Mercies and friends gather around the world for Good Cup of Tea Events

Continuous cups of tea at Mercy International Centre

Mercy International Centre was the site of a continuous Good Cup of Tea in the morning and afternoon hours of 11 November. The event was advertised in a local Catholic paper and through neighborhood signage in addition to notices in Mercy newsletters. As a result, several women religious from the Dublin area, individuals walking past Baggot Street, and family members of Sisters of Mercy joined the Mercy community in enjoying tea, scones, conversation, and a tour of Baggot Street and visit to Catherine’s grave.

A Good Cup of Tea event in Burlingame,USA

Ellen Fitzgerald rsm writes of the strategies employed to acquire particular items by the sixty sisters and associates who attended the first " White Elephant Silent Auction" in the history of Burlingame.

A Good Cup of Tea in Derby, England

Valerie Allcock, Activity Co-ordinator, St Mary's Nursing Home, Derby, England, writes of the well supported event held there among the sisters.

A Good Cup of Tea in Lebanon

In Lebanon we drink Turkish coffee, a habit developed during the Ottoman occupation of four hundred years.

On 11-11-2011 it was tea all round just for Catherine!  When we finished we posed for the photo and as you can see the Papal Nuncio and myself are looking well pleased after that 'good cup of tea'
Sr deLourdes

 MoVember at Maricourt

A fundraiser with a difference! Mr. Marshall (Head of Boys PE) spent an itchy scratchy month in November growing his moustache in order to raise money for the International Mercy Association.

 

As a school we began November with 'A good Cup of Tea' an international Mercy Event to support the work of the Sisters of Mercy who founded our school. Mrs. Pinnington (Head of Lower School) shaved 'The Mo' off on 1st December witnessed by a large number of Lower school pupils. In total Mr Marshall raised £251.10, taking our total to £533.64. A big thank you to all involved.

A Good Cup of Tea at Thornhill College

The girls in Year 8 in Thornhill Derry hosted a good cup of tea day in their RE class. The girls had just finished a module of study on Catherine McAuley so they all had a great time whilst raising some funds for Mercy International. Some photos to follow.

Beannachtai Teresa Halligan Head of RE Thornhill College Derry.

A Good Cup of Tea at St Catharine's Edinburgh

Is there anything nicer than a good cup of tea? How about a “Good Cup of Tea” served with delicious cakes and other sweet treats? Add in roughly 100 friends and you have yourself a tea party. That was my experience from Friday (11/11/11) night when Sisters of Mercy at St Catherine’s Convent hosted one of the Mercy International “Good Cup of Tea” events that were taking place throughout the Mercy community around the world on 11th November 2011, the 170th anniversary of Catherine McAuley’s death.

The aim of the event was to celebrate the memory, life and legacy of Venerable Catherine McAuley. In her final moments Catherine instructed that the Sisters should have a “good cup of tea” together after she had gone. In the sprit of this togetherness we began our evening in the chapel where we watched a DVD - The Circle of Mercy, which was a biographical film of Catherine’s life. It was truly inspiring to see how Catherine’s life evolved from that of a lay person with a very strong social conscious and a determination to do all she could to alleviate the suffering of the poor, to founding the Sisters of Mercy congregation as a means to protect the legacy she began and which continues to this day around the world. This was a momentous achievement for a woman in the 19th century – the true beginnings of “girl power”!!

Following the DVD we moved into the refectory for our tea and cakes. At the entrance to the refectory there was a lovely flower display which also had a teacup and saucer as part of the arrangement. The tables were set with beautiful violet and pink table linens, not a paper napkin or plastic cup in sight! The evening was a great success bringing old and new friends together. It was lovely to watch friends catching up over a “good cup of tea”.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “a woman is like a tea bag - you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water”

Good Cup of Tea Day in Kyogle, NSW

The small country town of Kyogle in Northern NSW recently sent in their report from the Good Cup of Tea Day. On November 20, parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows Church gathered after Sunday mass to enjoy the Good Cup of Tea. The congregation came from outlying farms and villages as well as from the town itself.

