to support students from under-represented communities." Fundraising for the House of Mercy Fund will now take place during Mercy Week each year.
Events Schedule
This year's events will be held virtually.
Full details can be found at https://sites.google.com/sjcme.edu/mercyweek/schedule.
Monday, September 21
12:00 PM
Mission Momentum Community Reflection led by Stephanie Briggs on short videos (approx. 1 minute each) about systemic racism and the wealth gap, employment, housing discrimination, immigration policy, drug arrests, and government surveillance. Join the conversation online here.
6:30 PM
Live Stream conversation with Sherine Green, M.A., Saint Joseph's online faculty member in Theology and Director of Youth Faith Formation at Christ Our Light Catholic Community. Join the conversation online here.
Tuesday, September 22
12:00 PM
Mission Momentum Community Reflection led by Stephanie Heatley on "Dr. Ibram X. Kendi: Creating A More Equitable Society Is In White Americans' Self Interest." Join the conversation online here.
6:30 PM
Live Stream conversation with Fr. Bryan Massingale, S.J., author of Racial Justice and the Catholic Church. Join the conversation online here.
Wednesday, September 23
12:00 PM
Mission Momentum Community Reflection led by Jackie Cattabriga and Kathryn Cody on "What is white privilege? What questions should white Americans be asking? Two academics weigh in." Join the conversation online here.
6:30 PM
Live Stream conversation with Debbie Irving, author of Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Join the conversation online here.
Thursday, September 24
12:00 PM
Mission Momentum Community Reflection led by on "Reflections From a Token Black Friend." Join the conversation online here.
6:30 PM
Live Stream panel of SJC faculty on the intersection of race and criminal justice, psychology, and social work. Join the conversation online here.
Friday, September 25
Virtual Mercy Tea
