Resources

Resource Person for Sisters in the Province

One Sister of Mercy is appointed as a Resource person for the Sisters of the Province, informing and supporting them on their journey through sabbaticals and retraining. Her remit is:

1. to collect and collate information of relevance on sabbaticals and retraining programmes
2. to be available to listen, advise and prepare Sisters seeking support for sabbaticals and/or retraining programmes
3. to advise the PLT on availability and relevance of these programmes
4. to facilitate access to these programmes.

Contact: Sr Rose Marie Keenan
Email: mercynth.province@btinternet.com

Archives

The Archives of the Northern Province are housed in the former Convent of Mercy overlooking the town of Bessbrook, Newry City, the Mourne Mountains and Camlough Mountains.

The story of our past - how our Sisters' lives were framed and influenced by the rich inheritance of those Sisters who went before us - is found in the Heritage Room. It is depicted in photographs, paintings, illuminations, works of art and craft, in Irish lace and crochet, embroidery, pottery and hand carving.

We live deepened by our story, and what better way to discover it than through a browse through our Heritage Room.

Irish harps, chairs and piano stool which have been hand-made and carved by Sisters in Donegal. The glass case displays a variety of household items of much beauty and colour.

Mercy Resource Centre

The Education, Property, Archives and Mercy Care Offices are all housed within the Mercy Centre in Bessbrook, Co Armagh. The Centre is used to host regular meetings of the Finance, Property, and Mercy Care committees, and for Education, Archives and Mercy Projects meetings. Other groups may also book the Centre for meetings, subject to availability.

Contact: Sr Maria Lagan / Sr Nuala Gormley
Email: mercynth.province@btinternet.com

Mercy Projects

(Funding Body for Projects which meet the criteria below)

Mercy Projects Fund was established in 1996 as a resource to enable people who are experiencing disadvantage to be active in the development of an improved quality of life. Funding is granted to charitable and voluntary groups, with a particular interest in small group applications. It is awarded regardless of religious, social or political affiliations. The fund is intended to:

• Strengthen the social fabric and enhance capacity for community development
• Improve economical, physical and cultural environment
• Support projects which offer therapeutic and protective care
• Involve participants in decision making
• Provide opportunities which widen choices and develop leadership skills
• Develop resource materials for use by diverse groupings
• Offer opportunity to explore individual spirituality in inclusive and creative ways.

and is offered to women, men and children as they explore their personal human and spiritual development through contemporary experience.

Priority is given to projects which target social, economic and educational disadvantage in urban and rural areas.

Contact: Sr Finbarr Breslin
Email: mercynth.province@btinternet.com

Holiday Houses In The Northern Province

There are a number of holiday houses in the Northern Province which are available for booking throughout the year for Sisters of Mercy and their families. Prices can be obtained, and bookings made, through the contact person for each location as indicated. Please remember that when dialling from South to North you must use the prefix 048 instead of 028. When ringing from North to South the prefix is 00353, omit the first 0 and dial the remainder of the number.

Holiday houses in the Northern Province details (pdf)