Since the Sisters of Mercy have been in Kyogle since 1914 the locals were very interested in the event. Mercy Associates provided the morning tea, including a special cake, and had on display various brochures and other items illustrating the charism and work of the Sisters of Mercy in Australia and globally. The parishioners had a very enjoyable time and made a good contribution to Mercy International Association
 

A Good Cup of Tea in Brisbane

On November 11th 2011, Sr Jeanette Collis and Sr Anna Ventura, the resident community at Toowong invited parishioners, friends and other Sisters of Mercy to join them for a comfortable cup of tea. They joined in spirit with other Sisters of Mercy in 44 countries throughout the world to remember their foundress, Catherine McAuley, who died on this day, 11th November, 170 years ago.

 International Good cup of tea, Stechford, Birmingham, UK

Sisters Maura Halpin, Maureen Murphy and their Mercy Associates hosted the 170th Anniversary Event in Corpus Christi Parish Room, Stechford on 11/11/11. We were delighted to welcome over 70 guests of all ages including baby Sophie Martin and her parents!

As well as parishioners from Corpus Christi and Holy Family Parishes, we were joined by friends from St. Edburgha’s Church of England, Yardley. Venerable Catherine was a woman with an ecumenical heart and we feel sure that she rejoiced to see us all hearing her story, praying together, singing her ‘Suscipe’ and thoroughly enjoying that ‘good cup of tea’ so symbolic of her spirit of Mercy.

Delicious cakes, many home-made by Associates and others donated, disappeared fast that afternoon!

We were very touched to receive generous donations amounting to £470. 28 towards the work of Mercy International Association.

Good Cup of Tea Day - Parramatta, New South Wales

As we gathered for the International Good Cup of Tea Day, we were aware that we were sharing this experience with Sisters and Mercy friends all across the world.

We gathered in the Catherine McAuley Rooms for both morning and afternoon tea, which became a beautiful, bountiful High Tea prepared by the young women of the OLMC Year 12 Hospitality Group under the guidance of Sue MacMaster.

Board members, staff and friends from Mercy-founded schools, ex-students of these schools, friends of the Sisters and a great number of the Parramatta Sisters as well as Mercy Sister representatives from Ireland and the US were greeted on arrival with beautiful music from the Chamber Ensemble of OLMC, under the leadership of Paul Witney.

During the morning High Tea, Sr Gaye Lennon spoke to us about Mercy Works and focussed on Papua New Guinea. During the afternoon, Margaretta and Steph with Sr Marg Sheppard shared with us their recent experiences of their time with the Mercy Sisters and the people of Peru.

There was a palpable spirit of joy all day at Parramatta as we remembered the start of the journey of Mercy and reflected on Mercy as it is being lived today. Prizes were awarded to the winners of the raffle as well as to lucky door winners.

Thanks to the generosity of so many, we were able to raise just over $1500 for Mercy International Association.

Celebrating 11-11-11 in Athlone, Ireland

Of days good or challenging Catherine would say “...This is the day the Lord has made...”, and it certainly can be said of the commemoration of her death on the 11-11-11 in Athlone.

As suggested to the Province, people were invited to a “good cup of tea” in the Cois Abhann Community.

The community space in No 10 house, was prepared cheerfully and simply and was reminiscent of Catherine’s dying wish that after her death the cup of tea would be in the community room. Many willing hands and feet co-operated to ensure that people were warmly welcomed. A beautifully decorative “Welcome” sign was made by Sr Elizabeth Holloway (92 years old!) for the Street entrance area. All of this, combined with the presence of so many people, created an unforgettable warm atmosphere. Adding to the atmosphere was the running throughout the day of the video on Catherine’s life and the playing of the hymn, her Suscipe.

Read the full report here.

