We're Raising The Roof on Catherine's House

If you visit Baggot Street in the next few months, you'll see that Mercy International Centre is under "wraps".-scaffolding "wraps", that is! For the next three months, Catherine's House will be surrounded by scaffolding as this precious heritage of the Sisters of Mercy receives repairs to the roof, other parts of the house and a new coat of paint to the exterior.

In July 1994, the founding house of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine's House, was rededicated as Mercy International Centre, as a place of pilgrimage, hospitality, renewal and heritage for the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates and collaborators in Mercy. Prior to this dedication, two years of restoration was undertaken through the generosity of the Mercy Family and benefactors. However, limited funding prohibited a total restoration at that time. After ten years this listed building now needs major capital works in order to preserve it into the future.

The Board of Management commissioned a professional survey which outlines the critical capital works and identified those which need immediate attention. The survey noted that the immediate major capital works to be undertaken were:

• A roof replacement -In the 1992-94 restoration the roof was only repaired because funding was not available for replacement.
• Painting of the exterior which needs to be done every 5-6 years
• Window repairs
• Painting of the chapel

The Members of MIA gave approval to proceed with the repairs as soon as possible. The estimated cost of the repairs is approximately €500,000. To date MIC has received generous donations of €287,000 which enabled it to begin the repairs in May 2003. There is a shortfall of €243,000 needed to complete the project.

We would be most appreciative of any contribution you can make to the preservation of this precious house.

If you can help in any way, please contact Rosie Carroll, RSM at director@mercyinternational.ie