What Can You Support
Sisters’ Retirement Fund
Senior sisters’ do not 'retire' per se, since one does not retire from a vowed commitment. In spite of age, as long as sisters’ physical and psychic energy and vitality remains, her ministry is re-channeled to other areas of activity and/or prayer. As an aging religious community, more elderly Sisters’ health and living expenses need to be supported.
Where the Need is Greatest
Undesignated funds are used for general operation and to provide the funding for our AFIRM Grants to our Sisters’ ministries.
The communal goal of Sacred Heart Convent in Cedar Rapids is to provide safe and affordable retirement housing, specifically for Sisters in retirement, for independent living and independent living with services and flexibility to accommodate personal needs and changing numbers. From now until early 2008, Sacred Heart Convent is under renovation to accommodate for its current needs.
Mercy Micro-Lending Project
In 2000, the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids established its Mercy Micro-Lending Program. The program provides an interest free loan up to $1,000 to low-income women to enable them to better their life situation. As part of the Mercy Micro-Lending Program, women are educated about financial management in budgeting and saving and assisted in making a plan to repay the loan.
Housing Ministries
The Sisters of Mercy have a long history of ministries in housing. Gifts designated to the Sisters’ housing ministries can support the Sisters’ presence at the Waterloo House of Mercy or to build affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods.
Sisters’ Ministries
Gifts designated to Sisters’ Ministries can support the general ministry fund or a particular Sister’s ministry work.
