The Youth Mercy Associates made their commitments during mass on Dec. 8. The organization had four juniors making their commitments and 15 returning students making their recommitments.

The Youth Mercy Associates aim to come to know God and learn more about Catherine McAuley, the Sisters of Mercy, and the five Critical Concerns — Earth, immigration, nonviolence, anti-racism, and women. They hope to accomplish these goals in many ways, but are especially focused on doing so through service. The leaders of the Youth Mercy Associates hope to get more people involved next year, as many of the members are seniors.

“We want to start recruiting more people to join, especially underclassmen,” said Mrs. Judi Dennis, who leads the Youth Mercy Associates. 

The orientation process for new Youth Associates usually takes six months to a year to complete. During this time, they complete a service project, read a book about Catherine McAuley, go to a special event, hold prayer service, and attend a retreat and meetings.

Mercy High School was the first high school in the United States to start a Youth Mercy Associate chapter, so Mrs. Dennis hopes to keep participation high and get more girls involved.

“It’s a great program,” Mrs. Dennis said, “and I love to see the girls deepen their faith through it.”