Cardinal John Foley School

Our virtue for the month of October is mercy. As we continue to explore what it means to be a Mercy school, I would like to reflect on one of the five core values that are hallmarks of a Mercy education. The first, compelled by mercy, calls us to help students grow in compassion, empathy, and a responsibility to serve others.

We nurture compassion by giving students opportunities to notice and respond to the needs of others. When they make cards for homebound parishioners, prepare casseroles for organizations that serve meals to people who are hungry, or collect winter coats for those who need them, they learn that even a simple act can bring comfort and care to someone else.

Empathy grows through our everyday interactions. When conflicts arise, we take time to help students listen and consider the situation from another person’s perspective. Understanding how someone else feels can help them respond with patience and kindness.

Our Mercy Minister program gives students a choice of ways to serve. They can work with younger children, visit a school for students with developmental differences, or spend time with retired Sisters of Mercy or residents of a senior living facility. Each experience invites students to form relationships and recognize the gifts of the people they meet.