Almost 400 Sisters of Mercy from 18 states, Guam and Jamaica gathered at the Concord Convention Center, outside of Charlotte, for the Sisters of Mercy – South Central Community Assembly June 23-26, 2010. The Assembly theme “The tender mercy of God has given us one another” guided the sisters’ conversations.

The Assembly celebrated the geographic and cultural diversity of the Community, while addressing issues pertinent to the Community’s future including mission, ministry and new membership. Keynote speaker Sister Margaret Farley, RSM, presented “Mercy Under the Sign of the Cross,” which addressed the unique challenges faced by Sisters of Mercy in today’s world. Sister Margaret is an author and the Gilbert L. Stark Professor Emerita of Christian Ethics at Yale University Divinity School.

Sister Kathy Green, president of the South Central Community, spoke during the opening session. “I see hundreds of faith-filled women who have passionately and authentically lived the call to follow Jesus in service to the poor, sick and ignorant with a generosity of spirit and a never-ending desire to meet the needs of the times.”