Good Cups of Tea at Heaton, Broughton Hall and JTS , UK

Our day began with Mass in our parish church of St. Teresa's Heaton. This was attended by parishioners and mercy associates and celebrated by our Parish Priest, Fr. Michael Hickey who spoke enthusiastically about Catherine McAuley. The Mass concluded with the Suscipe sung by the Mercy Associates. A full report can be accessed here.

The Sisters in Broughton Hall, Liverpool, invited parishioners from three neighbouring parishes to celebrate the International Good Cup of Tea. It was held in the Sisters' refectory. Tea, coffee, home made scones and cakes were served. Read about the event here. At Brentwood JTS Partnership joined in with a well loaded tea trolley!

 

 Maricourt Catholic High School, Liverpool, UK

The spirit of Catherine was truly alive just after 11am on Friday 11th November 2011. The pupils and staff of Maricourt Catholic High School (a Mercy Institution) came together just after their 2 minutes Armistice Day silence with a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The event was inspired by Miss Cousin, Miss Hargreaves and Ryan Boulton-Lear a Year 11 Pupil who had attended a retreat at Catherine's home in Dublin during the school summer hoilday.

The event was organised and managed by a group of 6th Form students and our YMA group. £282 was raised, but most importantly we know we made Sr Mary Teresa (pictured at left) Sr. Mary Magdalen and Sr. Marie very happy.

Our school wouldn't be the same without them.

Companions in Mercy celebrate in Philadelphia

The Companions in Mercy celebrated our Good Cup of Tea with a prayer service and refreshments with the sisters and associates at the motherhouse in Merion, Pennsylvania. The Companions from many regions in the USA were in Pennsylvania for their bi-annual gathering at Cranaleith in nearby Philadelphia.

Mercy Association and the Development Office of Dallas, PA, celebrate

Our International Good Cup of Tea Event, which was sponsored by Mercy Association and the Development Office of Dallas, PA, took place last Saturday, November 12. 85 people attended; and the highlight of the entire day was the arrival of Mother Catherine, who charmed everyone with a personal visit and who underscored the works of Mercy and the people who serve in our area.

Of special note: the women with Catherine in the McAuley Center T-shirts are some of the homeless women who live in the Catherine McAuley houses. These women welcomed guests as they entered the room. Dr. Michael MacDowell and his wife Tina are with Catherine in one of the pictures. He is the President of Misericordia University. We have yet to discover the exact amount of money generated, as we are still processing donations, but we want you to know that the man and woman on either side of Catherine in the first picture are the Directors of Food Service at Mercy Center Kitchen. Maryann Szczucki and Brian O'Neill [a framed edition of this photo will be given to them to be displayed in their office at Mercy Center]. Maryann procured for free from her vendors all of the food that was consumed at the event.

We had 12 tables and each was hosted by an individual who dressed the table with their own China, etc, and who then poured the tea for their table. All were either sisters or associates, including one couple. The proceeds will be divided equally between the Catherine McAuley Center and the International Centre since there were no expenses.

We all raised a good cup of tea to all of you who continue to make that House a vibrant location.

Sr. Regina Werntz, aka Mother Catherine, drove eight hours to and from Baltimore to be present, but she left early to get her hair done!

Good Cup of Tea Event in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Every Sunday morning after the 10 o’clock Mass in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, a cup of tea is offered to all parishioners who would like to come to the ‘Upper Room’ in the church and have a chat and a laugh. This has developed into a lovely social event each week where the news is shared and events of the coming week discussed.

On Sunday morning November 13th, the weekly cup of tea became the MIA ‘Good Cup of Tea’ event and was enjoyed by all. The picture of Catherine McAuley was placed in the centre of the table and a short version of her story was shared with the group. Copies of the Canonisation prayer leaflets were passed around to everyone and we prayed together the Prayer for the Sick through the intercession of Catherine for our friends and loved ones in the parish who are sick at this time. Everyone present left a donation and was very happy to support the work of Mercy.

