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A Message From the Executive Director

The Chinese poet Lao Tzu wrote, “Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.” After careful consideration, I have discerned it is my time to step back. I have been blessed by this ministry of Mercy Volunteer Corps for eighteen years. During these years I have experienced a mutuality of relationship and joy for which I will be forever grateful. Thank you.


It is with great pleasure that I announce Marie Schultz-Stebel as the new Executive Director effective July 1. Her warmth, creativity and steadfast commitment to this ministry which she loves and has shaped for over 20+ years is such a gift. She is an authentic woman of Mercy and her leadership will continue to bless Mercy Volunteer Corps. As an alumnae and Mercy Associate, Marie will shape this ministry in new ways.


At our recent visit with the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy in late March, it was made clear that they feel we have reached the end of our lifespan for initiating year long service in the name of Mercy. They have extended the invitation to re-envision or re-imagine Mercy Volunteer Corps in a broader way. This challenge gives us much to think about and the staff and board will be discerning next steps.


It is important to note that we will have year long volunteers for the 25-26 volunteer year. As I write this we are preparing to send seven committed Mercy Volunteers to serve at Mercy Ecospiritualiy Center in Benson, Vermont and ARISE Adelante in the Rio Grande Valley for our short-term experiences. To all of you who so generously provide financial support, I want to assure you that all donations will continue to directly support program costs and the Mercy Volunteers serving now and in 2025-2026.


Stay tuned, we hope to provide you with updates in the fall. In the meantime, please know how grateful we are for all the support you have given MVC staff and the Mercy Volunteers throughout these 47 years. We wish you many blessings.


With sincere gratitude,

Marian H. Uba

Executive Director

 

If you have any questions, please contact marianuba@mercyvolunteers.org.

 
 

TOP STORIES | May 2025

 
 

Thank You For Your Generosity

National Volunteer Month Update

Thank you to everyone who donated to last month's National Volunteer Month campaign. As of May 1, generous donors helped us raise $4,135 of our $5,000 goal!


It's not too late to donate; your tax-deductible gift will help us continue to serve vulnerable populations and to accompany those experiencing injustice. We invite you to support our mission and amplify our collective impact with a gift to Mercy Volunteer Corps today.

 

Mercy Volunteer Blog

Reducing Friction

“I get to witness people being loved well...I get to see kids grow more comfortable with community dinners and playing with other kids and asking for what they need, and I’m there to see people move gradually into sunnier, calmer, more hopeful ways of living.”


Laurel is a Mercy Volunteer serving at Lydia’s House in Cincinnati. Read her full reflection here!

Gathering in Auburn, CA

Wednesday, June 4 | 6:30-8pm

Save the date! Join MVC and the current Mercy Volunteers at the Circle of Mercy Celebration in Auburn, CA on Wednesday, June 4 from 6:30-8pm PT.


Desserts and drinks will be served in the Fireplace Room of Our Lady of Mercy Convent.


Please RSVP to contactus@mercyvolunteers.org by May 28. We hope to see you there!

 

Application Deadline

U.S. Service Opportunities

MVC is still looking for Mercy Volunteers to serve in our year long service program! We have education, healthcare, and social service placements available in all five of our service cities throughout the United States. Invite potential volunteers to learn more about the benefits of becoming a Mercy Volunteer. We accept applications on a rolling basis, with our final deadline being Tuesday, June 24.


Share the application here!

Transition Retreat

Share Your Warm Wishes

Mercy Volunteers are preparing to attend Transition Retreat. During this time they will reflect on their experience and begin the transition into a lifetime of living mercy and seeking justice. We hope that you will join us in spirit by sharing warm wishes of support and gratitude, as well as your wisdom with the volunteers. Your thoughts will be shared with them as they move through this time of reflection.


Share your wishes here by May 26!

 
 

ALUMNI UPDATES | May 2025

 
 

Thank You Alumni

Virtual Alumni Reunion

Thank you to the alumni who attended the virtual reunion earlier last month! There was a really nice turnout and even a few newborn family members joined us. We hope that folks enjoyed this opportunity to spend time together and reconnect!

 

Baby Announcements

Ashley Singh '13 (St. Michaels) | Aarika Pakulski '11 (Baltimore)

Congratulations to Ashley '13 and husband Pratik, who welcomed Gia Savi into the world on February 12!

Congratulations to Aarika '11, husband Matt, big sisters Samantha and Camryn, who welcomed Brooklyn Abigail on April 8!

 
 
MERCY RESOURCES | Spirituality and Justice
 
 

Mercy Justice


Mercy Volunteer Andrew Stoltzfus '24 created a video about the Cincinnati community’s sustainability practices. Watch on Facebook or Instagram.

Mercy


Congratulations to all sisters celebrating Jubilees in 2025! Almost 200 sisters will celebrate milestone from 25 to 80 years as Sisters of Mercy. Find the full list here.

Mercy International


Read the latest issue of Mercy eNews here. A message from the new CEO, coalition updates, and more!

 
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