Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy : Works of Mercy 

Welfare/ Pastoral

Our work with refugees is expanding rapidly as the displacement of peoples continues to be a global issue. The sisters are involved in the care of refugees and homeless people. They assist them with legal aid, operate feeding schemes, offer night shelter and skills training.

Also in all parts of the Congregation, sisters minister to those in prison by offering a listening ear, befriending and accompanying families, offering education within prison and on-going support upon leaving prison.

Many sisters minister through spiritual direction, accompaniment, spirituality, prayer ministry and retreats. Some of our sisters are involved in complementary therapies, music/art therapy, counselling and family therapy.

Sisters also work in a wide range of ministries and centres that are managed by Church, other statutory and voluntary bodies, such as day care facilities and community resource centres. Pastoral care is offered to the staff working with the sisters, whether in schools, hospitals, prisons etc.

Sisters also work in a wide range of ministries, such as day care facilities and community resource centres that are managed by Church and other statutory and voluntary bodies.

We are involved in work for justice and care of the earth and are actively involved with programmes for street children. We continue to lobby on the cancellation of world debt, the arms trade, food and water security, fair trade and for humane and fair treatment for asylums seekers and refugees. Many sisters, particularly in Northern Ireland are active in inter-faith groups at local, national and international level.