A Good Cup of Tea at Newcastle under Lyme

The International Cup of Tea Day was held in Newcastle under Lyme on Thursday 10th Nov. On Arrival, in addition to the usual warm welcome, everyone was greeted with a good cup of tea and a scone, served by Sisters Augustine and Josephine....

Click here to read the full report on the Mercy Great Britain Institute's website
 

Mother of Mercy High School in Cincinnati, Ohio celebrated Good Cup of Tea Day.

Mother of Mercy High joined those around the world on November 11 to celebrate International Cup of Tea Day in honor of the death of Catherine McAuley. Students were invited to wear tea hats throughout the day and tea was served during all lunch periods.

An assembly at the end of the day included several students recounting their trip to Dublin, Ireland this past summer. They shared a bit about Catherine and led a few sing-alongs of Irish songs with the student body. The event ended with Mercy's Spirit Squad performing a dance to "Why We Tell The Story" from Once Upon An Island. The song brought the entire school to their feet and had everyone dancing in celebration of Catherine McAuley!

Click here to view the slideshow on Mother of Mercy's website

A "Good Cup of Tea" Day at St Edward's Convent, Harewood Avenue, London

On 11 November 2011 we celebrated the 170th anniversary of the Death of Venerable Catherine McAuley by hosting “A Good Cup of Tea” Day at St Edward’s Convent, Harewood Avenue, remembering Catherine’s last words: “… tell the Sisters to get a good cup of tea .. when I am gone…”

Click here to read the complete report on the Mercy Great Britain Union website

International Good Cup of Tea Event in Mildura, Victoria

This event was held in unit 7, 177 Twelfth Street on 11/11/2011 and hosted by Joan Osmotherly rsm and Rosemary Graham rsm.

Six women: Jean Rocca, Carmen Macri, Margaret Augustine, Rosemary Barnes, Denise Grennan and Mary Flinn attended and enjoyed learning about Mercy International Centre and Catherine McAuley.

They were generous in their contributions raising $200.

A Good Cup of Tea Event in Christchurch New Zealand

Sisters and friends gathered at Mercy House in Christchurch, NZ for the good Cup of tea on the 11/11/11 and prayed the Suscipe in song at 11.11am.

Catherine McAuley greeted the guests when they arrived and thanked them for coming to her tea party.
It was a wonderful celebration for us all and we were grateful to Villa Maria College and Marian College for their help on the day.

 

Good Cup of Tea Events organised by Grafton Congregation, Australia

Morning tea at Evans Head on 11.11.11 was a happy occasion for parishioners from Evans Head, Woodburn and Coraki. We watched the DVD 'The Circle of Mercy' and heard stories of Catherine, of local pioneer sisters and current friends. The photos on our 2011 Congregational Calendar were of great interest, as were Catherine leaflets, Mercy Works Christmas Card Brochures and copies of The Bilum. Our cuppas were accompanied by delicious home cooking and we raised some funds by means of raffling a Fruit Cake from Jenny's Kitchen with accompanying bottle of wine. At 11 am we paused to pray together for Remembrance Day.

In Grafton the event was held on Saturday morning on the river bank in front of the convent. The organizing committee had gone to great lengths to set it all up and had managed to get local businesses to contribute so that costs were reduced to a minimum. Many generous cooks prepared a magnificent feast and lucky door prizes and a raffle were courtesy of donors. Two dedicated McAuley Catholic College students provided music and others assisted in serving cups of tea. When the sun began to blaze, trees became a refuge and the RTA marquee (donated) that was sheltering such an array of cakes and slices provided more shelter from the heat. In all, guests seemed to have a memorable morning and raised money for Mercy International Centre at the same time. 

 

The combined 11/11/11 “Cup of Tea” effort, shared by Bermondsey, Brighton and Eltham, England

Donations, the sale of fancy goods, tombola and raffles, helped us reach the grand total of £800.00. The bingo and home baking added to the “Cup of Tea” and caused much merriment. The afternoon ended with a prayerful Evening Prayer.

