The Centre

The Mercy International Centre is one of the three main elements of the MIA Vision:

The house built by Catherine to connect those who were rich with those who were poor forms part of Mercy International Centre, a place of rich heritage and hospitality. To integrate the activities of Mercy International Association and in service of the mission of Mercy today, Mercy International Centre is expanded to offer a diversity of programmes, enhanced communications, outreach efforts, and appropriate accommodation and conference facilities (MIA Vision)

This week we invite you to explore the second section of the new web platform The Centre. In this section, you can tour the centre, read about its history, check out the 2010 programmes still on offer and the programme calendar for 2011, see the conference and accommodation facilities, visit the gift shop, consider a donation and find all our contact information.

Tour

Sr. Mary Wicham rsm prays a beautiful blessing on all who tour this house either virtually or in person. ‘May the blessing of this house- a house imagined in unlikeness, dreamt of with daring, built with love, founded on mercy – speak to your spirit in whatever room in the world you are reading, in whatever place you are called to Mercy.

As you click on each floor of the house, make your pilgrimage with Catherine; let her speak to you, not only of the material things you see but of the spirit she shares with you.

In this section, you can also find details of making an actual tour of the house.

History

The short history traces of the actual events of the 186 years but also gives a glimpse of the guiding plan of God. Catherine had no idea of founding a Convent when she purchased the site in 1824, the Sisters of Mercy who ministered in it for over 160 years could not visualize that one day it would become a centre of hospitality, heritage, pilgrimage and renewal for the Mercy world and today we strive to remain open to the same guiding spirit that challenges us to hear the cries of the poor that have assumed global proportions and to use our resources to respond to issues of global poverty and thus ‘to keep alive the founding spirit of Catherine among peoples of the world most in need of God’s compassion and mercy.’

Programmes & Programme Calendar

The MIA Vision puts an emphasis on a ‘diversity of programmes’. We have begun to diversify programmes under three main headings:

• Scriptural and Theological Programmes.
• Programmes focused on Global Action and Mercy Mission
• Charism enrichment and Ethos development programmes.

The programmes are aimed at a range of participants, including lay and religious, Ministry Leaders, Mercy Associates and Youth.

The Programme for those preparing for Final Vows or recently professed, the month long Mercy Renewal programme and the Youth Pilgrimage are among the special programmes planned for 2011.

The MIA team particularly welcomes groups who wish to tailor a programme to their own needs. A number of such programmes are arranged for the coming year and others can be facilitated.

Conference Facilities

The Vision statement also encourages the provision of Conference Facilities. The Centre has a variety of well equipped rooms which can be booked by both lay and religious groups. Located in the heart of the city and served well by public transport, the centre is an ideal venue in which to hold conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings of all kinds.

Income derived from Conference facility hire helps to support the mission of the centre. There is also the hope that those who use the facilities will be enriched by the spirit of Mercy and the atmosphere of hospitality experienced here. By clicking on the image of any of the rooms, you can get a brief description of its facilities and a booking procedure for its hire.

Accommodation

Mercy International Centre welcomes visitors, guests and programme participants. We aim to provide a welcoming ‘home from home’ for all who come. Our first priority is to provide accommodation for those attending programmes, meetings or conferences in Mercy International Centre .When not fully booked for these purposes we are happy to offer simple bed & breakfast facilities to Sisters of Mercy, Associates, co-workers and family and friends of Mercy. The Centre can accommodate up to 20 guests. By clicking on this section, you can get further details on the accommodation, view a typical single and double room, check prices and get information on how to make a booking.

Gift Shop

The Shop primarily carries items of interest to the Mercy world, handmade items by Sisters of Mercy and Associates,some books and a selection of varied merchandise made in Ireland. Purchases can be made at the Centre or by post or by internet. All major credit cards are accepted. The featured products on the site will be regularly updated and enquiries re products not featured are welcome.

Donations

In the garden of Mercy International Centre, where Catherine McAuley is buried, there is a ‘Wall of Remembrance’ and people pray there for those who have generously supported the Mission and ministry of MIA. A contribution of the equivalent of €500 in any currency will ensure your name or the name of a loved one – living or deceased – is prayed for and remembered forever.

General donations are also greatly received. To commemorate the 180th year of the founding of the Congregation and the 170th of Catherine’s death (2011) a new Library will be established in the room used as an Office by Catherine herself. It will house biographies on Catherine, early writings on Catherine and her founding companions and works written by or about Sisters of Mercy and their ministries up to the present. Donations for the establishment of this library are particularly welcome.

By clicking on Donations, you will find details on how to make a donation on line.

Contact Us

In this section, you will find an interactive map which gives location of Mercy International Centre and directions to it. There is also information on transport from Dublin airport and the phone and fax numbers of the centre. An email facility for making bookings, general enquiries or contact with any member of team is available here, too.