Click here to view a short video of the event

A Good Cup of Tea local style in the Philippines

Mercy Philippines commemorated the 170th Death Anniversary of our dear Foundress, the Venerable Catherine McAuley with our local version of a cup of tea after the 5 pm Mass at the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Tacloban City, Philippines. Those participating shared a bowl of porridge with shreds of chicken meat to remember Catherine's passion for heath ministry with caring hearts and healing hands.

Australian Mercy Sisters gather at Allawah and with Associates at Caringbah, New South Wales

In remembrance of Catherine’s Anniversary and enjoy “A Good Cup of Tea”, 31 Sisters from Rockhampton, Towmsville, Brisbane, Grafton, Gunnedah, Bathurst, North Sydney, Parramatta,Goulburn,Ballarat, Melbourne as well as Wilcannia-Forbes gathered at Allawah.

The explanation of the symbolism of “The Good Cup of Tea” ‘ written by Sheila Carney rsm was read and really set the tone for the evening. Much energetic sisterhood was enjoyed over a bountiful supper.

Nineteen Circle of Mercy Associates of Caringbah gathered at the Sisters of Mercy’s home at 12 Coolabah Place, Caringbah to enjoy each others’ company and a good hot cup of tea and special eats.
To enrich and extend our understanding of International Mercy, stories from the all over the globe were shown from the Mercy and Justice DVD-Rom. These stories captured the incredible ministries of our many sisters whose influences liberate and empower women oppressed by their particular societies’ belief systems.
These images were challenging and confronting as we present were aware of so much that we take for granted .......... freedom to live with hope alive in our hearts ......... the opportunities we have to make choices.

To see and hear our sisters from such poverty stricken situations bringing Catherine’s Mercy was indeed very moving. Our hearts were united with those sisters as we felt proud of the loving care and empowerment they offer. Truly the words of Jesus, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full” are brought to life by Sisters of Mercy all over the world.

We contributed our GOLD COINS to assist the furthering of the Mercy Ministries through our Mercy International Centre in Dublin.

 

Our Good Cup of Tea Event in Blenheim (in the South Island), New Zealand

Susanna and I were run of our feet as we welcomed people to our house from 2.20pm onwards for Devonshire Tea. Catherine would have been proud of the suitable array of 'fine china'! Scones with raspberry jam & cream were eyed easily - and eaten!

Fortunately for us, two of our Sisters, Monica Quigg & Margaret Jennings came to stay from the Wellington area in the North Island. They did stirling work in wonderfully helping with the social interactions of the afternoon....The camera sadly, was forgotten until after the event!

A Display Board was a source of information about MIA (besides our spoken words) and the projects made further possible by this 170 year Anniversay Day Event - and the generosity of so many supporters.
 

 "Report" from the Watchung site of the Mid-Atlantic Community of our event held on October 22nd

‘Twas a lovely afternoon for all as the Sisters and Associates partook of a good cup of tea in Catherine’s memory. As well as the tea, there was time for the enjoyment of a delicious dinner and a tempting variety of desserts, time for prayer and the Circle of Mercy video, and to top it all off, time for a sing-a-long and dancing, all in a spirit of generosity and joy, just as Catherine would have wanted.

 

Tea party Mercy Administration Center in Belmont, North Carolina,

An employee committee at Mercy Administration Center in Belmont, North Carolina, planned a tea party, complete with tea, scones and ladies in hats and gloves as a highlight of a campaign that raised $1,600 for the International Good Cup of Tea campaign. On Friday, October 7, the entire staff gathered to find white table cloths, china tea sets and ladies dressed in finery from bygone days. Sisters of Mercy who were on hand joined the staff in donning a variety of brightly colored hats.

Photo (from left back row): The creative employee committee that put together the staff tea party in Belmont, N.C. are Susie Brown, Bonnie Williams, Paul Bond and Marlene Carter and (front row) Phyllis Mueller and Patricia Manzi.